Assistant Association

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For the next few minutes, Linkin spoke with Sini and learned several things about the Merchant's Guild and how it operated.

For example, conflicts and competition were allowed between different Merchant Groups. However, using threats of violence or bribing a member of another Merchant Group was considered against the rules.

Also, while it was not against the rules for higher-ranked Merchant Groups to compete with those of a lower rank, it was something greatly frowned upon by other Merchant Groups if the gap was too big.

But, since higher-ranked Merchant Groups typically had multiple other lower-ranked Merchant Groups under their umbrella, this was generally not an issue as they would leave it in the hands of their "subsidiaries".

Sini also brought up another interesting topic that, while technically its own separate entity, had a mutual partnership with the Merchant's Guild and the Adventure's Guild.

In fact, Sini mentioned that not only was she herself a part of it, but practically 99% of all receptionists he'd come across in the future were members of that organization.

"Have you given any thought to what I previously mentioned? It can ease your burdens and help you better adjust to becoming a merchant of the Merchant's Guild." Sini stated.

"Hm... I have to admit; it doesn't sound bad. But I'm not exactly in the financial position to be employing others." Linkin said with a small sigh.

The organization Sini mentioned was called the Assistant Association.

The Assistant Association was a group on par with the Merchant's Guild and Adventure's Guild. This was because there was not a single Merchant's Guild or Adventure's Guild in the world that did not use their services.

Due to this, the members of the Assistant Association managed, processed, and controlled the flow of information through at least two of the largest organizations in the world!

Needless to say, of course, Linkin was interested in hiring an assistant.

Ultimately, time was money, and Linkin knew that if he could save time on menial tasks, it would grant him a certain level of freedom to focus more on the profit aspects of the businesses he had in mind.

But, despite her courteous behavior, Linkin was no fool. He had seen that look in Sini's eyes plenty of times back on earth. Right when you think you've finished purchasing something, the salesman or person behind the cash register would suddenly ask, "Would like to add (this one item you didn't ask for) to your order?".

There was a term for this phenomenon forced upon both workers and customers alike that virtually every business that sold products back on earth utilized—upselling.

Would you like fries with that? Want to add an extra fifty-channel package to your basic cable bundle? Would you like to add cheese to your sandwich?

These attempts to get customers to spend more during or towards the end of a transaction was called upselling.

While it failed a majority of the time and provided a mild annoyance to most, there were still those who were won over by it. There was also undeniable proof that it increased overall profit.

From the look in her eyes, Linkin figured that Sini probably received some type of referral reward for every person she successfully recommended to the Assistant Assocation.

If it was like that with all the other members of the Assistant Association, it was no wonder they were able to spread their influence to such a frightening degree.

'Trying to upsell me? You'll have to make it a little more worth my while, Miss Sini.'

"Hm... Now that I remember, there is a special promotion going on right now for newly formed Merchant Groups. As long as you hire an assistant from the Assistant Association on the same day your Merchant Group is registered, you will receive a 50% discount for the first month on all Grade 5 or lower assistants. Also, instead of the standard minimum one-year contract that is usually needed to hire an assistant from the Assistant Association, you will only be required to sign a one-month contract. It would certainly be in your best interest to hire an assistant today and take full advantage of this special promotion." Sini explained with a smile.

'Now that's more like it.'

Linkin inwardly grinned. But, on the outside, he had an excited and enthusiastic expression written all over his face.

"Special promotion? Why didn't you say so sooner? Where do I sign up?" Linkin inquired eagerly.

'Suddenly remembered? At least make it somewhat more believable. Heh, I guess since you've been pretty helpful to me and I'm in a good mood, I'll let you off the hook this time.'

Of course, Linkin did not buy for one second that Sini "suddenly remembered" the special promotion.

This was another common tactic used by those trying to sell something. Most people would be hesitant to buy anything extra on the spot. However, if one were to throw in a discount, many of those same people would suddenly think they'd be losing out if they didn't take it.