Plushie Tycoon, the Neopian entrepreneurial challenge, can seem daunting at first. But fear not, aspiring tycoons! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategy to not only master the art of plushie production but also secure that coveted avatar in just one week.
The Goal: Earn the Plushie Tycoon avatar by having at least 50,001 NP at the end of the month.
The Strategy: Minimize expenses and maximize profits within a short timeframe to avoid hefty rent payments.
The Timeline: Start playing one week before the end of the month to allow ample time for production and sales.
Step 1: Establish Your Plushie Empire
First things first, create your store! This is your base of operations, where all the plushie magic happens.
Step 2: Time is Money – Optimize Your Time Zone
Plushie Tycoon runs for 8 hours a day, updating every hour. Choose a time zone that aligns with your active hours for optimal efficiency. Forget where you actually live; think about when you’re glued to your screen.
Neotime to GMT Conversion:
NST (Neopets Standard Time) | GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) |
---|---|
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
1:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
2:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
To set your time zone, refresh your main Neopets page and look for the “set time zone” link.
Step 3: Material Matters – Buy Smart
Select plushies that require 3 or 4 rolls of cloth and accessories. Diversify your plushie portfolio instead of focusing on a single type.
Price Check:
- Calculate the total cost of 4 green cloth, 1 neocotton, 1 rare gem, and 1 paper bag using current market prices.
- If the cost exceeds 3900 NP, hold off! Wait for the next update for better prices.
- If the cost is below 3900 NP, start with 6 jobs.
- If the cost is below 2900 NP, start with 8 jobs.
- If the cost is below 1800 NP, start with 10 jobs.
Remember, a “job” refers to a specific type of plushie. Once you’ve done your price check, head to “Purchase Materials” and buy the necessary supplies for your chosen plushies.
Step 4: Open for Business!
Visit “Your Store,” “Your Factory,” and “Your Warehouse” to pay the initial rent. This unlocks your plushie production capabilities.
Step 5: Start Production
In “Your Factory,” go to “Start New Job” and select the plushie types you’ve chosen. Set the quantity to 100 for each job and start production. Important: Both this step and Step 6 must be completed within the same update to see immediate results. You’ll likely be prompted to expand your factory to accommodate 6 or more jobs. Go ahead and expand!
Step 6: Hire Your Workforce (Temporarily!)
Go to “Your Factory” -> “Personnel” -> “Hire Workers.” Hire 250 trainees and 24 managers (you already have one). Crucially, you’ll only keep these workers for one update. Hire them, let them work for one update cycle, then fire them all (except the one permanent manager) to save on wages.
Step 7: Warehouse and Shipping
Completed plushies will be transferred to “Your Warehouse.” This process takes time, but the warehouse operates beyond your 8-hour shift. Once the plushies are ready, tick the checkbox next to them and ship them to your store. Shipping 100 plushies costs 278 NP.
Step 8: Enhance Your Store
To boost sales, upgrade your store! Go to “Your Store” -> “Upgrades” and upgrade Carpet, Lighting, and Store Security to level 3. Then, go to “Advertisements” and upgrade Flyers, Gifts, Candy, and Clothing to level 3.
Step 9: The Sale Awaits
Now, patience is key. Wait for your plushies to sell out. All 100 plushies must be sold to receive your profits. Monitor your “Sales” after each update to track your progress.
Step 10: Reap the Rewards!
Check your “Sales” to see your earnings. Remember, you need at least 50,001 NP by the end of the month for the avatar.
Important Notes and Tips
- Mind the Manager: Even after firing your workforce, you still have one permanent manager who receives a salary with every update. Keep at least 1000 NP on hand daily to cover this cost.
- Extra Padding: Aim for a comfortable profit margin to ensure you reach the 50,001 NP goal.
- Upgrades and Expansion: If your profits are healthy, consider further upgrading your shop and expanding your warehouse to reduce waiting times.
- Strategic Stockpiling: If material prices drop significantly, stock up!
- The Final Stretch: In the last few days, focus on producing and selling as many plushies as possible. Avoid making new plushies on the very last day, as they won’t have time to sell.
- Neopian Community: For any questions or assistance, consult the Plushie Tycoon board in the Neopets Games section.
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Plushie Tycoon and adding that shiny avatar to your collection. Good luck, and happy plushie-making!