As was widely expected, eBay CEO Meg Whitman used her keynote speech at the eBay Live conference in Las Vegas to announce the first formal phase of eBay-Skype integration.
Let's take a look at how this is supposed to work. In a companion post, I will give you my thoughts on whether this will work or not.
To no one's surprise, this first step will include SkypeMe functionality in a total of 14 eBay auction categories.
Beginning next Monday, U.S, eBay sellers will be able to add a "SkypeMe" button to their listings when they fill out their "Sell your Item" form. If the seller chooses this option, the "SkypeMe" button will appear in the newly added "Ask a seller a question section."
The free to seller SkypeMe option will enable prospective buyers to communicate with sellers using voice, text chat or a combination of both. These calls will be free as well.
This functionality will encompass 14 eBay categories, including:
- Automotive GPS devices;
- Camera and photo lenses and filters;
- Wired networking routers;
- Skype devices;
- VOIP / Internet telephony;
- Diamond solitaire rings;
- Real estate (residential, commercial);
- Manufacturing and metalworking;
- Beds;
- NBA basketball cards;
- Silver coins;
- Lost in Space collectibles;
- Radio control toys;, and
- Cars and trucks.
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