eBay.co.uk is looking to diversify its auction model into new business areas. It was revealed that the site was in talks with several big brands to support its move into Jobs, Property and Travel.

eBay Motors
The site’s “Motors” channel is its most successful niche development. Although eBay has tried to make a travel channel work in the past, they have decided to get help from one of the bigger travel companies in the UK. While eBay.com uses the excellent Expedia as a branded travel partner, the UK site is still out for tender. A joint revenue share will be available for the right company with a big enough brand and a capable development team.

Property and Jobs channels
As the recruitment and property markets have taken big financial hits recently, travel will be probably be the eBay channel developed first. It will be interesting to see how a Jobs section will function with eBay’s community. I have worked on numerous recruitment websites and count myself as an expert at online marketing for recruitment sites and while each recruitment site works within its own niche, all sites function in more or less the same way so any new or original functionality would attract candidates.