Just The Tip Please

Posted by J.E. Douglas at 11:48 AM

One of the Major income resources for crafters is doing custom crafting for players.   Advertising your crafting wares so that others can have items produced.   It is advantageous because it mostly uses their mats,  as well as doesn't require listing and relisting of items on the auction house.

But a big misnomer is the requesting for a 'tip'.  A tip is generally considered an addition to the price of making an item.  A set amount from the menu to say I will craft it for this price.  The tip portion isn't something that is required (even in restaurants that have a 6 person party addition to the order isn't a tip,  it's a service charge)

Every so often you will see verbal squabbles of people arguing about whether a required amount is a tip or that working for the kindness of others is a better method.   To me,  I've always gone with the idea that for bigger ticket items (weapons,  armor etc.) that a set amount negotiated is going to be more valuable than depending on the generosity of a buyer.   Occasionally you may end up giving someone a better than average tip,  but then that is counterbalanced by the cheap person who only gives you 5 gold for making their new leather PVP set.

There is no real set amount for value on your crafting expertise.  It many times depends on the health of the economy on the server.  If you are familiar with the materials market you can get a general idea of how much an item costs on the Auction house then subtract the material cost if you had to provide the materials.   Then subtracting a percentage based on the client providing the materials can give you a good idea of how much to charge for crafting.

Another option is to just set your prices based on cost analysis.  If an item is valued at 50g.  Then asking for 5g a piece to craft (10%) is not out of the ballpark.  If an item costs 10,000g then asking for a 1000g crafting charge (10%) is also viable.   The percentage can vary depending on the market,  but crafting the 10000g item for 5g is noble eyes of some but not good economically in the long term for your money goals.

Knowing how to tip is very similar.   Good tips can create good relationships.   Creating another addition to your go to cartel is you need items created.  Also these relationships can net sales if your client is looking for someone to have something crafted.   This technique of keeping relationships viable and active through a good tip might net you one or two sales only.  But that is one or two sales less that you have if you try to be cheap and don't provide the gratuity.

There are many traps and falls that can occur from simple items such as tipping.  Walk straight and know just a few rules to being a good vendor,  and a good Gold Goblin.

Good Luck and Good Hunting



Want to get in contact with me? . Email me at Dragonbearjoe @ gmail. dOT com or find me on twitter at "@JMTCMommar" You can find me hanging out on the Shandris Server, chat me up and I will buy you a glass of juice. 

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