eBay's Skype service introduced a new plan on Wednesday that gives users unlimited SkypeOut calling to any phone within the U.S. and Canada for $29.95 for the year. Skype announced the new calling plan on the eBay Announcement Board in the U.S., and invited users to sign up at an introductory rate of $14.95 for users who subscribe by January 31. Additionally, users who subscribe before January 31 will get an extra free hour of international calling and $50 in coupons for Skype related gear.
eBay sellers are allowed to include Skype buttons in their listings in certain categories. The SkypeMe buttons in eBay listings allow buyers to reach out to sellers through Skype.
Last month, eBay spokesperson Hani Durzy told AuctionBytes that the Skype integration was beginning to do exactly what eBay expected - help buyers establish more trust with sellers to complete more transactions. "Although it's still early, we see opportunity in the Skype Me buttons, particularly on higher priced categories like motors, jewelry, and electronics where buyers often have detailed questions for sellers." He said eBay continues to gather feedback from the community to improve functionality.
While many observers have been skeptical of the Skype acquisition (and the price tag), eBay stated in May that the three businesses (eBay, PayPal and Skype) are complementing and reinforcing one another, calling it the "Power of Three" (http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=195324).
