EBay partners with Sotheby’s on live auctions

San Jose, Calif. - EBay and Sotheby’s are developing an online platform designed to make it easier for consumers to discover, browse and acquire exceptional works of art, antiques and collectibles. EBay and Sotheby’s will start by offering a number of live auctions that are taking place at Sotheby’s headquarters in New York.



To accomplish this, eBay in the near future will be launching a newly-designed experience on its site, tailored for collectors of rare, unique and premium art and collectibles, as well as first-time buyers. Sotheby’s will be the preeminent anchor tenant in the revamped marketplace, which will include a new live auction feature and real-time bidding from anywhere around the world.



Sotheby’s brings expertise, artwork and collectibles, and auction experience to the partnership, while eBay’s technology platform, integrated payment solutions and 145 million active buyers. The Sotheby’s auctions will present 18 collecting categories. Going forward, the partnership will explore themed and time-based sales, as well as live auctions from Sotheby’s other global salesrooms. Evening sales will not be included.



Both companies will focus on growing the market at price points where they expect their collectors to converge in the future, particularly in the segments such as jewelry, watches, prints, wine, photographs and 20th century design.