Internet site eBay is to make it easier for entrepreneurs and retailers to list products in bulk at fixed prices.

The move follows an expansion of eBay from its original auction format towards a greater emphasis on fast, fixed-price or "buy it now" sales.

The site denied it was moving away from auctions and said the changes would enable all sellers to choose between fixed price sales and auctions.

It estimates that 178,000 people in the UK earn a primary or secondary living from running a business on eBay.

"Buy it now" sales now account for 43% of total sales, up from 39% a year ago, according to the site.

Among the new measures are reduced up-front listing fees for fixed price sellers to offer all their stock. More fees will be payable only after an item has sold.

The reductions followed a similar cut in fees for auction and fixed price listings introduced in March.

Sellers will no longer have to pay to upload photographs of their goods and fixed price listings will be given greater prominence on the site.

Clare Gilmartin, director of marketplaces for eBay in the UK, said: "We now have a more-tailored offering to fit every size of seller and business model, from a mum cashing in on some old baby clothes to an at-home entrepreneur or a retailer with a large and varied stock.

"Alongside the magic of auction-style sales, buyers increasingly want the convenience of shopping for great-value, often new, items at a fixed price. This is fuelling a big growth in the number of large and small sellers."