Pluck has launched a new feature for its tool for searching eBay and Amazon. Pluck unveiled the new feature for its Web browser application on Tuesday.

Pluck Perch, which works much like an RSS reader does for news, allows individuals to set up folders that regularly update shoppers about the availability and price changes for items they're looking to purchase. This helps users find the best deals on exactly what they need, without having to continuously visit the sites to repeat searches. And a collaborative element allows users to share folders with others.

Users can search, sort and filter the Perch results and view them in a "double-pane view"; the list of results are in the top pane, and the user can display one of the actual listings in the bottom pane, similar to what a user sees in Microsoft Outlook when the preview pane is activated. New and updated items are highlighted, making reviewing Perch results easier.

Users can instantly sort hundreds of results by bid count, price or manufacturer. Filters can also be applied to further pinpoint items of interest.

Pluck allows users to create shared folders and invite family members or friends to view and add eBay and Amazon.com item listings and comments. This feature is perfect for creating "wish-lists" and sharing them with family and friends. It's also helpful for collaborative purchases on big-ticket items, such as automobiles, computers and electronics.

Dave Panos, cofounder and CEO of Pluck, said "As everyone knows, finding the hottest holiday items can be challenging. But with the new Pluck Perch feature, it's like having your own personal web shopping assistant always on the lookout for items you want, making the whole process much easier."

Panos said sellers as well as buyers use the tool. "We hear from people that they use the tool to do pricing research," Panos said. "We also know of folks who are using eBay Perches to buy items for resale in their local market, for example, a ticket broker sources concert tickets on eBay and then sells them in the local newspaper."

Pluck integrates with Microsoft Internet Explorer and is available for free. Pluck Corp. is an eBay Certified Developer and an Amazon.com Associate Partner. The company is able to provide the tool to users for free because it earns affiliate income from eBay and Amazon when users click on Pluck results and buy from those sites. Pluck Corp. is a privately held company based in Austin, Texas with funding from Austin Ventures and Mayfield.

http://www.pluck.com