Market Mysteries Revealed, Volume 1

Merchants don't want you to know about this one simple trick!

(gestures for you to come closer)

Actually we do, because wealthy players spend more gold. A strong economy benefits all.

Tip #1: Know how quickly fighters accumulate wealth.

Solo adventurers can walk down a valley road to inquisitor tents and earn 3 to 5 gold coins from each soldier fought. Braver souls can earn 30 to 50 gold from each harvester fought in Lyonesse. Clans descend into a dungeon and each party member earns thousands of gold!

Tip #2: Use that knowledge to determine your own worth.

Did you gather and craft for one hour, or ten? Would you have made more in that time if you swung a sword instead of a pickaxe? Your time and efforts are just as valuable!

Tip #3: Lowballing will end your career before it starts.

Nobody wants to browse an empty market stall. If you price so low that you can't keep stock on the shelves, then you don't have money or wares.

Tip #4: Everyone wants something.

Remember the pain points that you encountered when building a town or leveling a craft. Listen to others talk about what would make their lives easier. Get to know the people and the professions in your neighborhood.

Tip #5: Resources are regional, to an extent.

I have one cluster of oat grain near my east home, and several clusters near my west home. Should the east grain be priced higher? Should both grains be priced as the average of the two?

Tip #6: The first person to list an item was guessing the value.

Don't be so quick to look up what other sellers are doing. During Yule Festival, I was the first person in Sif to sell Meirothea’s Yule Flame hanging lamps. And I was grinding out hundreds of them versus occasional single-lamp competitors who followed in my footsteps. Their prices matched or undercut mine. My prices... had no data for comparison because I was first. It's a spitball, not a stone tablet. Try something. If it works, keep it up. If it doesn't work, adjust until you see results.

Tip #7: Don't let others determine that you are worth less.

I listed some of those lamps as bulk deal bundles, then some people complained that individual lamps were more expensive! They'll be quick to point to average price data. Or to inform you they can get it cheaper elsewhere. Some want to haggle for fun, others want to exploit for profit. Part of standing your ground is not being desperate to make a quick coin. Keep yourself fed and stocked. Don't sell the essentials you need to live comfortably. Don't worry so much about being likeable that you become a people-pleasing doormat. Respect yourself, then others will do the same or move along.

Tip #8: Be willing to adapt.

This week, lime mortar might be hot. Then it might not sell for a few weeks. Maybe bones for glue are the new trend. New birds bring new feathers. Or maybe you have a stall of items collecting dust, and now it's time to have a clearance sale so you can refresh stock. Maybe you like your neighborhood enough to implement an occasional friends and family discount.

Tip #9: Be willing to travel.

Valleys are communicating with each other now. Merchants are attending events in other provinces, looking for deals to bring home. Travel costs gold, grace, and time.

Tip #10: Find your fun.

Are you miserable chopping your way to a charcoal empire? Maybe relax while picking flax, and sell that instead. Bored with one stall, or overwhelmed by ten? Build that general store with just the right amount of space. Or become a fighter instead, chasing the excitement of fame and fortune. Being a merchant should feel like a choice, not a chore.

Next time, we'll discuss how to make the most out of your border-crossing trips. Until then, cheers! (raises mug)