It's a freemium.
They want to make the Global Trade HQ as frustrating as possible---but just on the outer limits of functional---in order to influence you to just purchase what you need with SimCash rather than Simoleons. It's the only reason they thought the 30s refresh change is a good idea. People were buying things too "easily" when all you had to do was go out and then go back in to refresh and get a new list.
You'll get what you need---rarely---and that is the point. Pay $5 and get what you want right now without having to deal with that Global Trade HQ garbage!
@BasinCity wrote:
I wouldn't say they are incompetent, as they have developed a compelling, fun app. They have, however, not done a good job of implementing a player-friendly exchange.
...even during late night hours when server loads would normally be light.
I tracked over 200 visits to the exchange to get just one dozer blade...
Hopefully someone from EA is reading and will pass on how frustrated we all are.
I didn't count visits, but had a similar experience yesterday trying to get one more storage lock. The thing is, the 30-second timer just means I don't see a new batch of sales when I go back to the Global HQ, and instead see the list I just looked at. It doesn't keep me from twitching city after city looking for the items I need. Ultimately, I found the lock listed as a side-item when I clicked on an unrelated item that looked like a good buy, when no locks were listed in the main listing.
Also, don't forget that the game has a significant global audience, so late night for you may be prime time for someone else.
If they were trying to reduce server loads, EPIC FAIL! I have to reload the GTHQ repeatedly, probably 100 times, to be able to purchase the one item I need, rather than just going and buying it in one refresh.
