WTF is up with all these 2k-runners?

dahlen

dahlen

Academy Page

Join Date: Dec 2005

Destiny of Guilds

At the moment, my income is 100% from solo Droknar runs, which gives me 15k in total for each run. (3k*5).

What really buggers me is the new "fly" or fashion called 2k-runners. Can anyone tell my why people run for 2k nowadays? You will obviously earn more from farming. Most of these 2k-runners are, yes, noobs and scammers. Their successrate is like 5%, while mine is constantly at 100%.

And the beginners will obviously fall for this "new thing". I've heard from passengers on my run that they've been scammed a lot from these 2k-runners.

WTF is up with this new thing? It's hard to get passengers nowadays. 2k-runs isn't worth the time if you're greedy like me. Besides. Now that EVERYONE (the running-noobs) does it for 2k, the "real noobs" will think that the OFFICIAL price is 2k.

Please don't flame me or anything, but I just want an answer to this tragic fashion.

Buggers me a lot.
What also buggers me, are the "real" noobs who flame you for charging a fee for the run. An example:

Jerk: "Are you running to Drakknar???????????????"
Me: "I'm running to Droknar, yes. 3k."
Jerk: "3k??!?!??!?! SCREW YOU"
Me: "huh?"
Jerk: "F*CK YOU!!! WHY PAY FOR ARUN?!
Me: "Chill, man..."
Jerk: "F*CK YOU, ASSHOLE!!"

This is really annoying too.

Kaguya

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jan 2006

Moon

Mo/

"buuhuu, cheaper runners are stealing my bread"

*sigh*

Say hi to competition _o/ What about the free runners, wanna rant about them too?

dahlen

dahlen

Academy Page

Join Date: Dec 2005

Destiny of Guilds

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaguya
"buuhuu, cheaper runners are stealing my bread"

*sigh*

Say hi to competition _o/ What about the free runners, wanna rant about them too?
Well. I'm just a bit confused how the fee could drop to rapidly. Please don't flame me for this.

striderkaaru

striderkaaru

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

Scars Meadows [SMS], Retired Officer

W/

it's not a rapid drop in fees. it's called competitive market. runner offering a lower price, whether they scam or not, will get more interest.

think about it. if you want to buy something from a store and you see the same item for a lower price next door, where will you buy it?

dahlen

dahlen

Academy Page

Join Date: Dec 2005

Destiny of Guilds

Quote:
Originally Posted by striderkaaru
it's not a rapid drop in fees. it's called competitive market. runner offering a lower price, whether they scam or not, will get more interest.

think about it. if you want to buy something from a store and you see the same item for a lower price next door, where will you buy it?
I get your point.
But the quality of the runner plays a big part.
Candy for instance. The quality of the identical candy sort might be better at the more expensive shop, than the cheaper. This can vary of course...

striderkaaru

striderkaaru

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

Scars Meadows [SMS], Retired Officer

W/

Quote:
Originally Posted by dahlen
I get your point.
But the quality of the runner plays a big part.
Candy for instance. The quality of the identical candy sort might be better at the more expensive shop, than the cheaper. This can vary of course...
granted. however, it's hard for people to be able to tell the quality of the runner at the offset. chances are that people offering a lower price are scammers, but they can also be decent runners. people have no way of knowing. hence, uninformed clients will judge based on price.

my suggestion is to build a good relationship with your clients. if you make successful runs and make your clients happy, ask them to recommend you to friends instead of take chances with other runners. you might find yourself being whispered by their friends for runs and not be at a loss for business.

darkMishkin

darkMishkin

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jul 2005

UK

Servants of Fortuna [SoF]

Mo/

I suggest you pay for some professional PR and advertising. Get a good brand image, a theme tune and a groundbreaking TV advertising campaign. Then you might even be able to charge more than 3k.

EiS

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jan 2006

Save The Dragons

R/Mo

I got my run to Drock's for free the guy even made it the first try to my suprise without even coming close to dieing me personally i would go for the cheapest run if the guy dosen't make all it means is some time wasted no money and usaully you get it even cheaper if the guy dies which makes it even better me i usaully pay 1/4 at where ever he says to pay and the rest at Drock's and haven't gotten scammed yet by runners

darkMishkin

darkMishkin

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jul 2005

UK

Servants of Fortuna [SoF]

Mo/

Quote:
Originally Posted by striderkaaru
...if you make successful runs and make your clients happy...
The problem with running as a business model, is that your 'successful' clients are half-way across the planet, with other things on their mind.

In the real world of course, Beacon's Perch would have friendly residents, who you would drink with you in the pub, and would funnel customers your way, while warning against the 2k upstarts. But unfortunately the Beacon's pub (the Rurik's Arms) burned down when the landlords stash of haloween absinthe caught fire. No residents survived.

