Online auction giant eBay has announced a move into
instant-purchase retail with the launch of eBay
Express.
The launch comes just days after the company posted record first
quarter revenues of $1.39bn, up 35% on the same period last year.
It will put the firm into more direct competition with traditional
online retailers.
The new eBay Express website ebayexpress.com is operating in a
“preview” stage for US shoppers, expected to last several weeks,
with the site functioning fully while the company gathers user
feedback and makes adjustments to the system.
The new service allows shoppers to buy new items instantly,
without waiting for a bidding process. The site uses an online
shopping cart, in which customers collect items before paying in a
single transaction. The site has been launched with items for sale
ranging from cookware to designer jeans.
The goods on sale are provided by US-based eBay merchants which
sell items at fixed prices and accept online payment through eBay’s
electronic cash system, PayPal. Eligible suppliers must have a
history of selling successfully on eBay, with a positive customer
feedback score of at least 98% and a total feedback score of 100
points.
The eBay Express site will automatically carry eBay.com items
from qualified sellers that meet its listing criteria, unless
suppliers choose to opt out.