Image Designer Archive
Thread: When you look like a scam artist...
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zeropulse86
Mon Aug 09, 2004 9:05 pm
#1
novice ID recently, and am already at 1010. It started off great - i got the credits i was looking for for stat migration (biggest seller for me). I looked around the boards and saw how many people said they charged between 15k-30k for a stat migration. I thought that because my server is a little less populated than it use to be, and how I am new to being an ID, i'd charge around 10k.
At first all went well. A few newbies gave me only a few hundred credits, which I took warmly seeing as they barely have any source of income. Most well-established people payed the 10k, or more. The problem that I've noticed recently is happening during peak game hours, when more ID's are logged on. Now when I go into the ID tent, there are 1-2 other ID's, and usually atleast one of them is a master. The problem is that it seems like they don't charge at all for their services. This is horrible for me. It makes me look like a scam artist or greedy when I say that I'll change stats for 10k.
Because of this, i've had people who have tipped me 25 credits, and others who walk off without saying anything about money. I've even had a Bounty hunter in almost full bounty armor leave without even mentioning anything about payment after I give him a stat migration. Now i know these people have alot of money to spend, but I get the impression that they are all use to getting the service for free.
I'm not sure exactly how to handle this. It's hard making a living while others give away your services for free. Usually I can snag control in the tent by being the only non-afk ID, but when the others are active it's hard to find someone willing to pay 10k versus 0.
What can i do?
At first all went well. A few newbies gave me only a few hundred credits, which I took warmly seeing as they barely have any source of income. Most well-established people payed the 10k, or more. The problem that I've noticed recently is happening during peak game hours, when more ID's are logged on. Now when I go into the ID tent, there are 1-2 other ID's, and usually atleast one of them is a master. The problem is that it seems like they don't charge at all for their services. This is horrible for me. It makes me look like a scam artist or greedy when I say that I'll change stats for 10k.
Because of this, i've had people who have tipped me 25 credits, and others who walk off without saying anything about money. I've even had a Bounty hunter in almost full bounty armor leave without even mentioning anything about payment after I give him a stat migration. Now i know these people have alot of money to spend, but I get the impression that they are all use to getting the service for free.
I'm not sure exactly how to handle this. It's hard making a living while others give away your services for free. Usually I can snag control in the tent by being the only non-afk ID, but when the others are active it's hard to find someone willing to pay 10k versus 0.
What can i do?
Dulcenea
Mon Aug 09, 2004 9:35 pm
#2
There are two ways that i handle this.
When I'm just doing ID, i go by strictly tips. Whati do with this is that when we're finished IDing, but before i click "commit," i tell my client "I just work on tips, so whatever it's worth to you is fine." And then i wait. Without clicking "commit." I don't click commit until they put SOME amount of tip in the window. It can be 25credits or 200,00. In either case, i thank them and wish them well. I just want them to understand that, although i work on tips,ID isnot completely free. Most people's consciences have them tip at least 1k but my average tip is around 10k.
For stat migrations I always charge 30k unless the person is an unbadged, unguilded newbie (I do those free as a public service). I tell potential clients up-front that30k ismy fee so that we don't get part-way thru the migration before they realize the price. If they argue, I explain to them in a very pleasant tone that because I'm a master and don't need the xp and find the 10-minute waits quite boring, 30k is what it takes it to make it worth it for me. If they continue to argue, I firmly tell them that I'm sorry, but I don't negotiate my price, however I'm sure that there are novices around that need the xp that would be happy to do migrations for less for them, andI wont be offended if they choose to do so. Sometimes they stay with me. Sometimes they don't. In either case I wish them well. Once the migration is underway, I'm always sure to fill in the price required in the ID window (so I don't get scammed at the last minute, and also as a visual reminder for them to put in their money) and, as with the ID, I don't click "commit" until I see their payment in the window also.
The key in both instances, though,is to always be polite and friendly but firm. Don't allow people to take advantage of you hon.
