Ayli wrote:
I just want to clarify my position a bit. First of all, I am not opposed to
setting standard prices. In fact, I think that's a good thing. Heck, I myself
charge prices that're listed on Dryad's site and am quite happy to do so. What
I am opposed to is threatening players who decide that they would make a
better profit by charging less. If you simply want to publicize and encourage
a standard pricing scheme, more power to you. I'll even join in if I find it
reasonable (I do find the current prices reasonable). But if you start to
threaten people only for trying to make more money (after all, isn't that the
point of this guild?), that's where I have to draw the line.
And for those who say that those who chose to charge less will destroy all the
business, have you thought that maybe the business as it is is not sustainable
at current prices with the current number of merchants?
-- Ayli
Unfortunately you make the same assumption as many merchants, that somehow
lower prices means more business overall. The only reason any merchant lowers
prices is to take business from other merchants. The demand for merchant
services is almost completely invarient to price. People aren't going to buy
more repairs if they are cheaper or get more prots. I doubt they would buy
more chests as their demand is primarily driven by storage needs. About the
only merchant service which is price sensitive is power reagents.
So, what is my point? These people coming out with public lower prices have
one purpose in mind, to run lower level, less skilled merchants out of the
guild. As I have said numerous times in the past, I couldn't care less about
what the std. prices are, I will still be competative. Unfortunately the
lower level merchant hasn't a chance in a price war. So, I guess you have
your choice - you can stand up for a common price list which provides
opportunity for all merchants to do business and provides a stable environment
where customers know what they will be paying; or you can have a cutthroat
environment where all customers will constantly be looking for a "deal" and
only the most efficient (highest skilled/leveled) merchants will have a chance
to make a reasonable profit.
Personally, I rather the guild be a bit more friendly to those less
experienced - hence I vote for the standardized priced.
Dwilgar
Master Merchant
De-factor Merchant Guildmaster