In a simultaneous two-country launch, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.de have today announced the arrival of Marketplace, (www.amazon.co.uk/marketplace).

Marketplace is a unique feature that allows customers to buy and sell new, used and collectable items on the same page that Amazon sells the item new. Amazon first launched Marketplace in the U.S. in November 2000, where one year later it accounted for 15% of total Amazon.com orders (fourth quarter of 2001). Individuals can put items up for sale for a fixed price (as opposed to auctions where the price increases with bids). Amazon collects the money from the buyer and, in the U.S., keeps 99 cents plus 15% of the sale price. If the item is used, users must set the price at or below Amazon's price for the same item. If it is collectible (signed or out of print, for example), users must set a price higher than the list price.

Commenting on the launch of Marketplace in Europe, Robin Terrell, managing director of Amazon.co.uk, said: "We are focused on building the best online retail experience for our customers, which now stand at over five million cumulative customer accounts. We aim to ensure our customers can find, discover, buy and sell anything online, be it new, used or collectable. We are excited about the possibilities that Marketplace brings to both buyers and sellers. Amazon Marketplace creates real value for customers bringing increased choice and selection when making purchases."

At launch, Marketplace will feature over 500,000 items available for buyers. Marketplace sellers include small and large businesses and private individuals. Amazon.co.uk has been online since November 1999 when it launched Amazon.co.uk Auctions, the first third-party selling service, and Amazon.co.uk zShops, a retail-selling environment for business owners.