Proper Etiquette When Getting a Port

[dozkyn]

Originally Posted by Tethler [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Then why are you bringing up DaP?





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^this is dictating prices. If you want to do that, go for it, but don't try to spin it like it's something else lol.

If you just include your pricing requirements in your advertising message, this problem solves itself, yes?

twist it how you want my friend

[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.

[jackd104]

Dear server: not all porters are so uptight. Don’t let this intimidate you from asking for ports. I am flexible on donations and protocol and enjoy helping people travel.

[Vizax_Xaziv]

Anyone know the name of OP's toon? PM me if so.

[Fawqueue]

I agree with dozkyn on #1. Time is valuable, and asking a stranger to give up theirs to port you, so that you don't have to spend yours running is just selfish. Either pay them for their time, or expect you are saving money by spending time running.

[Siege]

The onus should be on the porter to set a price upfront. Asking for donations is just a passive-aggressive way of telling people you expect to be paid. Might as well set a price and be done with it. That's how I've always done it, and I've never had a complaint.

[stewe]

Simple solution, on my wiz i am always anon and when i am not i completely ignore tells for a port if the person is wanting a free ride for CR etc, i got better things to do, like go afk between kills while i do RL stuff

[Squidronius]

I had heard that .5 plat per level was standard for green since there's less platinum in circulation so as I've been running around Norrath rezzing people I just send a tell asking if someone would be willing to port me for 30 plat and just multiply that by 2-4 if I can't meet them in zone. As far as I can tell it hasn't made me any enemies since the same people have been willing to port me time and again.

[ChairmanMauzer]

Dial a Daniel charges nothing to port to people and tell them they're ugly.

[Phaezed-Reality]

if im paying 500pp for a port u better shut up and take my money along with any insults.