Frequently Asked Questions | Support | Merchants
How can I start the game after the introduction? When is the tutorial finished?
In the beginning of the game, you will be given instructions at the top of the screen, you will also see an arrow that tells you where to click. This will help you to learn how to move around the scenes and interact with the characters. It will help you know what the next steps are and get you to the first negotiation. Bit by bit the instructions are reduced so you can make your own decisions, when they dissapear the tutorial is finished.
Kindly note that when the arrow shows up, it is mandatory to click where the program indicates to be able to move forward.
How do I introduce the variables?
When you start the negotiation, you must enter a value in the space where it indicates “main variable”. Thereafter, you will have to figure out which additional variable to add, by clicking on the “Add variable” button, and entering a possible variable. If the variable you have entered is correct, the system will offer you several options of that variable to choose from and you will have to choose the one that best suits your proposal.
If you have doubts, you can re-consult the interests and concerns of the negotiator by clicking on the “notebook” button on the right hand side, if it appears blank it will mean that you have not talked enough with the negotiator to discover their interests. Remember that all the variables can be deduced by reading the case with attention through the “Menu” button – See case.
How do I start the negotiation?
When you start the gmae, you will get a notification at the top of the screen that tells you to see your Mentor. In his study he will give you a lesson and you must pick up a book from his library (click on the bookshelf in his study).
When you have done this, you will receive a notification telling you where to go for your next negotiation. For example, in the first case you will see this message: “Teo is waiting for you at the dock”. If you click on the notification, it will take you directly to the correspondant scenario and you can start negotiating by clicking on the character.
Is there a list of all variables where I can choose the ones I need?
To find out the variables you have to use your creativity, read the case carefully and pay attention to the information the counterpart gives you during the conversation. The more you ask, the more information you’ll get which will help you identify his/her interests. Afterwards you have to transform those interests into variables. You can also use the buttons “Buy clue”, “See purchased clues” and “Buy variable”. Remember that using these buttons will have a cost in ducats.
When I introduce a variable the system do not recognizes it, why?
Merchants has a synonym dictionary. You have to introduce specific words which help you in the proposal phase. If the system doesn’t recognize that word probably it is because you are not covering your interests or your counterpart’s ones. For example; loan, financing, credit….all these are correct variables that help you solve your financial problem. Avoid using too generic words like: sales, deal… Remember that all the variables can be worked out by carefuly reading the case and listening to the conversation.
I am not able to find any variables, what shall I do?
Try to close a first deal anyway, even if it’s not the best one for you. This way you can access the mentor’s advice and press the “Hint” button on your next attempt. You can also use the buttons “Buy clue”, “See purchased clues” and “Buy variable”. Remember that using these buttons will have a cost in ducats.
Why does the game say I have reached a deal but the feedback states I haven’t passed the negotiation?
This happens when the character with whom you negotiate has accepted the deal, but you have not really overcome the negotiation because you have not taken into account your interests. Reread the case and make sure that all your interests are covered using the exact variables.
How many times can I repeat a negotiation attempts?
As many as you want if the proposal could be improved.
If I am not able to reach a deal in a negotiation, can I leave it pending and go to the next level?
No, to give you a complete learning process, if you haven’t reached a deal for both parts in the previous level, the simulator doesn’t allow you to jump to the next one.
Can I move on to the proposal phase without filling in the interests and trust bars?
You can move on to the proposal phase whenever you want, regardless of whether you have filled in the interests and trust bars. But we recommend against doing so until you fill in at least the interests, because it’s essential to know the interests of the other party in order to present an acceptable proposal with some guarantee that you will be able to successfully complete the negotiation.
Where can I find the objective criteria?
The objective criteria are important indications about the market condition back in those days. However, they are not essential to close negotiations but they will certainly help you to improve the agreement.
The objective criteria are hidden in the different scenarios of Venice. They are indicated with an exclamation mark (!)
Once you click on the characters or read the information that appears when clicking on posters, books, contracts, etc., those objective criteria will appear in the list within your proposal.
Take in consideration that in this list you will only see those that you have gathered so far. You will have to choose the ones that suit best with the negotiation you are in.
You should only use objective criteria from the third negotiation onwards.
What happens if I don’t tick any objective criteria in the second Phase?
Objective criteria reinforces your proposal and will help you reach a better deal. If you don’t select any objective criteria you may reach a deal but the feedback will probably suggest that you repeat the negotiation to get a better result.
93 %
Recommendation
94 %
Completion Ratio
97 %
Applicability Ratio
9,2
Recommendation Ratio