Smuggler Archive
Thread: My new slice pricing
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TRDB
Fri Jul 09, 2004 6:08 pm
#1
Well, it's been a long time since I've really sliced much. Been even longer since I sliced for the public. I didn't even carry tools around for the longest time. I haven't "advertised" for slicing, so most of my customers are those who do a search for me, or are old customers. If I receive a request for my services, have tools and am in the mood then I slice. If I don't have tools or I'm not in the mood I appologize and tell them that I do not have the tools on me. I used to charge 2.5k per item and after a while raised to 4k per item. Though I was never flamed for my 4k price few seemed willing to pay, but I almost never sliced anyway. So, now that I'm carrying slicing tools around and doing a little business for fun... I've decided to change my prices.
My new price is "Whatever you think it's worth". I don't even bring up credits unless the customer asks (quite a few just pay in the trade window or tip), and if they ask that's the line they get. Excluding guild member (who actually get the same "price") here are some random samples of payment I've received... 0 for one item (from a new player, who was extremely grateful and perhaps is nowa "lifetime" customer), 313 for one item (same situation), 5k for 2 items (my old price), 100/% for x items, 20k for 1 item (twice) and 50k for 2 items. Now I haven't done too much slicing, but this is only a small example of what I've made. It's only something I do when asked, have tools and feel like it.
At this time I'd say that my average (including guild members) is 6-8k per itemand 10k when guild member are not factored. EVERY customer has been happy, sure maybe I get spd when they want damage, but EVERYONE has been happy and pleasant before, durring and after the transaction. I haven't been flamed or insulted that I'm a rip off, while making good money in what I only consider a suplement to my income. It may not be a strategy to use as a full time slicer, but if you're like me and are generally burnt out on slicing it's pretty good. Like I said, everyone's been happy including me.
ApollyonTB
Fri Jul 09, 2004 10:20 pm
#3
interesting. I used to charge 100 per %, now I chrage 4k per slice flat rate.
MaxSteele
Fri Jul 09, 2004 10:33 pm
#4
Hey TRDB, I'm glad you found a pricing scheme that works for you.
Back in February, I was starting to charge 3k per item, and was getting other Master Smugglers yelling at me for "Price Gouging".
Today I charge 5k per item, and out of the many slicing jobs I do, I have only had one or two people say: "Why do you charge so much?"
My response is always "Because that's what I charge."
I have entirely too many people who will pay 5k per slice. The one or two people who have refused do not cut into my profits at all.
Also, it has become more common for people to give me rather large tips when I give them slices they were hoping for. Several times now I have received anywhere from 25k-100k extra credits on top of my 5k per item slice.
Because every single Master Smuggler has the same chance as every other Master Smuggler for a slice, it comes down to presentation and social ability. I have been told by customers they enjoy coming to me for slicing, and as such they tell others to come to me for slicing.
Every thread that talks about pricing can be summed up in one sentence: "Charge what you want."
Egowyn
Sat Jul 10, 2004 1:34 am
#5
I charge based on my mood mostly...sometimes if the customer looks hinky I flat refuse to do it ( a lil RP ) and each day i pick a faction thatI will "gouge" charging them 1k over what I charge for similar slices for the opposite faction.
But seriously I keep tools on me and armor is a hastle so i charge 4k per component on armor and anywhere from 100 per % on weapons to 3k flat rate depending on my mood....if Im out and about doing somthing and get a tellI dont like to refuse soI usualy stop and offer a high flat rate that generaly discuarages them.
13Ghost
Sat Jul 10, 2004 1:55 am
#6
I judt dont slice anymore for the public. I only have tools on me so I can slice my own and guild weapons. I have found that I get nothing from slicing for the public. Back when I did slice it was 4k per item and 30k for a full set of comp.
I have all the cash I need so it is not even worh the time it takes to slice a full set of comp armor for 30k.
I dont know maybe I am justfrustratedwith the total randomness of slicing, when JTL comes out and we get to choose what slice we are doing if it happensI will slice agian. I hate getting a weapon that someone payed 3mil for and needs a DMG slice becasue thay are speed caped and I get a speed on it. I hate slicing my own comp armor and getting mostly ENC sliced when I was EFF. Not picking what I want to slice at master level and caped on slicing XP just bothers me to no end.
