Merchant Archive
Thread: I want to be a Merchant.
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Phaelyn
Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:30 pm
#1
As a long time gamer, I have enjoyed many aspects of different types of games. In the past, if I wanted to shoot things -I did so. If I wanted to have a party (ala The Sims), I did so.
The came SWG. And I found out that I want to sell things.
This came as much as a surprise to ME as it did to many others. I found that spending hours behind a screen, with a calculator in hand to factor my costs and supply needed in game items was far, far more enjoyable than I could ever have conceived. I learned through trial and error how to make superiior items, and also through trial and error I learned how to price my items. While maybe never the lowest around, I have given fair prices for good products.
Now, a situation that threatens my style of play comes around. As is to be expected, I signify my vote by voicing my opinion. Others who supprt the idea voiced theirs. Both of our points are valid, and needed to be expressed.
But the fact of the matter is, I want to sell things. In what way can i be able to do so, and still enjoy the game I have come to love?
I've come to the realization that this is what I want:
- I want people to be able to search for items. They will not only find ME, but they will find my competitors. People the Galaxy around will instantly see that Merchants aren't all a "Faceless greedy minority". Some of us CARE about our products, and will gladly compete.
- I want you to see my prices. I already price my products well. I will not change them to undercut my neighbor, nor will I raise them to match a perceived "market" price.. My quality and price will stand on their own, or I deserve to fail. As far as I am concerned, *I* set the market, not vice versa.
- I want to specialize. I'm a Shipwright that focuses on making the best ChassisI can. I know that unless I spend large amounts of credits, my components will never match my competitior. but I am happy with that. He can sell his items, i will sell mine. There's room enough for both of us.
- I want my profession to be Elite. The Bazaar is indeed a market for those who don't have my abilities. The Bazaar should allow non-merchants to sell their wares. However, Vendors should only be in competition with each other, not with the bazaar. Institute Galaxy wide bazaar search AND a Galaxy wide vendor search - But don't lump them together. I feel that leaves the bazaar to the Looters, and leaves Vendors to Crafters alone, as it should be.
- I want a Delivery option for my goods. I however do NOT want that option to be free. Convenience has always come at a higher price. Give our customers the ability to select an instant delivery, but at a markup. In that method, I still get customers in person, AND make sales remotely to those who don't wish to travel. Their pocketbooks will decide which method they prefer.
- I want people to buy from my competitors. Competition is healthy. However, if you are going to use my vendor to purchase items from someone else, I deserve a fee for your use of my vendor to do so. It doesn't have to be a large fee, but even a pittance is worthwhile.
Now, these are my opinions, and mine alone.Some may agree with me, and others will not. I honestly believe that my profession is a needed, vibrant addition to SWG, I enjoy it. Others enjoy it. And without it, this game becomes like every other game out there that uses the MMORPG theory.
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