Shop options and prices

[Qweeg]

I wonder if someone could offer some advice please? In terms of starting a shop there seem to be several options:

1) Buy a shop
2) Buy a shopkeeper and place in, say an apartment
3) Buy a shop counter thingy (like those outside the apartment blocks on amethera) - not sure about this one, but I think this is the case?

Presumably there are pro and cons to each of these - so I was wondering which people felt were the best options.

Also I am struggling to find out ballpark costs for shops and shop counter fronts since peauction doesn't detail estates down to this level - so any rough ideas on prices would also be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[Photon]

Buy a shop ... they're purpose built for selling your stuff.

A shopkeeper in an apartment is not really good because you can't count on general visitors. You specifically have to advertise exactly where your shopkeeper is and hope that people will listen and visit.

The best shops are in the Platinum building in TI city. Expect to pay upwards of 10k for one of those, or upwards of 20k for one on TP row (the row of shops in front of the TP).

I can't really comment on the shop 'bar stands' because there aren't too many around in popular places. Saying that though, I have purchased from one before - but that was just because the seller had a grem harness at a good price.

The best combination is (imo) a shopkeeper on the ledge of a shop and a good array of decent, decently priced, well arranged stuff inside. Also, specialise in something. This is very important. People don't want to be browsing pixie and goblin shins - sell crafted armour, hard to find looted stuff, high level tools etc. Don't settle for the idea "I can sell all my crappy stuff that I have in storage if I have a shop because it won't sell on auction" ... this is not the way to run a business.

Remember that the shop is an investment for a business plan and keep to this ethic.

Hope this helps.
P.S. Deathifier ... I hope you're listening - I want one of those shops in the Silver building

 

[Qweeg]

Photon - you are a star! +rep for that really helpful and informative response

 

[Pig]

+reps for yeah photon im looking for something as well and was wondering where the best chops where thank you.