There’s nothing new about an online marketplace for services. For example, Elance and others have turned the web into a global village of collaborative projects (including SmallBusiness.com). Over the years, these services marketplaces have been described as, “the eBay of freelancers,” or “the eBay of photographers” or “the eBay of voice-over talent.”

So it should come as no surprise that if these service marketplaces found success then one day eBay would decide to play along. And so, after testing the concept successfully in the United Kingdom, eBay is bringing its own “eBay of services” to the United States, according to TechCrunch.

Unlike the professional services marketplaces such as Elance, eBay is going local, starting out with services like plumbers, movers, contractors, drivers, photographers, coaches, those who specialize in antique valuations, upholstery cleaners and more.

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eBay Hire does not charge a fee to sign up, and it does not make any commissions. But we’re told that after the current promotional period ends, eBay will start charging fees for each booking, similar to the fees charged when users list and/or sell items on eBay.com. eBay also says that it is working with coaches and service pros from the Professional Tennis Registry, the U.S. Golf Teachers Federation and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Steve Yankovich, vice president of innovation and new ventures at eBay, tells us that eBay Hire will provide professionals and customers with a “smart and seamless experience.” “This limited beta launch is another example of eBay Inc. using technology to connect buyers and sellers in new ways,” he said in a statement.

Read the full story: eBay Debuts New Angie’s List Competitor And Local Service Provider Marketplace, eBayHire, In The US (TechCrunch)