eBay to offer same-day delivery

U.S. online auction and sales site eBay says it is testing a system that will allow same-day shipping of goods purchased from local retailers. Although the service, called eBay Now, is still in beta testing, the company began sending invitations Sunday to eBay users in San Francisco that will allow them to get same-day delivery, CNET reported. "Starting today, for purchases of $25 or more, San Francisco shoppers can order products from local stores and have them delivered to their door -- at home, at work, or anywhere else in San Francisco," the invitation read. "The new service is called eBay Now, and you can download it here for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch." The service puts eBay in direct competition with Amazon, which already offers same-day delivery service in select cities. During the beta period, each same-day delivery will cost $5, eBay said. The beta period would "gauge user interest, inform product enhancements and evaluate the future of this innovative local shopping experience," an eBay representative said.