Michelle Hiscutt, known as Ziggy2000 on bidorbuy, says that flexible hours are the second biggest benefit of selling on bidorbuy. The first is in the title.

Seller: Ziggy2000

Name: Michelle Hiscutt

What do you sell?

I sell mostly antiques, collectibles and art, but I will trade in anything if there is a profit to be made.

Is selling on bidorbuy your business or your hobby?

It started as a hobby back in 2008. However, with the amount of time I spend tending to it, my bidorbuy venture has turned into a business.

What first prompted you to sell on bidorbuy?

I have always been a collector of antiques and art and I wanted to sell off some extras I had.

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

Working for myself and working flexi time.

What sets your company or products apart from the rest?

I established a set of work ethics at the outset and I do not waiver from them: honest descriptions, friendly and courteous service, secure packaging and treating every customer respectfully, regardless of the amount of money spent. I am friendly to my fellow sellers. I believe there is room for everybody to sell. I find that I sell items I personally like and I think the enthusiasm I feel about my items is conveyed in my descriptions.

How do you promote your products?

I pay for prominent listings if I think the items deserve it.

What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt?

Always keep calm, even when dealing with heated customers. Find the items you feel comfortable with and enthusiastic about selling and try to stick to these. That is preferable to trying to sell something you know little about or are not familiar with.

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

Never allow yourself to lapse from honesty and integrity. Treat your customers the way you would like to be treated. Many sellers sell the same items as you do, but your customers will come back to you if they have received good service from you in the past. Communicate well. Rather communicate too much than too little. Reply to questions or e-mails as soon as you can; buyers want to know that somebody is out there.

What are your favourite features on bidorbuy?

The Crazy Wednesday R1 auctions, held on Tuesdays and Wednesday. Alas, some of my favourite features have disappeared, for example the stats showing the number of users online.