Architect Archive

Another way to look at prices is to calculate (a spreadsheet is good for this) the cost that it takes to make the item if you have to buy all the resources. If grind quality raw material costs me 2-3 cpu then I pass that along to the customer at 3-4 cpu. For the material where the HR/SR/UT numbers make a difference I charge around 10 cpu for those resources. Keep in mind that only a small percentage of the resources in a given item will matter (like the extraction device in harvestors)and on other items it wont matter at all (like houses). Once I know the cost to buy all the material, then I add in 10% or so to offset the time used to manufacture it and cross check other vendors to make sure my prices are similar.

ZenDragonMLSis right, your customer service level make a difference along with your stock levels. Start out with a limited selectionand sufficient quantity;as your production capabilities increase, then expand your selection.

Good luck,

Terrin Sunweaver

The other problem with price lists, besides the different server economies, is that it focuses on *price* as the only criteria in judging a good or service. If you look at *value* that you deliver to a customer, there is so much more than price to consider.

If architect A always has 10 of every heavy harvester on their vendor so people can stop by and pick up what they need, whereas architect B makes them by order only, how do you compare their prices? They have different business models and different customers will have a different value equation. Those that can plan ahead may prefer dealing with B and getting a lower price (if that is B's claim to fame). But not every customer is in that boat.

If you are in the market for a pair of woman's shoes, do you go to Nordstrom's or K-Mart? Well, it depends. They have different prices, but there are many more considerations.

I keep my furniture vendor very well stocked with high-end furniture, along with crates of some common items (lamps, chairs, plants). I'm located just south of the Theed starport. I had a customer a few weeks ago say "Your prices are about 25% higher than some others I've visited. I guess I pay for convenience." We talked about that a bit - she wasn't complaining, just observing that a full vendor in a convenient location caused her to just buy the stuff rather than take a chance on a empty vendor down the street.

Prices are only *ONE* facet of your business model. Unless you are going to standardize on level of availability, customer service, etc etc etc I think it's nonsense to even attempt it. In fact, I think it's nonsense anyway.

All very good responses and thank youfor thefeedback.... It's more as a *general guide - ballpark figures. I know, when I began as an Architect, I had absolutely no idea of what prices were anda general pricing guilde would have beenvery helpful. I think, even as a buyer, it's good to know what things *generally go for.

There certainly are manyfactors to consider when selecting a price.

Tks