This morning, eBay announced that it is adding Phillips to its live auctions platform. eBay customers get access to more lots; Phillips gets access to more customers.
This also means Phillips sales will be broadcast to Ebay users on the Invaluable video platform (though Phillips lots won’t be available on Invaluable.) Unfortunately, Phillips won’t be presenting its sales to the rest of us via the Invaluable video platform as Sotheby’s does. Maybe Phillips will rethink this situation down the line:
Over the next year, Phillips will offer live-streaming auctions on eBay, beginning on September 17 in New York with “New Now,” a sale of collectible contemporary art, which focuses on what is happening right now in the contemporary art world. eBay’s global audience will be able to participate in auctions on the eBay marketplace using the company’s world-class software solutions and bidding technology. Auctions will be promoted by both Phillips and eBay, and will give buyers the ability to participate in traditional live auctions through real-time bidding.
“We’re excited to partner with such a well-respected international auction house specializing in contemporary art, underscoring our commitment in the art and collectibles space,” said Linda Campbell, divisional merchandise manager for Art & Collectibles at eBay. “Founded over 200 years ago, Phillips is a dynamic auction house that sells some of the world’s most important contemporary works of art, which we’re thrilled to make more accessible to our global eBay community and Phillips clients alike.”