|
Time for a little lesson in economics!
The complaints never end - everything seems to be overpriced. Faeries
are sold for 1,000 NP while the item screen says they're only worth 90
NP, food is sold for hundreds when it can be purchased for only a mere
few. Supply and Demand. First of all, I'd like to say that the value presented
on the item screen is not necessarily true. It's entirely based on supply
and demand. If there are not many items on the market, they are obviously
rare and will sell for a lot. If there are tons of items, all of which
won't really matter much to most users, the price will significantly drop.
The value represented on the item screen does not keep up with market
trends, but it is merely the intention of the value of these things.
Current Market Trends
As of now relate to the biggest news to hit Neopia--the near opening of
the Battledome. To prepare your pets for the Battledome, you'll be needing
codestones, and of course, faeries. Because of this demand, shop owners
know that they can charge more, because people will buy them. Earlier
this year, faerie prices were on average 5000 NP! Up to about a month
ago, that value had dropped to mere hundreds. At that time, the abilities
given to your pets didn't do much good. However, now users know that the
more abilities they have, the better off their pets will be. Thus the
price of faeries has soared back into the thousands, and you can expect
them to get even higher once the Battledome is actually released. Save
your NP, and buy them now!
The Competition Factor
It should be noted that the lowest prices on the wizard aren't necessarily
overpriced. If that's the cheapest you can get the item, then that's the
cheapest. Period. Granted, certain items are clearly overpriced, but that
can only be said in comparison to other items on the market. It can't
be compared to what you think you should pay, what you want to pay, or
how much NP you have. What can shop owners be expected to do? I have my
own shop, and I always check the wizard for every single item. And I always
price my items as the lowest on the wizard. But why would I make them
significantly lowered? For instance, if you found a Fire Faerie. Would
you sell it for 90 NP, what it is 'worth', or would you sell it for as
much money as possible while still being the cheapest on the market? The
answer is simple - you are providing customers with savings by being the
lowest on the market. But you're also creating a fair profit for yourself.
People cannot expect other people to be handing out items practically
for free.
Remember, NeoPets is a game, and it's fun to play. It's fun to gain NP
and buy nice things for your pets. Half the fun is being competitive,
so get on your thinking cap, and become a Neopian entrepreneur!
|
