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Well, it seems like the hard work is done, but it's really just begun.
The most challenging, and most fun, part of being a successful merchant
is pleasing your customers while maintaining a healthy bottom line.
The most obvious way to please customers is to keep a good stock of
items and to keep your prices competitive. Watch for trends in the sale
of your merchandise and don't be afraid to adjust prices and the make-up
of your inventory to suit the buying patterns of your customers. Hang out
at your shop for an hour every day and chat with the customers - they are
your best source for information on the marketplace. Remember - a happy
customer will keep coming back and will bring friends.
If your vendor is in the wilderness, offer free heals and other helpful
spells to passers-by - this will get their attention. I probably resurrected
150 ghosts who wandered by my tent (showing my age a bit :), many of whom
immediately refitted themselves from my wares. If someone is down on her
luck (the Marlenes used to live in a PK frequented zone), I'll give her
a free weapon or some gold to get her started - I'm confident that, ultimately,
the gold will end up back in my coffers, with interest.
If one of your customers is locked in battle, ask her if she require
assistance and let her have the lion's share of the loot from any kill.
Just like real life, small kindnesses can be repaid many times over. A
player who feels gratitude toward you will go out of her way to shop at
your vendor, as long as the prices are reasonable.
If you see someone making repeated purchases, ask her if she has a rune
to your vendor. If not, give her a free one. If she already has one, give
her one to give to a friend.
I'm always amazed at how few people haggle in UO. When I see a customer
taking a long look at my items, I always say, "if you see something you
like, make me an offer". Remember that no matter how much you sell an item
for, you're probably still making a profit. Generosity in the short run
is always rewarded in the long run. |
Stratics Central