AxeMe

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Atlanta

HEX

W/

It's just supply and demand.

As some of the farming techniques have been nerfed - and it's been a gradualy process over months, so I'm not talking about one specific activity, this goes all the way back to adding keys to chest and changes in how AOE works - those who need to make money have turned to other ways, including running.

So that's added a lot of runners. And with a larger supply and the same demand prices were bound to drop.

That also - the larger pool of new runners - accounts for the lower skill levels to some degree.

as893

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Sep 2005

LOST

I paid 2K for drok on my two other characters and 1K for another one. They all great runners (The runner die once at the wurm place in one of the 2K run, but he made it on the second try). I personally think 2K-3K is a reasonable price for a drok run. This is a world of demand and supply, no need to blame those cheaper runners. Competition is always there.
A smart customer will not get scammed, I usually pay 1K at snake, 500 at camp and 500 at forge. Runner can make to snake dance usually can make to forge. Never pay a runner in advance.

Janus Anobix

Academy Page

Join Date: Dec 2005

POWR

Mo/

the people that get scammed just don't know how the process is supposed to work *cough* my roommate *cough* but after learning his lesson he has gotten is runs there with no problem. Two of the itmes I have had dual runners, one of them was still just 2k, and another time it was 4k, but it was a guaranteed first-try bit, so if they die it is half price. I think the only way for you to get people to continue to pay 3k is to broadcast that you are a pro-runner and have guaranteed arrival, the number of times completed is also quite helpful.

Caleb

Caleb

Nil nisi malis terrori.

Join Date: Aug 2005

Mo/Me

Quote:
Originally Posted by dahlen
Their success rate is like 5%, while mine is constantly at 100%.
I only speak to call you out on this sentence. There is absolutely 0% chance that you have a 100% success rate running to Droknar Forge from Beacon's Perch.

Simply put, since the latest changes to the area it is impossible to be 100% through every chaser wurm/dual golem/Heretic spawn. Unless you have only run 10 or 11 times total lately, you are fibbing about being 100%.

Cell Undertaker

Cell Undertaker

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Nov 2005

The Netherlands

The Malevolent Wolfpack

lol are you running to Drakknar OmfgRofLmao. They tell me all the time too, Are u going to drokrans gorfe?? ... they are so stupid....Sry to say but there are loads of Maps on the net and Droknars is prob. 1 of the most important towns, with the cheap ''best'' armor.

The Herbalizer

The Herbalizer

<3 Ecto

Join Date: Jul 2005

Who cares if people charge 2k. Heck sometimes I charge 4k per person or on private runs 5k per person. I will run for a minimum of 3k and that is a easy 15k. Only today I was told that the runners running for free are the ones who cant make it and they said they learnt from personal experience.

Kook~NBK~

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Mar 2005

A little chalet outside Drok's

Natural Born Killaz

Seems like there's as many runners in Beacon's Perch as there are people wanting to be run, so of course the price of runs is gonna drop. As for putting the "scammer" label on 2k runners, that's just predjudical non-sense. There's scammers at every price range and running style.

The one time I got ran to Droknar's - I didn't like the pay 1/2 at Snakedance thing because it's paying for getting to a place you can't get back to if the runner tries the "pay me then *poof*" scam, which I've heard plenty of people complain about.. So I made the deal that I'd pay 2k at Rankor, and the rest at Drok's - worked out great and everyone was happy.

Mandy Memory

Mandy Memory

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Mar 2005

USA

Xen of Sigils [XoO]

W/

Flame on...I run for 1k...when Im running

I just hate farming

Inureface

Inureface

Banned

Join Date: Nov 2005

Asian in Lousiana

The Endbringers

R/Me

If the competition is getting to you, don't start accusing everyone who runs for cheaper than 3k to be a 5% success rate scammer. I run to desert missions for 300-500 per mission/town. I run cheaper than all the pro's and exp'd guys but that doesn't make me a scammer or a crappy runner.

Jiao Yang

Jiao Yang

Lunar Rabbit

Join Date: Dec 2005

in my experience.. its mostly (not all of the time) people who have completed the game or got far on the game that are willing to pay 3k on these 'pro' runners. There are always going to be people charging 2k or less etc and a lot of newer players will go for the cheaper option. More warning is needed for them as if they have never veen scammed before.. whats going to stop them from paying too early and getting scammed?

and also.. free runs are always going to be in demand because naturally there will be people who get to beacons with little or no money. A few times when there have been 4 or 5 wanting free runs i take them to clear the chat channel and save more people wasting hours trying to get something for nothing. Some people are just too kind... (or too bord)

Sereng Amaranth

Sereng Amaranth

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jun 2005

The Amazon Basin [AB]

Quote:
Originally Posted by darkMishkin
The problem with running as a business model, is that your 'successful' clients are half-way across the planet, with other things on their mind.

