Doctor Archive
Thread: Keeping Buffs in stock vs. Prices
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Nornerator
Thu Dec 30, 2004 4:12 pm
#1
My original mission statement for opening a buff pack vendor was that it would be the best deal on the server, always.
Well its been about 2 weeks since I opened, and Im selling about 20 packs a day give or take. My original plan was to make 100 sets per every 10 days. This is 2x as fast as I was hoping.
However I am realizing that my success is rising way above what I had intended. I always want my vendor to have a full stock, because the worst thing any vendor can be is inconsistant. I sell for 2/3rds of what the competetors charge, and at this rate I'll only be able to keep in stock for another 55 days. And Chances are there wont be a good source of avian meat within that time frame.
I've been considering raising my prices, but I fear of losing customers.
Is there another way to keep buff packs stocked without raising my prices?
Perhaps getting another crafting Doc into the business, a merger of sorts?
Im in the business for the long haul, I just am trying to figure out a viable solution to the problem.
Any suggestions?
Legende
Thu Dec 30, 2004 5:20 pm
#2
There are 2 viable options that pop into mind right off. First, either team up with another Doctor and attempt to keep yourself stocked constantly, but even with 2 Docs churning packs, it won't be easy... especially if you are offering them at a lower price.
The second option that I think could work well is have "stock days" ... don't stress keeping in stock 100% of the time, but instead have 2 or 3 days of the week where you stock a set number of packs, say 50 on Monday and 50 on Friday. Put it in your shop sign that you stock those specific days [you can make multi-line signs by typing out the text in windows notepad and pasting it in the sign title entry box]. This is how I would do it personally, it gives you complete control over when to stock and lets you fall into a comfortable groove, and maybe in the future expanding how much you stock. It also gives your customers an idea of when they should stop by, and not be so disappointed if they find an empty vendor on Thursday.
EDIT: Wording and format...
The second option that I think could work well is have "stock days" ... don't stress keeping in stock 100% of the time, but instead have 2 or 3 days of the week where you stock a set number of packs, say 50 on Monday and 50 on Friday. Put it in your shop sign that you stock those specific days [you can make multi-line signs by typing out the text in windows notepad and pasting it in the sign title entry box]. This is how I would do it personally, it gives you complete control over when to stock and lets you fall into a comfortable groove, and maybe in the future expanding how much you stock. It also gives your customers an idea of when they should stop by, and not be so disappointed if they find an empty vendor on Thursday.
EDIT: Wording and format...
Message Edited by Legende on 12-30-2004 03:22 PM
Legende
Thu Dec 30, 2004 5:25 pm
#3
Another thing, not related but still helpful, is to sell in full sets, 6 packs in a backpack. This allows you to keep full sets on your vendor instead of having people come in and buy just one health, or one strength, b/c that really does piss me off, haha. This is personal preference tho, more customers will probably be happier with single packs, but it will be easier on yourself to do full sets and chances are you aren't going to be running short on sales either way.
Nornerator
Thu Dec 30, 2004 5:37 pm
#4
Legende wrote:
Another thing, not related but still helpful, is to sell in full sets, 6 packs in a backpack. This allows you to keep full sets on your vendor instead of having people come in and buy just one health, or one strength, b/c that really does piss me off, haha. This is personal preference tho, more customers will probably be happier with single packs, but it will be easier on yourself to do full sets and chances are you aren't going to be running short on sales either way.
Yeah I already do this, I have 3 Different Vendors.
2 of them carry only backpacked buff sets, sets of 1, 5, and sometimes 10.
