eBay's exclusive provider of online appraisal services, Eppraisals.com, shut down yesterday. A message posted on the home page of the Eppraisals site reads:

"Eppraisals.com is no longer operating. If you've initiated an Eppraisal, Second Opinion, or Ask an Expert request, we will complete it as soon as possible or refund your fee. All pending requests for our Personal Advisor service will be cancelled at no charge. Existing Eppraisals in Your Account will be stored on this web site through June 15, 2001. Please print them out as soon as possible."

Leslie Hindman founded the online appraisal site in 1999. Eppraisals developed a network of more than 750 experts to give "online appraisals" for a fee, and in March 2001, eBay chose Eppraisals as its exclusive online-appraisal provider. (See http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/19/19.html#appraisal for more information about e-appraisals.)

In May 2000, Eppraisals raised $12 million in its second round of funding. The round was led by Tribune Ventures, the strategic investment unit of Tribune Company. BlueStar Ventures, Plum Holdings and William Blair New World Ventures also made significant contributions. Eppraisals did not return our calls yesterday.