OK, since there's no 'General Discussion' under the trades header I have to put this here.

What do folks think about trying to set up some sort of trading 'ring' or brokerage?

What is this, you so sagely ask? Here's the basic premise:

Bob has figures A, B & C to Trade and wants figures X, Y & Z

John Has Figures X, Z and D, is looking for A, E & F

Tonya Has Figures Y, E & F, Looking for B, C & D

No one trade will satisfy any one party, so they go to Trade Broker Tom. Tom either takes all the figures are resends them, or more likely maintains a list . . . .stating who sends what to whom. Delivery confirmation would be required on all packages.

This would have to be for vetran traders only to start with, to get a system started.

OK, it's a logistical nightmare, no doubt, but it's worth a thought . . .maybe if even just a few folks get together to create a 'trading guild' among themselves as opposed to the whole community . . .it might make getting some of those hard to find pieces a little easier.

I agree with you completely! So, I'm volunteering to create the Highlanders Trade Guild (MK. I). I'm inviting anyone who has traded with me in the past, or been an active member of the Highlander strategy threads with good trade references to PM me to discuss membership.

I'll think a bit about how we'll structure the Guild, but I think we'd start with at most 10 folks, amybe branch out from there.

Anyone interested? Irish Rogue?

Yes it is a very good idea, But what does the broker get? Maybe a non every time he or she brokers a trade? it has Lagistical problems BIG ones, But it could in theory work.

I think the logistical issues of such a brokerage are probably too complex, and the "broker" would need some motivation for doing all the work.

What I think could be really useful (but would require some coding) would be to set up an automated trade system. Basically a user would enter a list of the units they have for trade along with what they're looking for. The system would then search through its user DB and present a list of other users with partially matching lists. You could then check off items and send a trade request, etc...

Of course, I really don't have the time available to code it myself, but someone else was interested...

THATS a very good idea Random :) <_< If only somthing like that on MW Realms existed.....Alas like Hover Cars and colony's on the moons if it ever happens.....it wont be in our lifetime.

A broker system is not a bad idea. But usually in the "real world" ;) the broker gets a commission or fee as compensation for his efforts. What you proposed sounds like a lot of work, and while it may work out great for Bob, John, and Tonya, it's not going to be such a great deal for the broker, unless you can come up with some plausible way to reward him.

Hmmmm......4$ Per Trade action for the Broker? +Re-Shipping costs(so 10$ basic for one trade) I might use one if they existed, But only on things i have had a hard time finding. E: Mason, Rick, Kal Raddick ect ect ect.