Hailaer was not a businessman, but he had lived for 300 years and had dealt with countless businessmen. He had long picked up the tricks of the trade.
When at work, businessmen did not practice a straightforward approach. They generally liked beating about the bush, playing some tricks or using some other methods. The most commonly seen method was this: Imagine you had something with a purchase price of 50 gold coins, then your quoted price should not simply be set with a direct 10 percent profit to become 55 gold coins. The quote should depend on both the customers' and stores' situations to be adjusted accordingly.
For example, let's say you had a relatively stable roadside stall and had been doing business by the street for a long time. You should quote 80 coins, then let your customers make you a counteroffer. After a round of nonsensical negotiation, at last, the item will generally be sold for a price ranging from 53 to 58 gold coins.