In the real world of course, Beacon's Perch would have friendly residents, who you would drink with you in the pub, and would funnel customers your way, while warning against the 2k upstarts. But unfortunately the Beacon's pub (the Rurik's Arms) burned down when the landlords stash of haloween absinthe caught fire. No residents survived.
People who have a good running experience probably have at least 2 more characters. And they also have guildmates. And they also have friends. The one that ran my 2nd, 3rd and 4th characters is still in my friends list and I give his name when people ask if I can run them to Droks.

And that is a nice piece of lore.

Toffin

Toffin

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Dec 2005

Camp Rankor

No Diplomacy Only War [nDoW] No Diplomacy Only Slackers [nDoS] Looking for an Alliance.

W/

I feel your pain... I have been doing runs from Ascalon to Desert then to all Desert locations for 15-25K, lately alot more people have been undercutting saying for 5K total to desert. The income has gone down for running but I do still do runs for about 10-15K and stop almost everywhere on the way there.

Edit: I dont think they are scamming but more and more people are trying to find ways of making a quick plat or two... I have been leaving the Drok's alone.

EiS

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jan 2006

Save The Dragons

R/Mo

its a stupid thing to complain about the price will drop after a wile it will never stay the same price forever so just suck it up and still try to make runs at 3k

darkMishkin

darkMishkin

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jul 2005

UK

Servants of Fortuna [SoF]

Mo/

Runners get ready for a whole series of new routes in Chapter2. I personally guarantee ANet will put in another Droknar-style huge run, it's such a great, dramatic and challenging addition, and makes the world of Tyria that much more believable.

Bring on Droknars II: The Wurms Strike Back.

SaintGreg

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Oct 2005

For an important run like beacons to droknar's, I'm always glad to pay a little bit extra, because usually this means a higher chance of success. Anyone can run the desert, northern shiverpeaks, etc. But for difficult runs like beacon's to drok's, Rankor to war cam and the like, not wasting your life away on a cheaper runner will save you money in the long run. Which is why I think for difficult runs a certain price should be agreed upon, but for easy runs I usually do for donations to save a ton of hassle.

Guardian of the Light

Guardian of the Light

Forge Runner

Join Date: Sep 2005

Radicals Against Tyrants

W/

this is the economy's way of nerfing Drokar runners. Anet didn't do anything and you can't do anything either. I guess you'll have to get 10k per run istead of 15k o man I fell soooo sry for u .

Retribution X

Retribution X

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Nov 2005

Check behind you again.

N/

Quote:
Originally Posted by darkMishkin
Bring on Droknars II: The Wurms Strike Back.
I likey!

Actually, i think ANet doesn't mind runs, because i think Gaile was run. (Since when can you get a lvl 7 @ LA?)

darkMishkin

darkMishkin

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jul 2005

UK

Servants of Fortuna [SoF]

Mo/

Quote:
i think Gaile was run. (Since when can you get a lvl 7 @ LA?)
Her barrage does +422 damage. And her Read the Wind stacks with her Favourable Winds.







And all three are effected by her Bloodstained Boots.

Dawgboy

Dawgboy

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Dec 2005

Ohio

Antisocial Misfit

Do like Janus mentioned and offer guarunteed runs- 3k, half off if you die.
If you have 100% success it won't make you any less money, right? Plus, people love to gamble. They would take you up on it and then cheer for your death. (At least the first death-then they'd all be on your side.)

mattjones527

mattjones527

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Oct 2005

Well I used to do forge runs alot, and I made alot of money. It used to be a good source of money, however now its the main attraction to new runners. The only problem is that since the droks run is believed to be the ultimate run, thats what new runners are striving for. Then end result is a huge influx of runners, which equals lower prices.

If you seriously want to make some money just start soloing the thirsty river. Currently there is an excellent markey right now. people pay from 6k-10k for a run, and there are plenty of clients. So if you do the warrior way to solo that 30k-50k per run which is 20-30mins. If you choose to go the Minion Master route then you lose one spot on the team for the healer hench, but the run is about 15-20mins. Since the droks run has been flooded I would reccomend thirsty river running to anyone who wants to make ALOT of money, before chapter 2 comes out.

generik

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jun 2005

A lot of these runners won't make it, either that or they are scams.

It is sad really, a guildie and I recently had the experience of sticking out in beacons looking for a runner, in 2 hours, none of them made it.

More runners are starting out and hence they are charging cheaper, unfortunately they are really trying their luck, none of them have any skill.

Guardian of the Light

Guardian of the Light

Forge Runner

Join Date: Sep 2005

Radicals Against Tyrants

W/

I met a person who got me to Drokar's who charged 2k. After the run we told her to charge more. That is after OUR run. . Dang fast runner too.

