Google talks to eBay

Users can click a link in an advert to initiate a VoIP call with participating eBay merchants

Google has teamed up with eBay to provide click-to-call adverts that work with Skype and Google Talk. 

The two companies will develop a system that allows users to click a link in an advert to initiate a voice call with participating eBay merchants or Google advertisers over eBay-owned Skype or Google Talk.

Skype will bundle the Google Toolbar with future downloads and in return get a custom button on the browser add-on. 

As part of the agreement, Google will also become the exclusive text-based advertising provider for eBay outside the US.

"We are pleased to expand our long-standing relationship with Google to explore new market opportunities, like click-to-call advertising, that benefit both our communities of users," said Meg Whitman, president and chief executive at eBay.

Google chief executive Eric Schmidt, who has just joined the board of Apple, added: "Our technologies will allow us to connect users to relevant advertising across eBay's international properties."

The companies plan to begin testing the functionality in early 2007.