There has been a lot of talk about player stores opening up. As far as the stores go, I think its a cool idea, but I think that people are picturing it far too happy-go-lucky for what would actually happen. I think it would bring a lot of competitiveness and animosity between players. Between customer and store owner, store owner and potential employees, & grinders and store owners, there is a LOT of opportunity created for disagreements and arguments that could happen.
If stores were to work I think several things should happen:
-One is that stores need to be in designated areas, like the houses, so that they do not litter the game at all.
-I also think a store where things are sold would be bad idea. Instead of having things sold, I think a store owner needs to go through "training" for a certain skill. It could take months to get the training when skills take that long to be learned. Once the player has learned the skills to a high enough degree, they could then provide services (as opposed to items) for other players. For instance, a certain player could "train" and become a very high level in Tinkering. Then that player can open a store that repairs broken items for other players who have not reached that skill level yet and need their items repaired. This is just an example.
-Store owners can choose whichever prices they want to charge because as more stores open up, these prices will regulate themselves. For however hard the particular skill is to learn, the prices would probably be more expensive. But if a nicer and more generous Glitch came by and wanted to offer the same services for cheaper, then the first store owner with an expensive price would be forced to lower his to stay competitive.
-It is essential for these skills that can be provided to take a lot of time and questing power to be able to get to a high enough level to open your own store. That way, only experienced players will be opening stores and it will keep some of the noobs from just opening a store without understand the mechanics of the game. Also, these services could not just be provided for free by random Glitches trying to help a friend out. The Glitch in need would have to go to the store to get the service because only the store owners have the abilities.
-It would be interesting to limit which stores can offer what based on zone. For instance, in an area with a lot of cherry trees and fruit, the store could offer cooking fruit dishes with the ingredients provided. Perhaps in an area with pigs, pork tenderloin can be cooked which would offer a higher energy when eaten or a buff that would not be given from eating any other food in the game. In an area with lots of rocks, the stores could offer transforming gems into jewelry which could be given to fellow players or donated for a higher favor than the gem itself.
-The stores would not have to provide essential services to the players, but maybe services that can give the player a benefit. That way, players that choose to remain self-sufficient do not have to participate or buy from the services provided by the stores, but those that want to participate can.
Anyways, those are some of my thoughts. I haven't spent a lot of time thinking about it, I just got these ideas reading through some of the other things that were mentioned. So please, add your own ideas or criticize the ones I have!