eBay announces 14 SkypeMe categories

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.