eBay is launching an offline, text-based bidding service in the UK, France and Belgium today.

The UK service costs 12 pence plus VAT per message and will be offered to users as an option when a bid is placed online. It does not require any additional downloads or up-front payments and can be used with any make of SMS-enabled mobile phone.

“Traditionally web auctions are a desk-based activity and many auction biddings end prematurely because people leave their PCs,” said Ian Jordan, eBay UK head of product development, operations and innovation. “The possibility to participate beyond the PC from a mobile phone will have massive implications for the dynamics and value of the auction process.”

Posted: 08|30|07 at 6:43 pm. Filed under: Auction News.