Janus Anobix

Academy Page

Join Date: Dec 2005

POWR

Mo/

Quote:
Originally Posted by mattjones527
Well I used to do forge runs alot, and I made alot of money. It used to be a good source of money, however now its the main attraction to new runners. The only problem is that since the droks run is believed to be the ultimate run, thats what new runners are striving for. Then end result is a huge influx of runners, which equals lower prices.

If you seriously want to make some money just start soloing the thirsty river. Currently there is an excellent markey right now. people pay from 6k-10k for a run, and there are plenty of clients. So if you do the warrior way to solo that 30k-50k per run which is 20-30mins. If you choose to go the Minion Master route then you lose one spot on the team for the healer hench, but the run is about 15-20mins. Since the droks run has been flooded I would reccomend thirsty river running to anyone who wants to make ALOT of money, before chapter 2 comes out.
I've heard about soloing thirsty river, and after doing it in a group, I have trouble believing that it is possible to solo.

Shadowfox1125

Shadowfox1125

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2005

PST

W/

Let me remind you that a couple of months ago, 2k was the price nearly everyone paid for a run to Draknor's.
And due to the game being out for a long time, that equals more people playing; thus, more people equals more people offering running services. People see 3k as the normal rate can't find enough people, so they charge less and receive more customers.

Sax Dakota

Academy Page

Join Date: Jul 2005

Leviathan's Wake

W/Me

as long as I get there, I'll pay the 3k more so, than waste my time with a person who is charging 2k, who's sucess rate is 50%. I would gladly pay the extra 1k if I get there

Shadowfox1125

Shadowfox1125

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2005

PST

W/

Yeah, except they won't tell you their success rate, or they'd rather lie to you..
Find a guildie to run you for free or less than 2k. Simplest way.

William Stark

William Stark

Academy Page

Join Date: Dec 2005

UK

The Imperial Guards

W/Mo

I generally charge 3k to paying customers and this still seems to be an acceptable price if you are offering a good service.

As far as I am concerned, the price is justified partially by the time it takes, investment in equipment and skills etc. It is also kept at that level because of the number of scammers who will do anything to get a free run.

Although I have several anti-scammer policies, they still disrupt business on a fairly regular basis. I am not whinging about it- this is just something I accept as one of the risks of being a runner and is factored into the price. Similar to shops charging everyone more because of shoplifting levels. People scammed just as much when I was starting out and charged a lot less btw.

As far as reputation is concerned, I have found that the more I run the more of my business comes from repeat customers or referrals- these days about a third to half of my groups are made because one of the party whispered me and arranged to meet.

If I go to Beacons and see a lot of runners there, I just go elsewhere for a while. I am not out to compete with other runners and drive the market down. If they all turn out to be useless then the customers will still be there when I come back, but may understand better why 3k is the usual rate for a pro.

Jay the Jake

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Dec 2005

central United States

BrotherhoodoftheChoosen

R/Mo

Not really sure why you didnt think you would be flamed with this type of topic man. I personally paid going rate on Droks runner. In fact the runner is on my friends list and I recommend her to anyone looking for a runner. IF you still want to charge 3K and keep a good stream of money coming in I suggest that. Any business can only get repeat customers thru advertising and reputation. As for calling them all noobs for underbidding you, I run from time to time. Actually I do alot of running, but hardly charge. When I do charge I find by watching the message board that I charge less than the rest. And on top of that If someone needs a run and I am charging 1k but they only have 869g, I will run them for that. I use that price cause I ran a guy from Yaks to LA with all stops for that one night. That same night I got scammed by someone and another member of the party paid me an extra 3k. Majority of my runs are for guildies and I refuse to charge guildies. When I run guildies I always ask if anyone else wants to come along. No reason for the train to leave the station 1/2 empty. If they want to tip me, mostly they dont. Cool if not no big deal I was offering out of generousity in the first place. This is a game, its suppose to be fun. I do whats fun and nothing else. Whats the point in having 100k in storage? When you shut the computer off at the end of the night you only have the money in your wallet you had when you started playing that night anyways. Not meaning to flame anyone here just wanted to interject my opinion too.

EF2NYD

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2005

Since pretty much everyone is able to run droks, why pay the extra plat? Actually, why pay at all?

Numa Pompilius

Numa Pompilius

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: May 2005

At an Insit.. Intis... a house.

Live Forever Or Die Trying [GLHF]

W/Me

5x2K = 10K per run. That still beats farming unless they get lucky and find something really valuable.

As an aside, I get the distinct impression your post should've been in the market forum, as it's basically a commercial for your running services.

Fantomvz

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jan 2006

What I can say too few player need run, and too many runner...=)
It is ture, if u can get 3k, why would u lower urself to 2k.
But think of the other way, 2k is better then nothing right ^_^`.