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Eilserus
Master of Realmslore
USA
1446 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Feb 2012 : 05:03:40
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Hello scribes,
There's been many references and mentions to trade agreements between nations or merchants in various books and nothing is really specifically stated exactly WHAT they are. I haven't been able to find any specifics on the boards here either about trade agreements.
So what is a trade agreement? They seem like vital pieces of merchant operations. Are they simply exclusive trade deals between two parties that offer cut rates for this exclusiveness? I was thinking if between cities or nations they might include lowered import/export taxes, tariffs etc. Would they also spell out agreed upon prices for goods too? And what else would be included in them?
Thanks all. :)
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4702 Posts |
Posted - 18 Feb 2012 : 05:14:34
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A trade agreement is what on earth would be considered a contract or a treaty. Price of goods to be sold, how does the transport be permitted, who does it and so on. Each agreement has different terms. Large Merchant houses have operations in more then one nation thus it is easier for them to get nation treaties. Smaller houses (based in one nation) need to hope government will allow import or export of goods. There again there certainly are agreements that merchants do that governments do not even know about.
In short, it is a deal made for transfer of goods or services where both sides agree to. |
"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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Eilserus
Master of Realmslore
USA
1446 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2012 : 04:16:19
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So a dwarven treaty to a nearby human city may state that Clan Deepaxe will deliver 25 crafted weapons and 25 crafted armors every quarter (3 months) to merchant representatives of the ruling lord, allowing him first choice of goods or even to possibly buy them all. In return the dwarven caravan pays only half of what a normal import tax would be. I'd imagine instead of paying in gold, the agreement could also set out terms that 25 weapons and 25 suits of armor equate to a certain amount of trade goods like grains, meats, fruits and meads that dwarves like and they simply swap cargoes.
Thanks for the help. :) |
Edited by - Eilserus on 19 Feb 2012 04:16:50 |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4702 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2012 : 05:00:31
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Eilserus, Yes that is one example that would be a trade agreement. The terms certainly will vary. A merchant house might make a deal to have sole right of all merchant groups to use the Royal Road (fastest route though the realm. Of course two different merchant houses might make territory agreements. "I will not sell in Waterdeeo if you do not sell in Neverwinter."
There are so many types of agreements that can be made. |
"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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Mercantile Trade Agreements
