EBay Now Beta Service Offers $5 Same-Day Delivery From Local Stores

A new service has turned up on eBay that is in beta form and only available for a very limited number of users in San Francisco. The new service is called eBay Now, and it is an iOS app that allows users to shop for products from local stores with cheap same-day delivery. Anyone can sign up to enter the beta, but eBay has to send out the link to the users selected to download the app.

According to reports, during the beta period for the app, only purchases over $25 are supported. Reports also indicate that testers get $15 off first eBay Now order. Same-day shipping is free for the first three orders placed using eBay Now and after those first three orders, the delivery fee is five dollars. The most interesting part of the service is that the orders will apparently arrive the same day.

TechCrunch reports that the service is available for San Francisco residents Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and on Sundays from 9 AM to 6 PM. Apparently, items ordered usually arrive in as little as an hour. One caveat is that the store has to be open at least half an hour after an order is placed.

Stores that are partnered with eBay Now include Macy's, Toys "R" Us, Target, and Best Buy. I think between those four stores, almost any product you might want to purchase would be covered. EBay is said to be gauging user interest to roll out updates and determine whether to spread eBay Now out to other areas. One of the coolest parts is that you can have the items you order shipped anywhere in San Francisco. That means if you're sitting at a bar having fun with friends and need a new battery for your smartphone, you can have it shipped right to the bar.

[via TechCrunch]