Image Designer Archive
Thread: how do you guys get business
i want to make ph4t lewt.
do you post threads on your server forum? hang out at some sort of spot(outside busy starports, inside busy cantinas)?
I just go about my daily business (ie, running missions, role-playing, etc...) with my title showing and I usually get a decent amount of business. Sitting in crowded cantinas usually works, but once you've worked the cantina it's going to be dry for a while unless you move around.
As far as the making money, I'm still a firm believer that you make more money if you ask for none. Whenever I tell someone I don't charge, I get a minimum tip of 10K. Yes, you have to average that in with the people who don't tip at all, but it still comes out pretty well in the end.
i got by word of mouth
sometimes give freebies
also sometimes shout if im very bored
also i enmailed my pricelist to all my friends and asked them to foward it in turn
General tips for new Master IDs and those working up the skilltrees.
1. Hang out in the bank or cantina with your Master Image Design title up. You will almost always get /tells.
2. Be nice and patient. This is a customer service profession. If you seem impatient, if you tell your customers off for some reason, or get annoyed with them, they will not enjoy the experience. Sometimes, yes, customers can be annoying, but never lose your cool unless they are actually insulting. I get compliments all the time on how nice I am and how I'm easy to work with.My customerstell me stories of other IDs who were 'mean' and would refuse to help them because they didn't know what they wanted. Just remember that most people have never had Image Design work done before. If someone is mean or 1337, just "Kill them with kindness." It's hard to be rude to someone who shows you every hairstyle, then says, "Oh! Let me help you find a some nice facial hair to match."
3. Know your stuff. People say "make me look cool" all the time. Know what is "cool" on your server. On Bloodfin "cool" for Zabraks means lots of big, black horns, red or black tattoo with red eyes. Know what tattoo styles are popular, know which hairstyles are the most often requested, and try to figure out what pattern colors go with what skintones. Not every customer will know what they want. They are going to trust your judgement.
4. Don't expect to make alot of money if you just start out.If you are just going to keep ID for a day or two, Starscream, and expect to make hundreds of thousands of credits, it just doesn't work that way. People have to know you and know who you are. So unless you are going to keep ID for a few weeks, don't expect any "ph4t lewt." Although, you could be lucky.
So yeah, that's my experience with Image Design. Hope it helps someone out. Hehe.
Vericona wrote:
The front of starports or just inside are good spots too.
I definitely have to second that. I get asked for image design all the time when I have just arrived through a starport.
1.) Actually work your way through the profession without grinding/macros and actually obtain a shred of talent in design
2.) Advertise in cantina and get clientele
3.) Speak normal basic/english and not 1337 speak...high-paying people (you know the mature gamers with money who do repeat business) hate that, they really do...
4.) Develop a personality and stick with it. People like other interesting people, especially if your gonna be spending more than 5 minutes with them. Again, apply suggestion #3 when fleshing out your personality.
5.) Never undercut your competitors by more than 20%
I love the way you can be helpful and still sound so angry.
Nouva wrote:
1.) Actually work your way through the profession without grinding/macros and actually obtain a shred of talent in design
you may want to speak english if you are capable.
I have never had to advertise and I make a great deal of money. Of course I give away alot to new players aswell.
I have all I need for clothes, mounts, pets etc...