p2pnet.net News:- At least one major label is among the “pre-approved sellers of downloadable digital music files” featured in eBay’s pilot music service.

As we reported earlier, eBay wants in on the online music business and is launching a 180-day test program with selected sellers of downloadable digital music files.

Given eBay’s client (they call them members) list, it could be interesting, especially if indies are among those ultimately allowed to offer their songs.

Who are the favoured pre-approved few, selected because they’re “well-equipped to securely deliver the music to their buyers”?

A “small handful who’ve been pre-approved because they have the right to sell the music they’ll be listing,” an eBay spokesman told p2pnet.

Were any or all of the Big Five labels among them?

“One is major label and another is not a record major or a minor,” p2pnet was told.

The spokesman emphasised that this is a pilot project and may never develop into a full-blown service.

However, “What eBay does in general is make inefficient markets efficient,” said the spokesman. “That could be in anything. If the market for finding indie bands and artist is inefficient, then eBay could certainly bring some efficiency to this market place.

“Ultimately, the eBay community will decide whether eBay is a good market place for buying and selling that kind of music.”

p2pnet asked if an indie artist would be able to offer a CD of his or her music as an eBay auction item.

“Whether that night happen down the road or not, it’s too early to say,” said the spokesman.

“But it wouldn’t be possible during the pilot project.”

This entry was posted on Friday, July 16th, 2004 at 9:02 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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