Learning from the Net Game Market Board: Why You Must Stop "Underselling Yourself"

In Japan, many people work as salaried employees.

Since the company determines the salary, we rarely have the opportunity to ponder, "What is my true worth?"

As a result, we often end up thinking:

"I'm easily replaceable."

Before we know it, we treat ourselves like cheap goods in a wagon sale.

—Yes, I am one of them.

The Thrill of the “Price Tag” in Games

The place where I get to experience "setting the price" is the Market Board in an online game.

Items put up by players all over the world are lined up, and the lowest price is displayed in the most prominent spot.

Naturally, I rush to it, thinking, "If I list it at the lowest price, it'll sell instantly!"

It's true—it sells fast.

But what remains is a strange sense of defeat, whispering, "Could I have sold that for more?"

If you look closely, there are people who "manipulate the market."

They might display an item at a slightly higher price, then secretly list it cheaper behind the scenes.

Alternatively, they might intentionally undercut the lowest price to drag other sellers into a price war.

When you fall for these schemes, your item is simply used to help others’ cheap sales.

In other words, even in a game, "you lose out if you just follow the current."

This directly applies to your own "price" in life.

Undersell, and you'll be picked up immediately, but you'll be left with regret.

However, assuming that "the highest price is my correct price" is also wrong.

The price that will attract the people who truly need you might be found a little above the market average.

The Market Board is, surprisingly, a "Self-Underselling Prevention Simulator."

If you're careless, you're heading for the wagon sale.

But by observing and strategizing, you can find that appropriate line where "I am chosen precisely because of this price."

The game's Market Board may have been my "training ground for not underselling myself."