Message Edited by Dulcenea on 08-09-2004 11:38 PM
Erann
Tue Aug 10, 2004 9:30 am
#3
I put 10K in the required payment on all stats. I explain to them it's 1K / min and the usual tip is 10K -50K depending on the mood of the client. I try to usher the stat migrations to the novices bacause I have no need for XP any more.. another reason I'm more into the credit aspect. I tell them it's 10K upfront because it is ten minutes and the time involved should reflect my time spent performing this "SERVICE". (I spents months as a musician / dancer workign the cantina strip making 1-3K a night a night. This Id profession is my time to earn my way and help the guild. 'm not into PVP, and I lack the skills to make it as a hunter / gatherer so ID is my live the tent my prision.)
My cosmetic changes I tell them them average range for a tip. Basically I take my time times it by 1K and then spread it 3-5 K depending if It's a mastery change or a novice change.
9 times outta ten they excees this amount.... People are stingy when you up front a cost, but are more generous when you leave it to thier choosing, saying that, the ID is a profession it's how I make money to have bling.. so I do this for the credits and because I enjoy the work. Mostly cause I need to finance my vette and I have a really bad spending problem.
Another way to Get a solid customer baseis to enjoy your work and to make the client feel special. People pay good credits to feel important and to feel they are beautifull. Even if they ask to be ugly. They are still beautifull. they cannot hear you on your side of the monitor. just give them what they ask for and they will return. If they ask for a stupid look give it to them..... the customer is always right. IF you feel strongly about thier choice tell them. Tell them to come back if the colour or look is too birght / loud. The next day they will return and agree with you and you've just doubled the money because they need a differnt look.
Before taking the next in line make sur eyou client is happy, talk to them praise thier change, time spent is time spent make them feel important.
Erann
Tue Aug 10, 2004 1:31 pm
#4
run off to another tent.
Bsstine / tatooineis rarely service and you can have a captive audience.
Coronet / corellia is a quieter location with apileof grinders since it's close to several player planets.
Theed /naboois ideal because it's on the strip beside the cantina but theed is a hit and miss rude friendly city.. very easy to get a line 1hrs long in 2 mins.
I tend to stay away from Moerina and verendi since the player base doesn't seem to go there... I tell the grinder to go there cause it's quieter for them.
madysonhope
Wed Aug 11, 2004 12:25 am
#5
i use the charge box as well.... and as said before, if people question it, i let them know that since i am a master ID, 10 minutes is a long time... most people are very cool with this.
I am very surprised that Master ID's would do Stat Migrations for nothing.... honestly seems silly to me unless it is a frined or a guildie... but hey, i guess some people are just like that.
If i were you, i may try taking to the ID's in the area you are... try to work up a deal with them.... something, so you don't feel (and you shouldn't feel) like a scam artist.
ID's are a profession just like everyone else... we deserve something for our work, weather it is 25 credits or even a trade of some kind.... it gets better hun, just stick with it! =)
Madison
uboo
Wed Aug 11, 2004 9:23 pm
#6
looks like a 1-star bandit was trolling through... anyways i feel your pain, but at least you now have a source of income, when i was an ID (before stat migration was an ID ability)the idea of getting tipped without begging was ludicrous...
Ke_la
Wed Aug 11, 2004 10:10 pm
#7
I charge 50k for a stat migrate without ANY permanent toon changes. I charge 30k for a Makeover(including Stat Migrate). I never migrate someone if there are Novices in the tent as I feel they need the XP more then I need the cash (unlike most IDs I am also a crafter) and I hate doing Migrates. As far as changes go I alwas say "tip me what you feel is right" or something simalar and usually get 2-10k. Even with guildies who I give it to for free.
PS I only use the Required box on Migrates and I refuse to migrate someone that says "can you change my XXXX?" then when the seasion starts says oh and can you Migrate my stats to? for less then 50k.
BTW once the seasion starts I do all my talking in groupchat so you might not see me ask for money.
