trader qualifications

[jrizz]

I am not sure of this is done already, if so please point me in the right direction. There are quite a few player group (non guild, clan, official organization) trade companies advertising themselves. Some are virtual and some use a base of operations such as a house or the Arms. I think that these trade companies should some how have to be officially sanctioned and have to follow some code of pricing and conduct (not that haggling, discounts, and trades should be forbidden). Also to make sure that all goods (and CNR) were appropriated within the server rules and that some guarantee of quality (no swords that have been smashed into CNR veins 9 times before being put up for sale) is assured. Starting a player group trade company is a big thing and far different from a lone crafter who sometimes makes an item for order or who make something special and posts it for sale. If there was some certification process that these trade groups had to go through then perhaps they could be a clearing house for the lone crafter and could put some of the player crafters that don't want to bother with running a business on retainer for items. This could be a good way to help balance the economy. I know that some trade groups are “sanctioned” as a guild/clan/organization  but I don't think all trade companies are.

Cheers

[miltonyorkcastle]

it's an interesting idea, but I think more specifics are needed.  that is, I'd like to see an example of how you think it would work, or what sort of organization would oversee this, etc.  this would need to be in terms of RP and game mechanics.

[cappyra]

The Leilon Arms isn't a trade organization.  The Leilon Arms has a merchant area that is open to anyone that has items for sale.  This offers a player or organized group of players a place and a scheduled time to show and sell their wares.  I think that all the merchants that have used the Leilon Arms as a temporary outlet have gained in some way.   It gives other players a chance to view items and ask question.  It also offers a very good RP opportunity for haggling etc.

Trading and selling goods, and the introduction of items into the game world is a responsibility for all players.  As a crafter I have dumped many MANY items into the trash to avoid flooding the market with under valued goods.

Here are a couple of threads where a pricing guide was under development and then discussed:

http://www.layonaraonline.com/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=9703&posts=64

http://www.layonaraonline.com/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=18993&posts=52

Basically...  as pointed out by many posters, including Leanthar...  it is a question of being responsible.

[jrizz]

How would this work in game and out? good question. As I see it the out for game mech would be the same as say setting up a guild. You would need some bio and a good reason that doing this is in character for you. Now if it is a group working together then I think a guild would have to be formed first and then a argument presented as to how running a business fits into your guild precepts. Also you would be opening yourself up for close scrutiny by the DM team, this would also allow the DM team to limit such companies. Here are some of the critera that might be made:A trade company must:
1. Be part of or sponsored by a offical guild/clan
2. Be made up of guild/clan members
3. Donate some percentage of proceeds to the war effort (controls the flow of gold)
4. Do all buying and selling in a offical location (the Arms could be an offical location)
5. Be audited once a month (RL) (if the above is followed then a filter can be put on the log to record all transations in the location)
6. Contract some percentage of work out to independent crafters (non-guild members) (give the non-member a way to sell goods)(based on honor system)


Having a limit on these trade groups will help to control the flow and amount of gold in the world it will also lower the work the DMs need to do to monitor them.


Just my thoughts but in light of recent events this kind of structure could have prevented cheating.