WorthPoint is launching today a dramatically redesigned version of its ecommerce marketplace that features social networking, interactive research tools, and extensive merchandise valuation data. WorthPoint offers pricing of antiques and collectibles, and recently acquired the auction site GoAntiques.com. Together, the two sites attract 1.5 million unique visitors per month, according to WorthPoint CEO Will Seippel.

In contrast to GoAntiques.com, whose offerings are listed primarily by antiques dealers, the new WorthPoint offers monthly fees of $3.95 and up that are designed to allow individuals to sell five to twenty-five items at a time. In March, the databases for both sites will be merged so that collectors will only need to search for items once.

Buyers and sellers have the ability to designate other users as "friends," and the Worthipedia, a database containing 15 million prices for antiques and collectibles, will help sellers accurately describe and value their merchandise.

Auction houses and other businesses can publish calendars containing upcoming events and easily find professionals in their area of interest thanks to the site's messaging systems, forums, and other networking capabilities.

"It's a new way for professionals to reach out and communicate with their constituencies," said Jim Kamnikar, President of WorthPoint.

About the author:
Greg Holden, who lives in Chicago, is the author of several books about eBay, including "How to Do Everything with Your eBay Business," second edition, and "Secrets of the eBay Millionaires," both published by Osborne-McGraw Hill. Find out more on Greg's website, which includes a blog related to his book "Internet Babylon: Secrets, Scandals and Shocks on the Information Superhighway," published by Apress.