Auctionworks, a provider of an inventory- and marketplace-management system, has partnered with Unified Merchant Systems (UMS) to offer its members preferred low rates on merchant accounts for direct credit card payments. Auctionworks members can apply online for a UMS merchant account and hear back within 48 hours. Sellers will be able to integrate their merchant accounts into Auctionworks' proprietary checkout system, ClickOut. Sellers will have access to complete merchant account services and will be able to accept direct credit card payments for sales generated through marketplaces including eBay, eBay. ca, eBay Stores, uBid and Auctionworks StoreFronts. Members will still be able to offer Billpoint and PayPal electronic payment options if they choose.

In related news, Auctionworks announced it is the first marketplace management site to enable members to launch items to eBay. ca (Canada).

Auctionworks is an approved eBay Preferred Solution Provider and gives online sellers the opportunity to manage, launch and sell inventory on multiple platforms through a single, central site. It's Web site is located at http://www.auctionworks.com.