Seller: Jewels4u

Name: Elize Jooste

What do you sell?

Solid 9-carat gold jewellery set with diamonds and gemstones. I usually sell on auctions, the auctions that start from R1, to be more specific. It can be nerve-wrecking, but I find that R1 auctions are rewarding for me as a seller, because they are a firm favourite with buyers. If your product is good, people will bid on it.

Is selling on bidorbuy your business or your hobby?

Business, definitely.

When did you start selling on bidorbuy?

I started in 2008 part time as a hobby, but since the beginning of 2011 I sell permanently as a business.

What first prompted you to sell on bidorbuy?

I was first a buyer. Then I saw an opportunity to make some money too. The rest is history. Today, selling on bidorbuy is my primary source of income.

What are the biggest benefits that you find selling on bidorbuy?

Working my own hours. I cannot overstress how important that is for me.

What sets your company or products apart from the rest?

I take great pride in supplying quality products and giving good service.

How do you promote your products?

Simply by sticking to quality products and service. When you get the basics right, the rest follows: good ratings, favourable word-of-mouth, more satisfied customers, and more sales.

What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt?

Not to be afraid to try something new, for example a new design or a new line of products, because profits usually lie in the unexpected places. On bidorbuy, basic listings are free, so it’s an excellent arena for testing the customer’s response.

What advice would you give to sellers who are new to bidorbuy?

If you are trying something new, buy only a few items at a time for re-sale.

What are your favourite features on bidorbuy?

The fact that you can leave buyers messages through bidorbuy and that those messages will always be available to look up later on.

Additional comments about bidorbuy?

I can only say thank you, bidorbuy, for giving me the opportunity to change my life and start a business which put me in a situation where I was able to leave my permanent job.