eBay included links on some current auctions to a tour of a newly designed layout for auctions to be launched in the summer. eBay said it made the changes because "many eBay members told us that the page needs to be better organized and that the bidding and buying process should be easier to understand for new users."

Along with an easier-to-read layout, there is a new preview photo at the top of the page, and users can bid or "Buy It Now" from the top and bottom of the page. There is also a link to "Watch this Item (track it in my eBay)," a feature that already exists that allows bidders can keep an eye on auctions they specify. eBay also said shipping and payment details are easier to understand with the new design, and payment methods are listed in bullets for quicker scanning.

It's not clear why eBay chose to preview the new design in some auctions, and not include it on the announcement board. eBay offices were closed when AuctionBytes called for comment late Monday evening. The information in the preview tour proclaimed, "It's all coming in summer 2003, but we're so excited about it that we want you to see it right now!"

For a glance at some of the features included in the new listing format, go to: http://pages.ebay.com/viewitem/preview/tour.html