Message Edited by Ke_la on 08-11-2004 10:13 PM
tawess
Thu Aug 12, 2004 2:29 am
#8
Ok just adding some input. I don't know how you all do but i have once or twice been accused for freebeing due to the fact that i handle 98-99% of the biztalk in either tells or group chat. This have had a few newcommers confused. Anyhow i always charge 10k fixed rate unless im in a good mood or the player is realy poor or a newcomer. I say don't be afraid to charge 10k... After all it is your income we are talking about.
Mildmanor
Thu Aug 12, 2004 4:57 am
#9
As a Master ID i always shovel the work off onto the novices and roleplay the shop owner. If they mess it up i fix it.
Sometimes though i have to do jobs to make some money for a new dress i want. But that is rare.
Stat migration is still a 10 min ordeal regardless. Let the novices do it for exp but charge higher prices for those in a "rush" 30-50k is a good price for those who want the "Master Makeover" and dont want to wait on the novice ot finish up.
Sometimes though i have to do jobs to make some money for a new dress i want. But that is rare.
Stat migration is still a 10 min ordeal regardless. Let the novices do it for exp but charge higher prices for those in a "rush" 30-50k is a good price for those who want the "Master Makeover" and dont want to wait on the novice ot finish up.
Springbok
Thu Aug 12, 2004 10:43 am
#10
I simply don't charge. When asked how much my reply is "No amount too small, no amount too big, there is no right or wrong, but pure donations". While this may anger some ID's out there, I feel I make way more money not charging a single credit. Last night and only being ID 1022 I made over 150k in about 3 hours. Additionally if the person is a wookiee or Rebel I tell them its free. Those wookiee's or rebels pretty much every single time are my 10-50k tippers.
Someone said to make them feel special, entertain them (we are entertainers after all). I could not agree more. So I pull out my mandoviol during the 10 minute wait and wash the tent with some ballad or waltz generally, soft relaxing music. Yes it helps I am MM/ME but we all have some entertaining skills, even if you pick up a slitherhorn and play you'll get some xp, and eventually up to music 4. The Fanfar and folk song is relaxing...it helps the time go by, and your clientele feels the same way, hence they enjoyed themselves AND got their stats migrated. Equals tips that usually exceed "charging 10k".
Sure there are your "composite wearing folks with over a 100 badges" (I check all my customer's bio's-some good stories out there) that will run off without paying a single thing. Mostly I will send them a tell of "Did you forget to tip?" Keep them off the defensive and 8 out of 10 times you get a bank tip with an apology. The other 2 say no they didn't forget, in which there is nothing you can do. (Personally they win an /addignore and /deny from me =P)
For the record i never use spatial, especially around other ID'ers in a tent, when telling my payment policy. I won't screw over another ID'er that does charge...
Erann
Thu Aug 12, 2004 11:10 am
#11
Once you master, you'll find that after the grind up the ID tree you loose your hunger to make people happy by impressing them... True When I am in a good mood and the tent is empty I might break out the mandolin and do a number I'm usually too plugged with tells from friends tell from wanna be lover tells with potencial clients and tells withthe at the moment client.
Gather some In game debt and lets see your tactics change. Pile up 4 mill and buy the av21, pile up a few more mill and buy the "dot" weapons pile up some more and live the highlife or even donate back tot he other entertainers in the cantinas whom only see 5K if they're hot looking.
Once you Max out on exp.. It's all bout credits.... I'm sorry but thats the way it is... it's a profession a job, Some people make it by hunting some make it by salvaging loot some make it my mining some make it by buffing we make it by allowing people get the look they want and dammnit there's a cost associated to that whether your grinding it or just going up the tree for kicks because you screwed up your character creation. (I didn't know about the other 4 customization windows at the start)
Charge money give a value range anything don't spoil the profession for others whom wish to make this profession thier in game job... and thats what this is a 4-5-6 hour job with little to no breaks unless you afk go peein the middle of a ten minute statmigration.
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