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SHOPS - Restocking has undoubtedly now been known to be one of the best ways to
make money in Neopia. Often when wealthy Neopians are asked how they became rich,
they simply state: "Restocks". So why isn't everyone doing it if it has been proven
successful for many people?
For those who don't know already (although it is a very common term now) restocking
basically involves the buying of an item (usually in main Neopian shops) at
a cheap price then selling it on the market for a higher sum, resulting in a
profit. Having done my research and discussing restocks with many Neopians,
I have found the top three reasons why people don't bother to restock. The following
is a troubleshooting guide to help solve these common problems and complaints
and to prove that restocking is not just for the special few: It is also for
you, too!
Problem #1: I don't have enough money to Restock!
Solution: Restocking is the delicate art where "It takes money to make
money", so often those who do not have NP coming out of their ears are discouraged
and often turn away from restocking. It is recommended that you have at least
10,000 NP before restocking as I often find that is a good base amount, as the
majority of items on sale do not cost more than that, and especially if you're
a beginner. Don't have 10,000 NP? Don't fret. My solution: Play Freebies/Games.
For some it might take a week, for others it might take a day to earn 10K. I
would recommend Meerca Chase, Faerie Crossword, Kiko Match, and the featured
game. Buying and reselling scratch cards can also make you quick NP.
Why do Neopians not just stick with the safe NP-making system of games you
ask? Restocks don't require the same amount of time and skill put into a game,
and the latter will often make you much more money. Once you start, you'll soon
start the realize it.
Have 10,000 NP but still having problems? Read on.
Problem #2: I don't know what to buy!
Solution: This is a daunting problem that many beginner restockers
often face. It is true that at first restocking is overwhelming as there are
over 20 shops in Neopia Central alone to choose from, and in them many items
to buy. Here is a way to make the task easier. First, choose a shop. Now this
has limitations depending on your computer speed, as you will read ahead. Advanced
restockers can try the magic shop or the bookshop, while others may want to
try the trading card shop. Choose around 2-3 shops that you designate as your
"restock shops". Bookmark them in a special file for quick navigation, and title
them appropriately (Toy Shop, Food Shop)
Now is the time to do your research. Although it is tempting to jump in right
away and buy items, doing research at the moment will benefit you in the long
run. Hang around your restock shops, and refresh until you see a whole hoard
of items have just arrived. Keep that page, and open up the shop wizard in a
new window. Copy and paste the names of various items into the wizard and compare
the prices. This way, you can see how much of a profit you can make on certain
items, which items will lose you money and so on. Do this a couple of times,
until you get a good idea on what items to buy and what not to. For example
you can remember that all milk chocolates aren't worth buying unless they are
Milk Chocolate Jetsams etc. Using this information will help you make more accurate
item selections in restocking, and help you make a bigger profit.
Problem #3: I have a slow computer!
Solution: The above is the number one reason why many Neopians stay
away from restocking. I won't lie to you, it is true that those with faster
computers have an edge in the world of restocking and most probably will make
more money. However a myth that many people have accepted as fact is that those
with slow computers do not have chance! That is absolutely wrong. Slow computers
may be a barrier, but here is how you can over come that to become an expert
Restocker.
a) Restock in a shop with low demand.
Although the Magic and Food shop do seem appealing, those with slow computers
should avoid them like the Neo Flu. If you want to stick in Neopia Central,
I recommend the grooming parlour, the clothing shop and maybe even Usukiland
as a place to start restocking. Broadening your horizons is also a good idea;
try checking out shops in other worlds. I can't even tell you the amount of
good deals I have made in the tropical food shop in Mystery Island, as the amount
of people restocking in those type of shops are significantly lower.
b) Change your computer settings.
With just a few clicks here and there, restocking can be made a lot faster for
your already burdened computer. Go to tools at the top of your Internet browser.
Click on Internet Options, then click on the advanced tab. (The steps may change
slightly with different Internet browsers) Scroll down and uncheck the following:
1. Play animation
2. Play sounds
3. Play videos
4. Show pictures.
Then press Apply.
This should disable graphics from your browser, which in turn makes your Internet
connection much faster to grab those items. Just make sure to recheck them all
when you're done restocking. Because of these new settings, it is now important
to recognize items from their names, and not from their pictures. It takes practice
at first, but soon you'll be able to achieve it.
c) Don't haggle.
Yes, you can try a little bit to get a better deal, but to ensure that you get
the item you want and especially if it is a good item, just agree with the shopkeeper's
request.
Although having a slow Internet connection can be discouraging and most often
frustrating, remember Neopets has fortunately helped you out in many places,
putting restock bans, and limits to how much you buy in certain time periods.
Additional Tips
You've heard the saying "Practice makes perfect" and restocking is no exception.
You may be discouraged at first because you bought an item for 1000 NP when
it can only sell for 200 NP, but with more practice comes more experience, and
it won't be long until you can perfect your game. (Because restocking in essence
is a game. If only they gave out trophies!) F5 is also handy key that refreshes
the page, in which way you can be ready for the next rounds of restocks. Also,
utilize the Num Lock keypad. The numbers are closer together, making your typing
just a little bit faster which may mean the difference to getting a rare item
or not.
In conclusion, I wish to all potential Restockers who have been inspired by
this article good luck, and not despair: you too, could soon call yourself a
Restocker!
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