I'm sure both EA and you know that the primary cause of the frustration is due to the load times of the seller's city.
A few suggestions that could equalise the playing field and give more people a chance to make that purchase.
I do like checking out others' cities, however the frustration of arriving to an already sold item overwhelms that. Fortunately I have access to a newer device where I am able to grab those purchases - I don't even try on my much older phone :o
I would love to see trade, filters, preferences, etc. However the issue with the current implementation is the ridiculous advantage you have with a newer/faster device.
Another thought/suggestion - again related to the advantage faster devices have.
If you make a successful purchase then you are still bound to the 30s refresh.
Happy cos they got their desired purchase (now sit down and give others a chance).
Those who find an item already sold or llama'd get an immediate refresh of items for sale.
Happier as can see fresh items immediately and have faster devices out of the race for 30 secs 🙂
I feel that there would be lot more querying on the server however !
Cargo airplane was going to departure in 2.5 hours... I was missing several "cooking" things, so I've put into production but starting searching for them on market.
For these 2.5 hours I've found them 23 times, but had no change to by ANY! I have "fast figners", very fast WiFi, fast clicking on items...
Is it normal gameplay?
I propose everyone that facing same problem to put lowest rating on AppStores with comment to fix Trading HQ. Thats the only way how we can influence.
Thats hundreds ways how to "fix"... for example: remove price cap + put 20% tax that should be paid when you put something to market (so if you put price 10000 you need to pay 2000 immediately - so if nobody will buy you'll loose that) + add filtering/search.
In this case we'll have natural supply/demand situation without over-raised prices.
P.S. Still no "cooking" thing... and cargo departure in couple of minutes! 2.5 hours wasted... ☹️ Lowest rating for now!
I ran into the same problem. Needed something for a cargo ship leaving in 3 hours but it still wanted a yogurt which takes 4 hours to make. I spent the 3 hours hunting for yogurt and I was not able to buy one. Ship left without me getting a key.
And BTW, I'm still looking for 3 more dozer exhaust....
