Now feature, launched last November on a trial basis, will become a permanent part of the service. Now is, for the moment at least, a free service that lets auction listers post a price for the immediate sale of an item. Buyers willing to pay the price do not have to wait for an auction to end.
Buyers love the convenience of an immediate transaction, particularly when shopping for gifts.
Sellers have benefited from faster auctions and the option to offer another way to buy. How long the service will remain free is another matter, however. Now is only available before the first bid is placed on the item. As soon as a bid is placed, the item is sold through the normal process. Copyright 2001 INT Media Group, Incorporated All Rights Reserved.