What's this about? "LIVE - Streaming now - Join event"

[moonlight-rhapsody]

 This banner has appeared on my Active Listings page.  I haven't seen it before.

LIVE - Streaming now Shop exclusive items from trusted sellers.  Join event [button]

Has anyone else had this?  Anyone know more about it?

[jonatjonatjonat]

It’s eBay’s version of TikTok Shop Live events.

sellers have a live stream during which they sell products.

started initially with trading cards, believe they are expanding out into other categories.

im going to go out on a limb here and say, for the vast majority of forum visitors they will 

a) hate it

b) know it’s not for them and

c) state that eBay should focus on more important things

[*vyolla* · Accepted solution]

It's quite fun, take a look at one. They start at a particular time, but the start time will be on each listing.

For buyers

• Watch and interact: View live streams from influencers, brands, and sellers, and ask questions in real-time.
• Shop in real-time: Purchase items through live auctions (similar to standard eBay auctions) or "Buy It Now" options during the livestream.
  • Find events: Browse upcoming events in the eBay Live Hub or follow favorite sellers for notifications.
    • Participate: You must be signed into an eBay account to join an eBay Live event. 
       

      For sellers

      • Showcase products: Tell the story behind your products and showcase them in detail, which is especially helpful for items like collectibles or fashion.
      • Build community: Engage directly with customers, build brand loyalty, and foster a community around your products.
      • Sell interactively: Use live auctions to create excitement or use "Buy It Now" for immediate sales.
      • Become a seller: Currently, becoming an eBay Live seller is by invitation only for select categories, but interested sellers can register their interest through the platform to be contacted as more sellers are welcomed. 

[*vyolla*]

To add, for all those wanting auction times to be extended; bids placed in the final 5 seconds will reset the time left to 10 seconds, so you can sit there forever if you wish!

The vibe is like a morphed mix of the old eBay/QVC/TikTok.

[bojangled]

I think when WhatNot launched a few years ago a few platforms quickly strung something together, it feels like eBay have been attempting to launch this for ages. 
Personally I’d rather go to a small bricks and mortar auction house.

[pegr-834437]

I'm not trying to age you as you might be younger than me but if i asked my nephew what an auction house was he'd probably think it was somewhere they hosted whatnot or tiktok shop from. eBay live is very much targeted at that generation who can't live without their phone speaking to them 24/7 be it tiktok doomscrolling or youtube videos, I've looked a few times at the stuff being sold and its either 'vintage' clothing from 2010 or trading cards but the range of sellers is weird half look super professional who I can see why eBay have invited them to be starters but the others look like they don't have a clue, no preparation for the next item and just hoping the whole thing doesnt fall down. I guess eBay are giving pretty chunky incentives to the sellers so fair play to them.

I'd love to know the returns rate for some of the sellers though, I bet thats stonkingly high.

[magpiecorner1]

I found it fun too - and I bid and bought.   It was done by a seller I've dealt with for years, nice to put a face to the names.  

Looking forward to more.

[bojangled]

@pegr-834437 

I totally agree! And aimed at those with the disposable income too. 
Jo

[fribblecollectables]

Seeing an auction time extending for about 10 seconds when a bid is placed in the last few seconds is interesting. It doesn't mean they go on forever. Just a few moments more from the ones I saw.

Personally I wouldn't mind that being a choice on the occasional item I have up for auction.

It might, or might not be something that could happen in the future as per these live streamed auctions.

We will see. 

[moonlight-rhapsody]

Thanks for all the replies and explanations 😊

[sml192]

The extension to the end time for auctions is a separate initiative to the live auctions.  It was initially introduced in the Trading Cards category a couple of months back.  Not sure if it has been applied to any other categories yet but probably only a matter of time if it has proved successful.

[department28]

im going to go out on a limb here and say, for the vast majority of forum visitors they will 

a) hate it

b) know it’s not for them and

c) state that eBay should focus on more important things

It's a 'yes' to all three from me... (all this 'ere new-fangled nonsense. It be little better than witchcraft... 🎃)

The admittedly small sample I saw was some tatty-looking designer clothing, selling like hot cakes, despite just being waved around for a few seconds?! Fools & their money are soon parted...

[gjalp]

Yup. And a ‘I aint got time for that sh….’  🤣