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: