INTRO#AD (just in case this counts as social media)I was invited to join the CFE (not final software) opportunity for Businesses & Hobbies. Thank you to the EA Creator Network for this chance to answer questions for you about ALL THE THINGS!I will be taking and answering questions about gameplay, throwing several pots, botching multiple tattoos, out-nerding the Logic Class participants, chasing down a Shady character in a trench-coat... ALL THE THINGS! Plus I'll give you info on anything else you guys want to know about!I have mainly played around trying various home-based businesses, as there are so many possible combinations to create, so might have to look up some higher level info as I answer questions. I'm still testing as we speak, and will be for as long as I have early access. I also threw in my packs for (unsupported) cross-pack testing for more of an idea of what could be done with this pack.The embargo has already lifted at time of posting. Format will be similar to last time where I have links to each subject and add more info to each based on questions asked and as I discover things through gameplay. If you didn't see it the first time you look, check on the subject post again later.Index to follow . Let me know if there's something I forgot. You know the drill...Premises built. Staff employed. Tickets now on sale!P.S. - I also have a Creator Code now, so if you find my Q&A useful you might consider it as an option at checkout. This doesn't give you a discount, but it gives me a 5% commission on the price of the pack. If you wish to use it, my code is EmmaVane. Just enter the code on the the payment screen where voucher codes normally go. Thank you, EA for this opportunity.INDEX*NEW* SMALL BUSINESS SYSTEM§ Business Activities§ Business Presets§ Target Customers§ Business Ideas & Tips§ Business Logos/Graphics & Map Icons§ Business Logistics: Setting Up/Passing Down§ Owned Business Crossovers/Updates§ Business Perks§ Business Objects§ Can I have a Small Business here?§ Employees§ Standard Venue vs. Small Business version of Venue§ TS4:B&H vs. TS2:OFB*NEW* PERSONALITY ELEMENTS§ Aspirations§ Traits§ Skill Mastery Perks

BUSINESS IDEAS AND TIPSPLACES TO STAY OVERNIGHTI'm going to place/set up some type of resort, hotel, hostel, B&B or campground in every world, even if I don't actively play the sim that runs it, or do play them but focus on a different family business when playing actively. So the Small Business lot might have a major business that I play actively as the owner and visit as a customer, and a minor hotel business that I only really play as a customer.Why? * It should cost money travelling to other worlds/regions (petrol, flights, train tickets etc), so if I go collection hunting I could check in somewhere first and hang out while I wait for things to spawn. This could be an overnight stay business, or another type of business until bedtime.* Life & Death has Travel related Bucket List Goals which require a 24 hours stay in a world. By having a place to sleep in every world I can use/complete these Travel Goals more often in my gameplay. Maybe hotels could have little Gift Shops in the lobby with local items like snow globes, local landscape paintings/photos or books about local history. Little mementoes of your stay there.* Growing Together has Stay Overs from the host's side, but nothing from the guest's side. Maybe add guest rooms/suites/houses on to the homes of family/friends you want to visit so you can spend the night/several days with them and not get in trouble for using their beds, bathrooms and kitchens. Just have a sim in the host family that owns the business, they don't have to open it when you play them.Tips* You could open up overnight stay businesses between 12-3, so when you close/it auto-closes 23 hours later you get a mass exodus of customers - like an 11 am check out time IRL. Use the 1-3 hour window to sort your Owner's needs, and be ready to go again next shift, at least until you have employees.* The Free Services reward trait would give you free access to cleaning, repairs, catering, gardening, animal care (say, for a Dude Ranch style resort) or even a Butler for fancier hotels etc. - This also frees up more Employee Task slots to offer other services that can't be hired, and allows your owner to have more free time.CRAFT SHOPSGreat for any Sim that creates physical items such as paintings, pottery, cross-stitch etc. The only things you can't sell are floor items like furniture from Handiness/Fabrication, but you can still sell the smaller items made from these skills.Why?* You can spend all your time crafting and don't need to spend time selling.* You can teach others your hobby skill via giving Classes/paid Mentoring for money, or give back to the community via free Mentoring/Lectures.