eBay opens business marketplace

eBay has launched a new site, Business Marketplace, that puts auction and store listings in one place where they had previously been distributed throughout the auctioneer's Web site. Some listings include vertical industry marketplaces, office technology, wholesale lots and marketplace services such as escrow and insurance offers.

eBay said the new site was driven by an increase in gross merchandise sales in those categories. Several technology manufacturers have opened shops on eBay, and Accenture recently launched a special service that helps companies sell excess inventory on the site.