And since some people like to buy seperately I have 1 vendor that I keep 10-20 sets on individually.
nerf_you
Thu Dec 30, 2004 6:05 pm
#5
If your buffs are of high quality then price is not a big issue. There are plenty of players who are only looking for the best possible product. Like me when I look at an armorsmith vendor for instance, the first thing I do is sort by price and start with the most expensive (best) items. The only reason you should have for undercutting other docs is 1) you are trying to attract new people to your vendor or 2) you have an inferior product. Unless of course you just want to be a "nice guy" and do the whole server a big favor 
y-osa
Thu Dec 30, 2004 7:02 pm
#6
Keep 100 sets or so in reserve, you can let the vendor sell out, but keep consistancy in restocking, I normally keep full runs of packs on the vendor as well, reguardless of quality, they have never been priced at more than 100k a set, I'v gotten some sarcasm over this as most on sunnrunner sell for 120-200k a set, low end packs I set at 60k a set (830 pow), as was mentioned, most anyone is going for the high end packs, and are willing to pay twice as much for the best, go figure, by the way the 830's are normally 30+ charges, 3+ hours, 90 med use, and sell rarly when I have high end packs in stock, the 900 power packs I set at 90k a set normally, to give you a frame of reference.
Ambiguous_Lee
Thu Dec 30, 2004 7:05 pm
#7
Erm if you are going to mention your vndor I would find it useful if you mentioned your server/galaxy. Is there a list of vendors for buffs packs for chimaera please? If not and you feel you charge a reasonable price is there any way it can be posted so that it does not disappear under the mountains of spam on trade forums? If any trade administrators are listiening i'd find it really useful for clear and distinct subsections on trade forums along these lines. If you agree please post and maybe (wishful thinking I know) our liaison will be succesful in feeding this back to soe.
Nornerator
Thu Dec 30, 2004 7:27 pm
#8
nerf_you wrote:
If your buffs are of high quality then price is not a big issue. There are plenty of players who are only looking for the best possible product. Like me when I look at an armorsmith vendor for instance, the first thing I do is sort by price and start with the most expensive (best) items. The only reason you should have for undercutting other docs is 1) you are trying to attract new people to your vendor or 2) you have an inferior product. Unless of course you just want to be a "nice guy" and do the whole server a big favor
These are upper-middle range buffs for Gorath, 888 Power, 31 Charges, 12k duration, 90 meduse. The vendor has only been around for 2 weeks but already I am making more credits per day than well established 12pt docs. I have high end packs coming out In two days 924 Power 32 Charges 12.5k Duration 90 Meduse. I have to do atleast 2 buff runs of 100 sets a week to keep up right now. I've sold over 30 sets just today. These just sell so fast.
Nornerator
Thu Dec 30, 2004 11:05 pm
#9
Stock is selling way too fast, 40 sets a day, new Record for LSD Meds.
I'm getting several other people to Join. This is ludicrous
prang11
Thu Dec 30, 2004 11:22 pm
#10
Do runs of 150 sets.
The break down is simple.
2 x 950 ABEC schematics
1 x 650 ABEC schematic
2 x 950 ACRDM schematic
1 x 950 ASDS schematic
This takes about 4-5 days max to pump out if you have atleast 6 factories. If you can get more factories then you can have 6 for components and 6 for finals. If you can keep this going you will limit resource waste and produce at a very constant rate. This has been the best formula for me and my partner. This isnt exactly on track with your question but I figured it would help you out a bit.
Also like some one already said try to keep a full run in the back room so that when ever you may be behind you can restock.
Nornerator
Thu Dec 30, 2004 11:42 pm
#11
I haven't had enough time to keep a back room stocked I've sold 20 packs in the last hour. Everything I make is put directly into the Vendors.
Nornerator
Thu Dec 30, 2004 11:48 pm
#12
Well I've decided to raise my packs to the same prices as the competition, maybe 5-10k less, but not 50-60k less like it is right now. Should I send an email out to all my customers informing them of the change or just let them notice it themselves?
Nema0879
Fri Dec 31, 2004 12:21 am
#13
I gave up trying to maintain low prices + well stocked vendors a long time ago ... I've found you can have one or the other, not both .... when/if you decide to raise your prices people will notice it themselves, and while you may lose a few customers I imagine this will be a bit of a relief ... as it was for me at the time
I got a few tells at the time that I did it, however most were understanding ... the few that weren't ... /sigh; /shrug ... you can't please everyone and stay sane 
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