Proper Etiquette When Getting a Port

[mattermage]

If you are reading this thread trying to learn what is normal and expected, I want you to know that while there are plenty of business minded porters out there like the OP, there are also many community-building porters, some of whom have chimed in here.

There really isn't a norm across the board; until you've met many druids and wizards, it's luck of the draw on the personality of the porter you sent a /tell to, and what they're current disposition is. Don't get upset if they are expecting your level 4 toon to put down 10pp and you've never seen that much plat in your life. Just thank them for their time and move on. If they're bitter, just move on. You might have better luck with someone else, or taking OP's advice which is wait and find ways to build up plat. But more often than not you will get lucky with a porter who wants to help you out.

When I'm sitting around bored, I'll often offer to port folks for free (tho most folks will donate even if I didn't ask). I never worry about the time it's costing me in these situations, because I wasn't really using that time effectively anyway and it's nice to meet new folks. I know many others who feel similarly. One of the reasons we rolled classes that can port is to help folks out, often because others have helped us out in a similar manner in the past. Of course some people rolled porters for the prospect of making extra $$, and we should respect that perfectly valid reason as well.

When I'm logged in and preoccupied, usually you'll have to offer a bunch of platinum to get me to help you out. More often I'll just decline. It really depends on the situation. I'll never /ignore you or put you on some negative list just because you asked.

Find porters who work well for you and remember them. Send them extra plat when you can, and don't feel bad when you can't. If they're clearly in it for the business/cash (e.g. many members of Dial a Port), be prepared to treat it as a business transaction where you are expected to carry your own weight (then see OP's original guidelines for help)

Hope this helps.