I hope ZOS never read this thread, because it might give them more ideas about extracting money from its customers.

I'd rather them just get rid of the "timed" idea and just give us access to everything all the time. I'm sure a talented web designer could create a new Crown Store site that would make use of tabs and filters so that we could find what we're looking for, regardless of how many items there are. Other websites have stores with tons of different items that don't break the internet, so surely ZOS could come up with a store that contains a mass number of items but are organized well.

One of the main reasons this whole "limited time only" sale doesn't work well is because new players coming in won't have access to them. Imagine how much they could make if they just left everything available all the time (excluding Crown Crate exclusives)... because new players would be able to buy them right away. It would be a win-win.

[snip]

I'd rather just have everything open all the time, thanks.
[edited for baiting]

@Fallefel I'm not sure why you think lifting time-gates is unrealistic or unfriendly towards the business.
Maybe it's a cultural thing? Where I live, the places that market goods in this way are usually selling cheap, poorly made imports and bankrupt stock, often in temporary stores. It makes sense for those companies to push the 'available for a limited time only' aspect as most of their goods cannot be re-ordered.

However, in this case we have items which have obviously had a lot of time put into their development and which can be bought by an infinite number of players, yet a very short window of availability.
The time limited aspect is clearly meant to stimulate sales due to FOMO, but I am certain it's losing potential sales as well. I didn't get my house, but I didn't immediately go and blow the crowns on something else; I'm just sitting on them.
The cash shops in FFXIV and in WoW both have all items available at all times (iirc, it's been a while since I played WoW). Neither Square or Blizzard are adverse to making money, so it obviously works for them.

Maybe we could bribe ZoS into dropping the time-gates in exchange for higher prices, but I don't think it would be good for the game long term. Personally, I'd feel I was being fleeced and I think it would cause a lot of resentment.

DarcyMardin wrote: »

There’s nothing I want so much that I would be willing to pay three times as much for. Or *any* more for. The prices on the crown store are already too high.

I agree.

@evan302

"The time limited aspect is clearly meant to stimulate sales due to FOMO, but I am certain it's losing potential sales as well. I didn't get my house, but I didn't immediately go and blow the crowns on something else; I'm just sitting on them."

I agree with this wholeheartedly as I tend to do the same. However, judging by the fact that they haven't changed their crown store business model implies that it works at acceptable level by having some FOMO factored in. Even though you and I are stubborn enough to wait for the specific items, there are some people who can't and seems like the system is more beneficial that way, being aimed for the customers who "hype-buy" things. That is why I think that demanding the time-gate to be gone without any compensation towards ZoS is unrealistic demand to make. You make a good point with WoW and FFXIV though, maybe it's possible? Also, I'd want to see both featured and custom order tabs to co-exist, because it would feel really bad to give up the cheaper alternative.

To the others in the thread; my intention wasn't to rile you up for the increased cost. It was something I threw around. Obviously by having such a tab, the prices would be higher, otherwise the whole system would be unnecessary. I also understand that some may feel that crown store is expensive, but you aren't forced to buy anything from there. You can ignore it and find enjoyment in the game. I understand the temptation though, but frankly, it's yours to deal with.

I still appreciate the responses on this thread even if they don't align with my point of view. And to clarify; I agree with most of you, I'd want the store to include every single item at a regular price. I just can't see that realistically happen.

"SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!" doesn't seem to work with ZOS's marketing plan....

They seem very keen not to earn as much money as they could, they'd rather it dribble in in small amounts.

Inexplicable.

Zenimax puts crowns on deep sale twice a year which significantly lowers the cost of items for those who plan ahead. LTOs generate recenir because those who want the LTO but failed to plan ahead will pay full price for crowns.

These “special orders” would negate all that and permit people to just wait until a crown sale and save a lot of money. It’s unlikely Zenimax will not see how this will reduce revenue.

As such this is unlikely to happen.