Being Bahama

Master Trader - Part I

I’ve seen a lot more traders around lately.  You see them surveying for materials outside Mos Eisley or at the bazaar, presumably selling their wares.  Many I’ve met are concerned about one thing - becoming a master of their trade. They set their crafting tools to practice mode put it on auto and expect to come back a few hours later a master trader.

But from where I’m sitting, I think they’re missing the point.  You’re not a master trader until you’ve mastered trading, or the buying and selling of commodities.  Otherwise you’re just a collector of schematics.

So, what’s my advice to new traders seeking fame and fortune?  For starters, take your tool off practice mode.  Actually make, by hand, several units of every item you have a schematic for. 

• Record what materials are needed for each. You’ll need this information later to know which materials and how much of each you’ll need to harvest or purchase. 
• Take the time to figure out how much each item costs you to produce.  Now’s the time to start developing your price list and step one in doing that is figuring out how much you need to pay just to make it.
• Do some market research.  Head to the bazaar and see what comparable items are going for across the galaxy.  How many are up for sale already?  Who’s your competetion? Is there a niche that’s been overlooked that perhaps you can fill?
• Get a vendor.  Place a shop, set up a vendor and begin to sell the items you can make.  You’re going to have to experiment a bit to see which items will sell best and at which price.   Don’t assume that because an item is lower level there isn’t a demand for it.  It’s also ok to sell things for less than they cost you to make.  You’re paying for your education here!
• List on the bazaar.  It’s a whole different game.  Items tend to sell for much more on the bazaar in Mos Eisley than on vendors.  Folks will pay more for the convenience.  You’ll also find that demand is different.  Those who are new to the galaxy have different needs and wants than those that have been around a while.  So experiment and find out what you can make that they want.

That should keep all you traders busy for a bit ;)  Next up: What you need to run your business.