Facebook launches gifts service to sell real goods

Zeenews Bureau

New York: There is some good news for those who love to send and receive gifts as social networking site Facebook is launching a gifts service which will allow users to send their favourite gifts be it chocolates, cards and other real-life presents to their loved ones. The service called ‘Facebook Gifts’ was rolled out on Thursday in US to a few users and will be available for others in the coming months. Users will be able to click on a "gifts" icon on their Facebook friends` pages on Facebook`s website or on Android mobile phones. (iPhone and iPad versions are coming soon.) Facebook Gifts represents Facebook`s first real foray into e-commerce. The icon will also show up on the right side of users` Facebook pages with the notifications for friends` birthdays, weddings and other life events. For example, if your friend`s birthday is coming up in two days, you`ll now see a "give her a gift" link and the gift icon next to her name and photo. Clicking the icon will display presents you can buy, such as a Starbucks gift card, cupcakes or a teddy bear. The recipient will be notified through Facebook to enter a shipping address for the presents. In some cases, they`ll be able to select their own cupcake flavours or size and style of socks. They can also exchange gifts for other items if they don`t like chocolates or don`t wear socks. The move represents Facebook`s first real foray into e-commerce. The company will take an unspecified cut from each item sold. On Thursday, possible gifts included gourmet ice cream, Andy Warhol prints, flowers, organic dog toys and spa packages. (With Agency inputs)