In June, eBay launched Skype integration in a limited number of categories. On Wednesday, eBay announced it is expanding the number of categories in which sellers will be allowed to add Skype Me buttons to their listings. Skype is eBay's VoIP Internet telephony service that allows users to make phone calls over the Internet.
eBay said the test of Skype integration into eBay listings has shown that buyers and sellers have "enjoyed the opportunity to resolve questions quickly and easily, while also improving trust in the process," though AuctionBytes has not seen signs of wide adoption of Skype click-to-call buttons in eBay listings.
eBay entered into an agreement with Google in August to jointly develop click-to-call initiatives. eBay also has classifieds sites, where click-to-call may have wider adoption rates than in auction-site listings.
The new Skype-acceptable categories on eBay include Motorcycles, Special Vehicles, Cell Phones & Portable Electronics, Camera & Photo, Baby and Travel categories, and additional areas of Collectibles. A complete list of all eligible categories is available online.
