As smartphones become the norm, eBay buyers are embracing the devices to shop from anywhere at any time.
In fact, shoppers have spent an estimated $400 million on eBay using its free iPhone application since it became available in June, notes eBay CEO and President John Donahoe.
"The lines between mobile and fixed devices are beginning to blur," he says. "I do my research on my laptop, but actually make my purchase on my mobile phone."
While this number is significantly less than eBay's total sales last year ($59.7 billion), it is still important, reports TechCrunch, since iPhones only account for about 15 percent of all smartphones sold.
About 4.6 million iPhone users have downloaded eBay's free application, and eBay is expected to release a new version of the application by the end of the year.
The eBay application allows users to pay for their items through PayPal, get alerts when someone else places a bid on the items they're watching or when listings are coming to a close, view complete listings, leave feedback and more.
One eBay buyer used the mobile application to buy a Lamborghini for $350,000, TechCrunch reports.
"Companies are becoming more mindful of what they put in the mobile shopping experience, and the comfort levels consumers have with mobile is fueling this," notes Sucharita Mulpuru, an analyst for Forrester Research.
Amazon also has a mobile iPhone app that seems to be performing well, according to The Financial Times. However, the company would not say how many people have downloaded the app, or how much revenue it has generated.
Auctiva staff writers constantly monitor trends and best practices of those selling on eBay and elsewhere online. They attend relevant training seminars and trade shows and regularly discuss the market with PowerSellers and other market experts.
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