My favorite perks of marketplace shopping...

I just loaded up on Runes from the Marketplace and was able to shop without feeling that "Ugh" feeling I get when using my debit card.

Those of you with kids may especially know that "Ugh" feeling.  It comes simultaneously with seeing the grand total after those cute faces have pouted to get a brand new Super Soaker (or two), not to mention a few more splurge items that wouldn't have made it into the cart if they weren't with you.

But Marketplace shopping is...  GUILT FREE!  My Blackberry didn't ding at me to let me know a ridiculous charge was purchased on my card!  And better yet, if I include the crafting supplies I have only spent 10% of the original asking price!  Wouldn't it be nice if you could do that at the grocery?  "I have paper and ink at home, so I'd like that over-priced magazine for $.40 instead of  $4.00. 

I overheard a conversation on Vent the other night where one family member was asking if somebody could make him/her something as he/she had the mats for it.  A response was made that the order could be placed on the website, and the person was responded that he/she didn't want to do that as they were saving their points for something else.  I understand the theory, however I don't think the benefits were understood by the requesting guildie.

First off, and I've already said it once, providing your own mats saves you...  NINETY (90!) PERCENT!  Second, the family member who fills your order also benefits.  Their participation points also go up, allowing them to get closer (or to) their next promotion.  See?  It's a win-win!

Also, (regarding being asked to place an order when soliciting a crafter in chat or vent). Someone online may be able to help you...but not at that moment because they are on the wrong toon or in the heat of battle, etc. So, by placing an order on the marktetplace you can still get your item very soon, and the crafter doesn't have to drop group or such so they can swap toons to make it for you right now.

Also, there is no question about getting it made. =) If you have the mats the marketplace lets you say you do and it costs you way less to order it, but the crafter can still make points for making for you. I say, "Use it! Love it! Make both you and a crafter happy!"

It'll be really nice to see the Marketplace doing its thing. I don't think we had it up and running during the days of Warhammer. Back then it was more just donate finished items and request other finished items back. Marketplace is definitely one of the website's best features.