Re: Lady Val's Caravan

[Degren Brightforge]

"As I mentioned, I'll be doing both. We have plans to open a small stall in Applevale, but my ability to properly guess something's worth is off. If I'm to turn a profit, I'll need to be able to buy things lower than what they are worth and sell them high-- this is the way of the world. I can't do that until I know what its base price is, though, " he takes a seat on the pillow, shifting back and forth uncomfortably, "I figured that you're a trader yourself, so you might be able to help us out. We're simply looking for better avenues to sell items we find here in Holdfast, as we're filled with raw resources such as gold, diamonds, rubys, and other materials. Even alchemical items can likely be sold there-- though I suspect we might have to move further inland to find any REAL trade."

He continues to shift uncomfortably on the pillow, " But yes, in short, I suppose I'm opening a shop in Applevale."

[Lady Val]

Lady Val listens as Degren explains his intentions but is distracted by his fidgeting. "Degren, are you... alright? You seem a bit.. uncomfortable." She asks, concerned.

[Degren Brightforge]

He suddenly stops fidgeting, "... no. I'm sorry. I can't quite remember the last time I sat on something soft. This is unusual. I'll just... hang on," he pulls the pillow out from under his and hugs it in his arms, "better."

[Lady Val]

Lady Val seems surprised by this answer. "Do the knights not... have bedding?" She seems somewhat horrified at the idea that the Knights seem to lack basic furnishings.

[Degren Brightforge]

"We mostly have piles of blankets, though they're little more than pallets that keep us off the ground. They're comfortable enough, but nothing like what you have in here. This is quite luxurious, I must say," He looks about, then focuses on Val, "We live simple enough lives. For the most part, we live as hunters and gatherers, enjoying the bounty of the land and sea as much as we can... partly because we like it that way... Also, because we wish to save what coin we can spare on buying ale from the many different suppliers we have around town. Though, I admit, I might have to go about purchasing a few of these next time there's an opportunity."

[Lady Val]

Lady Val considers Degren for a moment, and wonders how anyone survives without eiderdown bedding. She snaps herself out of her thoughts and finally replies.

"That's... I had never really considered that people might sleep on pallets. But umm.. back to your point, I think it would be beneficial for members of Holdfast to begin expanding the town's economy. I myself have considered resuming travelling to sell enchanted items, although having a singular shop in Soul's Landing may be more beneficial. Perhaps we could make some sort of deal, once I have spoken to Esildan of course. I would hate to steal business from a fellow enchanter."

"If evaluating things is what you need to be able to sell your wares then let's start with the basics" She pulls out a fire mana and a necklace with a purple gem stone. "How much would you say this mana or perhaps this necklace is worth?"

[Degren Brightforge]

Degren looks at them, thinking, "Well, Mana's worth about a rock each... but the necklace... I have no clue. 4 rares?"

[Lady Val]

Lady Val nods and smiles "Well yes actually, the mana is a rock and the necklace is 4 rares but only because it is enchanted. The necklace itself would likely only be about two rares. Lets look at armour and weapons." Lady Val takes a silvered longsword from a pile of ten other silvered longswords over by one of the walls of the tent. "How much would you say this is in terms of its value?"

[Degren Brightforge]

"Silvered Longsword? Depends, is it exceptional? If it is, you're looking at about 4 rocks, if it isn't, probably around 8 or 9, maybe more depending on the cost of silver. Generally, Silver's going fer 1 rock an ingot, so I'll say 8?"

[Lady Val]

"It is indeed exceptional so based on manufacturing costs alone yes that would be correct, but you also need to factor in the smith's time and training. As a result, the cost would likely be closer to 10 rocks. That's also something you need to be aware of, you need to factor in time and skill, and if you are selling something, profit." She puts the sword back on the pile with the others. "If you are going to be selling items in Applevale you need to mark things up if you are to make a profit, and you need to be aware of the base cost of something so you can tell when someone is marking things up excessively. Although most traders in Applevale are honest, I have met a few in Tor'Jadin who have overpriced their items to take advantage of those who do not know how to evaluate an object's worth, especially in the tourist areas."

[Degren Brightforge]

Degren nods, "I think I understand what you're saying-- There's always a markup cost somewhere to produce profit." Degren considers the swords ," They're nice swords, them. I wasn't aware you were in the weapons trade, Lady Val."

[Lady Val]

"They are due to be sent to Borin actually. Bikbun is storing them here. Apparently the Applevale Guard need silvered swords."

[Degren Brightforge]

"Oh, good. I hear they could use a few extra weapons. I know they're having just as many problems as we are, and I've gotta say-- silver seems to be the way to go," Degren nods, "What else can you suggest for evaluating the market, trading, selling, and such?"

[Lady Val]

"Well in terms of selling, never sell yourself short. Always factor your hard work into your prices. Now I can also tell you some tings to remember when it comes to market etiquette. 1) Don't run others out of business unless that is your intention, I recommend it not being your intention. So be mindful of your fellow merchants in the town. 2) Be fair to your customers, a bad reputation can ruin your business. 3) Be reasonable, allow customers to haggle within reason."

[Degren Brightforge]

"Your council is very useful, I'll be sure to bring it with me to the trading table. I'm sure you have your own ways, but I'll offer it anyway. If ever you wish to sell something at our shop, simply speak to me. I'm sure we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement."

[Lady Val]

"I was thinking something similar myself, however I wish to speak to Esildan and Amy first. I do not want to compete with them in such a poor economical climate. I am thinking about opening my own shopfront in Soul's Landing and, since you have offered me the option to sell my wares in your shop, I may as well offer you the opportunity to sell yours in mine. Although Bikbun has already offered his services, I think diversity of stock is important and having more than one smith's items on offer could lead to greater overall profit. Perhaps we can talk shop management later."

*OOG*
This is Lady Val a.k.a. Hilary signing off on Evaluate 1 for Degren Brightforge and potentially Auron Warfield if he wants it, although I would have liked to have seen more in class participation Auron.

Overall Marks in Evaluation Training 101:
Degren Brightforge A
Auron Warfield B-

[Degren Brightforge]

Degren gives Val a quick bow of the head, "Thank you, my lady. Perhaps in the future you'd be willing to teach me further?"

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