eBay, one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, has launched live auctions today, opening the doors of traditional brick-and-mortar auction houses to online shoppers around the world. This new experience makes art and collectibles accessible to the broadest possible audience and offers a fresh, modern way to discover, browse and buy premium pieces online.

eBay’s live auctions provide virtual entrance to auction house salerooms from anywhere in the world, and eBay’s 149 million active buyers now have the same access to auction merchandise as those bidding in person on the auction room floor. Inventory is sold directly by hundreds of world class traditional auction houses, including premier partners such as Doyle New York, Freeman’s, Garth's Auctions and Swann Auction Galleries. All items are backed by the eBay Money Back Guarantee.

“Through the launch of live auctions, eBay is reimagining the time-honored auction house experience,” said Gene Cook, general manager of emerging verticals for eBay Marketplaces. “We know that people want new ways to peruse and purchase fine art and collectibles, and eBay’s live auctions are a best-in-class, inspiring shopping experience that delivers on this at a variety of price points.” 

eBay’s live auctions are launching in partnership with Invaluable, the market leader in online live auctions for fine art and collectibles. The new experience utilizes Invaluable’s online bidding technology and other software solutions to bring billions of dollars of one-of-a-kind live auction merchandise to eBay.

“Invaluable is committed to rapidly scaling the live auction industry and making unique, premier artwork, antiques and collectibles available to online bidders through our strong relationships with auction houses around the world,” said Rob Weisberg, Invaluable CEO. “We’re excited to be working with eBay to make it even easier for shoppers, collectors and dealers to have access to the incredible merchandise only available through the world’s premier auction houses, right at their fingertips.”

Starting today, shoppers can preview catalogs and sign up for upcoming sales. Users can then bid at individual events. In addition, users can also enter absentee bids prior to an event for added convenience.

Among the first events eBay users will be able to participate in include:

10/9     African-American Fine Art – hosted by Swann Auction Galleries

10/14   Rare & Important Travel Posters – hosted by Swann Auction Galleries

10/15   English & Continental Furniture & Decorations/Old Master Paintings – hosted by Doyle New York

10/16   Books, Maps and Manuscripts – hosted by Freeman’s

10/17   Fine Photographs: Icons & Images – hosted by Swann Auction Galleries

10/21   Early Printed, Medical & Scientific Books – hosted by Swann Auction Galleries

10/21   Important Jewelry – hosted by Doyle New York  

As previously announced, eBay has also partnered with the iconic international art business and auctioneer, Sotheby’s, to be the anchor tenant of the new live auctions experience. In the coming months, eBay will begin to offer a number of live auctions that are taking place at Sotheby’s headquarters in New York. The Sotheby’s auctions will present 18 collecting categories. The two companies are exploring themed and time-based sales, as well as live auctions from Sotheby’s other global salesrooms.

For additional information about eBay’s live auctions or to sign up for an upcoming event, visit www.ebay.com/collectibles-liveauctions.

About eBay Marketplaces

eBay is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, connecting people with the things they need and love virtually anytime, anywhere. eBay has 149 million active buyers globally and more than 700 million live individual and merchant listings at any given time. With mobile apps available in 190 countries, eBay delivers a personalized shopping experience and seamless access to inventory from down the street and around the world. Tailored shopping experiences customize buying and selling; and eBay provides variety and choice for sellers by enabling them to offer goods through online, mobile and local channels to consumers around the world. For more information, visit ebay.com.

About Invaluable

Invaluable, the leading online live auction marketplace, features a live online bidding platform that allows collectors and dealers to bid in real-time in auctions held around the world. As the leading developer of SaaS and ecommerce applications for the auction industry, Invaluable provides auction houses with ecommerce and marketing solutions, as well as auction management software. Invaluable’s best-in-class historical price database includes more than 58 million complete auction results, totaling more than $204 billion in value. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Boston, Invaluable also has offices in the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.Invaluable.com.