How to Merchant

**Sephor Adrano Vendencia's Account of Merchanting in A'therys**

"If you are interested at all in merchanting, I can tell you that it's quite a bit of fun. I made this to explain and tell the stories of some merchants on this server. About a month ago, I made a post asking for your ideas on how to be a successful merchant. In case you haven't seen it or contributed tips, please go tothis link and drop your knowledge there.

Probably the best-known merchant in A'therys is the now-retired founder of the Stoneharbor Company, **Joshua Stone.** Here's a quote from him: "Money making is easy, but then again I'm a relatively decent merchant. Not trying to brag here, but typically I'd suggest starting working under people and learning from them. I started under Piano and Ozadu (other merchants, one who is still around-ish, one from V1) a long time ago, and they taught me how to do the majority of what I do now."

Also, as an admin advised: "Join a merchant company as a supplier or courier. They are almost always looking for people. Sell basic materials such as stone, wood, dirt, grass, etc., because people need them in abundance. Jump on every opportunity like it's your last, and make an effort to work out a price and complete the sale. Sell something that everyone else is too lazy to sell or something that no one sells. Take risks. Sometimes you need to spend money to make money. Get in contact with people and establish them as permanent clients. Long story short, don't be lazy."

My advice is fairly simple. I started selling wood because I had a few good axes to use. Then I did something risky. I don't remember what it was, but now I have a few permanent clients I check in with on a weekly basis. I know they are building towns. Sadly, I'm getting lazy now, but I am now expanding to other opportunities.

But here's a rich Halion resident's advice: "To be honest, the whole starting from the bottom attitude (grinding) is completely unnecessary in A'therys. The best advice I can give is to make yourself the best at what you do. Not only will A'therys become more enjoyable along the way but the money will follow. Anyone who begs to differ doesn't understand the idea. For example, there was a time where I was one of the more active paid builders on the server. During that time I made sure the customers I wanted to work for knew who I was and knew of my caliber. However there are many professions that you could be the best at. PvPing, building, couriering goods, producing goods, breeding animals, etc. There are many others that are more RP based but the list is near endless.

Once you've mastered your profession you have the choice of sticking with it and improving or managing. The most successful merchant I know was one who managed a multitude of different professions. When you have, for instance, the best builders on the server, you will be able to sell average PvPers or couriers items for higher prices. This is simply due to the fact that people like shopping for everything in one place.

Its also worth noting that most well off (many of the supposed "top" merchants) on the server have never really made it into the top category of wealth. Getting to the top is simply about prestige... and beacons."

I hope you enjoyed this and learned something new!

~Sephor Adrano