Recently, eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY) announced that the online retailer will launch a live version of their platform called "eBay Live." This feature will provide customers with the opportunity to buy items in a live, interactive manner, and will be released in beta form for this coming month.
For their first live shopping event, eBay will provide customers with the option to choose from rare trading cards from the eBay seller, Bleecker Trading.
"eBay has always been the original home for trading cards and collectibles," said Dawn Block, VP Collectibles, Electronics and Home at eBay, in a statement. "As the collector community grows, we're offering a new live platform that combines an engaging environment with incredible ease, allowing our community to come together over shared interests and merchandise. Currently in beta, eBay Live will deliver a more streamlined, entertaining and sophisticated way for our community to connect, buy and sell."
These live events will hopefully encourage customers to interact with items as though they are located in a regular shop, according to eBay. The events are able to be accessed via the eBay app as well as online. Customers will have the opportunity to engage with sellers through the online chat as well as through reaction buttons. Customers are able to easily buy any product that is available directly through the livestream.
"We are always looking for new ways to connect with our fellow collectors," remarked Jess Mineo, head of Bleecker Trading. "eBay has always provided us with the incredible reach of a global platform, and their eBay Live beta technology now gives us the opportunity to highlight our offering in a more personal, meaningful way."
Not only will this live shopping experience bring about a sense of engagement, but also a sense of entertainment. This first series will be hosted by renowned entertainer DJ Skee, who is an avid trading card collector. The feature will allow customers to engage with DJ Skee as well as Bleecker Trading.
"As an avid collector, I love that eBay continues to push the envelope to provide the best possible experience," stated DJ Skee. "eBay's constant roll out of new offerings - Authenticity Guarantee for trading cards, the eBay vault and now eBay Live beta -- has been absolutely game-changing."