Sorry got alittle of topic.
EnderUK
Sat Jul 10, 2004 2:31 am
#7
yep it's a very good price scheme and one I use myself. This way the customer does not feel you are trying to rip them off and normaly I get around 5-10k in tips per slice were if I asked for that price they tell me that they will find someone else. I have had a couple of people that payed 2k but hey, 2k or10k it's all pocket change really. Guild is free, simply becuase they are all doctors and I get more buffs for free than they get slices so we're all really happy.
PhoenixOrion
Sat Jul 10, 2004 5:05 am
#8
I used to do the 100cr/%inc. Then I moved it to flatrate of 1500. Then 2000. Now I'm set solid at 5k. If resources get scarce, it might go up again. 
DarkTideX
Sat Jul 10, 2004 10:03 am
#9
Huh, guess I'm the only one who does 200 creds/% increase. I do just about all my business from past customers or searches. I rarely advertise. I've only ever had 1 person turn me down after telling him my price, and he was new. The slice probably would have been worth more than the gun.
I have done a few cheaper for people who asked. And wouldn't you know it, the 2 or 3 people who I let go cheaper got 27%+ slices. Hehe, oh well, happy customer is more important.
DigiDante
Sat Jul 10, 2004 10:11 am
#10
Only if you people would realize that the majority of the people out there are willing to pay even more.
I charge 10k for each individual slice. I'll sometimes discount to 75k for a full suit of armor.
I also offer a sliding scale in addition to my 10k, let them choose what they want to pay.
5k for sliced 11-24%
10k for slices 25-34%
15k for slices 35-45%
90% of the people choose the flat rate of 10k.
All you people charging 100cr/% are ruining slicing for others.
All you people charging under 5k a slice are truely hurting yourself.
You all that are around 6-8k or so... you're starting to get the hang of it.
These prices I've mentioned have been standard on Flurry for that past 2 months now, even a little longer.
YousTeForse
Sat Jul 10, 2004 1:39 pm
#11
I just tell the costumer to tip me what they want, this usually pays off very well. I think if u charge a flat rate of 5k, then you are limiting yourself. People usually pay very well, especially the higher end costumers. I've gotten 30k per slice before from doing this. Although for slicing many things (bulk orders) it's hard to say, "pay me what you want" I usually charge 2.5k for orders over 20 items. Weaponsmiths seem to like that price, and usually after I'm done slicing they tip a bit more depending on the slices I was getting.
yimaz
Sat Jul 10, 2004 2:41 pm
#12
DigiDante wrote:
yimaz wrote:
01% - 15% - 2k
16% - 24% - 4k
25% - 31% - 6k
32% - up% - 8k
Fair to me fair to my clients.
You'll never get a slice under 11% as master, so getting a 2k payout for a slice is slim to none.
4k for the majority of slices is pretty cheap... same with 6k.
Glad to know you only charge 8k for a slice that could increase the cost of a weapon by 50-100k.
Given that it is damage...
I just have a thing for low cost slices. Specifically on my server. I believe the smuggler community is just that, a community. Those who charge so little for such a great slice are hurting the community.
Message Edited by DigiDante on 07-10-2004 12:34 PM
Dude it's just what Ihave done for monthsand it works just fine for me and my clients. No need to pick it apart to make your idea look better.......
yimaz
Sat Jul 10, 2004 3:01 pm
#13
You'll never get a slice under 11% as master, so getting a 2k payout for a slice is slim to none. - that is the point
4k for the majority of slices is pretty cheap... same with 6k. -6 months ago it was to high.
Glad to know you only charge 8k for a slice that could increase the cost of a weapon by 50-100k. - I will agree, though i hate to.
Given that it is damage...
I just have a thing for low cost slices. Specifically on my server. I believe the smuggler community is just that, a community. Those who charge so little for such a great slice are hurting the community. - OMG hurting the community, please. Everyone charges a different prices, some still charge 100 credits a % (god knows why). The fact that prices do vary help's the community by allowing fordiversity and growthin the market place.
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