EBay, Sotheby’s launch live auction platform

New York - EBay and Sotheby’s are jointly launching live auctions on EBay. Part of EBay’s new live auctions platform, the service is now available for browsing and advance bidding on Sotheby’s items leading up to the launch of Sotheby’s first live auctions on eBay on April 1.



EBay and Sotheby’s originally announced plans to partner on live auctions in July 2014, and have since worked together to deliver a virtual experience. Sotheby’s first live auctions on eBay will be a themed New York sale and a photographs sale.



The Sotheby’s live auctions destination features high-resolution images, hosted video capabilities, and live streaming audio and video. All participants, regardless of their location, will see the exact item offered in the Sotheby’s New York salesroom and on eBay at the same time and have the ability to bid online in real-time. The technology debuting within the Sotheby’s live auctions experience will be the first use of live streaming audio and video anywhere on EBay.



“We’ve had a great response from our global community of buyers since launching live auctions last October, including sales of high-ticket items such as Elvis Presley’s first record, which sold for $300,000.,” said Devin Wenig, president of EBay Marketplaces. “Granting this kind of unprecedented access to art and collectibles, using an innovative technology platform, has opened the door for more people to appreciate and participate in bidding on exceptional works of art, antiques and collectibles. These items were previously only available to auction room floor.”