How to Properly Run a Shop

by thedrago

Let's admit it, while most of us run a shop...but, how many of us know how to run them? Sure, most people promise "low" prices or rare items, but how many people actually live up to that? I have seldom seen a shop that does, and I decided to try and explain just how to run a shop so that you can live up to those promises.

Starting Out

To begin, you must have at least 250 NP to open a shop. However, I recommend having about 2000 NP or more. You should also have a bank account opened with some Neopoints in it. This way, when your shop sells lots of stuff, you can fill up your account quickly.

I suggest stocking smaller, cheaper items at first. The rare items you get from Random Events are also good to sell. If you are looking for cheap items to sell quickly I recommend foods. Some suggestions include:

NeoTaco
Cherries
Grapes
Organic Pear
Organic Cherries

These items you can sell for about 17-25 NP, but buy for about 10-15 NP. If you sell a lot of them, you can make around 1,000 NP...it just takes time to collect the items from the main shops.

To get items for your shop, you must, I repeat, you must get the restock times. The restock times are NOT random and, should you find them, you can easily restock your shop. How do you do this? Well, open up the Neopian Times in a new window and the Main Food shop in the other. While you read the Times, check back in the Food shop EVERY MINUTE and hit "Reload". When the stock is filling, write the time down. All the shops restock at the same times, so you'll only have to take one hour to do this. (NOTE: Sometimes the restock times change, so be prepared.)

After you get the items, be sure to price your items fairly. If you happen to overpay for an item, sell it reasonably. If you managed to pay 20 NP for a 100% Fake Uni Mask, but find you can only sell it for about 10 NP, sell it for that or keep it. Isn't it better to lose 10 NP rather than 20 NP?

Pricing Competitively

Many people go to the Shop Wizard and price their items at the lowest that is there. While this does work...I have found that it promotes inflation...somewhat. I find that it is better to price items, especially items you buy cheap, MUCH lower than other people. (e.g. Rainbow Neggs cost over 4,000 NP, so I price them at 3,700 NP.) I have found that if you price things cheap enough, people will use your shop as a method of restocking their shops. And, trust me, they will buy a lot.

Here are some good example prices that you can use, I have found that people enjoy them a lot better than the other ones.

Codestones: 4,000-5,5000 NP
Cheap Foods: 16-25 NP
Organic Foods: 20-25 NP
Magic Items: 750-5,000 NP

Haggling Tips

If you are determined to run a shop, haggling will be a major part of your NeoLife. How do you do this? Well, learning what to haggle for is something you should do first. For instance, you won't need to haggle for Neggs, as you can always sell them for more than you buy them in the main shops. However, items like Morphing Potions and Battledome items you SHOULD haggle for.

After you know what you want to haggle for, here is a system that has always worked for me:

1. Halve the Price (ex: 1,000 to 500)
2. Increase with increments of 5-50 (ex: 550) If the item is considerably more (ex: 10,000) increase with increments of 500
3. Work toward the middle slowly
4. Make sure that the shop dealer is not getting too mad. If she is, then go up slightly more and that may appease them

Also, try upgrading your discount card! This can change a price of 150 to 135!

Moving Up and Out

After your shop grows to be a good size of thirty or larger, and if you gain at least 20,000 NP or more, I suggest moving past foods. Stocking them is still a good idea, as they bring in many customers. I recommend items from the Magic shop and such things. Battle items are definitely drawing many people, as now there is one player mode in the Battledome. Other good things to consider include: Morphing Potions, Neggs, and Weaponry. These can bring in 900 NP all the way up to 65,000 NP. (If priced higher than that, most people won't buy 'em.)

Being Consistent

I will be the first to admit my fickleness when it comes to buying things. However, consistency can not only bring in customers, but it also keeps them coming in. If you sell cheap weaponry, you'll get a good shrew of Battledome goers to visit your shop almost daily.

Another good idea to do is check your Sales History. Who buys from you often? Neomail them and thank them, or maybe become their Neofriend. NeoPets isn't just about money, it is about having fun with friends...and it is a wonderful place to make them! Mingle!!!

Rarer and Expensive Items

Some items you can only get by playing games or by paying A LOT for them. (Magical Poogle Toys, Magical Meerca Toys, etc.) These items are good to have in your shop because they make others jealous and also attract older and richer customers. While you might not be able to restock them regularly, you probably won't have to, for they tend to take a while to sell.

Closing Tips and Tricks

1. ALWAYS check the Shop Wizard before you price something.
2. For those of you with smaller shops, fill them entirely before setting prices. The more you have for sale, the more people will buy.
3. NEVER hold a contest unless you will live up to it.
4. Be kind to your customers. Thank them if you have the time, or offer to fight them in the Battledome
5. Change your shop description and such regularly and keep it simple.
6. When putting images in your shops, go lightly on them. When your shop takes too long to load, people might not be able to buy.
7. Don't put Neobadges on your page expecting to redirect new players; non-Neopians CANNOT see shops!

In short, be creative and have a good time! I hope to see a whole bunch of new and prospering Neopians. Feel free to Neomail me at any time. Kougra Care, Chia Chance, Lenny Love, and Eyrie Empathy be with you!