*If you teach one of you children, a relative or a younger friend your craft as their Mentor, you can have a great multi-generational business that you pass from sim to sim. This is especially great for historical gameplay where apprenticeships were more common.Tips* If the crafting objects (E.G. Cross-Stitch Supplies) or associated décor (E.G. Yarn Ball) slots onto Retail Surfaces you could sell them to customers along with actual crafts. Selling BB items is a quick way to fill up Retail Surfaces if you run out of (or haven't yet created) crafted items, which keeps customers from being upset if there's nothing to purchase when there should be.BOOK SHOPSOpen a Book Shop with your author, or sell copies of their books in a business run by another sim.Why?*Ever played rotationally and wanted other sims to be able to buy your Author's books to read? Before you would have had to open a Retail store and have the author own it. Now they can have a household member do the selling for them.*Bookworm sims now have ALL THE BOOKS and can expand their personal Libraries indefinitely as long as someone in the world is writing and selling new books.*Never use the Book Title and Description box as an Author? Now you have a reason to make them interesting as other sims will want variety in their bookshelves.* Book Shops could also have areas for sims to read their new books, Cafés and even host Book Signings (Meet & Greets) for famous Author sims. Maybe employ a local Author for Writing Classes too.Tips*Make a Copy of written books before publishing (and keep it in a safe place, like household inventory) so you have something to copy stock from. This first copy will have a lower price than the original unless you have Spellcaster Repairio spell (can be risky and burn things) or the Final Touch Skill Mastery Perk to improve the quality of crafted items. Every so often you can place it in the world to make a bunch of copies to use for restocking, but the first copy (other than published original) is kept safe for maximum profit.*Want to get your Author's books available to the public, but don't want to run a Book Shop yourself? Gift a copy of their book to a sim who has a Book Shop/other Small Business to get it onto the shelves. The downside is that there's no additional profit for the Author (profit goes to Book Shop owner, other than Author's published book royalties).DAY-TRIP EXPERIENCESBusinesses where sims pay a basic, one-off entry fee for a day out experience, rather than something they might do regularly in their daily life. Crafters, collectors, adventurers, animal lovers and even Kleptos might like to run these businesses, starting small and working up to something bigger.Why?* Great things to do for dates, family days out or school field trips etc. Interesting places to get family photos, new unique Milestones, and have fun (or not, depending on Traits/Preferences).* Adds more interest to worlds if the experience venues match the culture and typical pastimes of the local population, but are something interesting and new for world visitors.Tips* Art Galleries - Only the prettiest/best quality/most expensive (Masterpiece/Outstanding) creations made by an artist will be displayed, with any lower value/defective/repeats and copies (where copyable) being sold in the Gift Shop for extra profit.* Museums (History) - A great place for Collectors, Archaeologists and even Kleptos to display their finds. Collectors can display Werewolf Relics and Sulani Treasures, Archaeologists can display Selvadoradian Treasures and magical Relics etc. Kleptos could steal Heirlooms that have been in families for generations (E.G. Medieval décor like shield/sword wall décor and suits of armour) or items from local celebrities for famous sim displays. Replica artifacts, and all but the best quality/most expensive finds can be sold in the Gift Shop for extra profit.* Museums (Science) - Maybe your Astronaut, Scientist, Engineer or Botanist sim starts this one and generations with different STEM careers add onto it over time. You could include a botanical garden, natural history section with natural collectibles organised by biome, space section with rockets/Sixam portal/space collectibles, technology section with computers and robotics etc. The various area could also have Hobby Whiteboards for Owner/Employees to do Classes or Visitors to Lecture.* Vinyard/Brewery - Have sims come and learn how to Garden, Make & Drink Nectar, supply Juice Fizzers to use too (can use Juice Fizzers as a Customer, but no Business Activity for them on the Owner side). Have a Bar area where sims can have drinks and relax. Have a Gift Shop where you sell your own crafted items.* Zoos/Petting Zoos - Have Customers/Employees Care for/Play with various animals, visit the refreshment areas and pick up an animal plushie or artwork in the Gift Shop before they head home.

SMALL BUSINESS SYSTEMCreate/edit Small Business UI. (Note: Cheerlead option comes with the High School Years EP)BUSINESS ACTIVITES (by type)These change Sim autonomy when on the lot, and also show on lot info panels so you can see what services a Small Business offers straight from the Map. Business Activities are much like Club Activities [GT] in that they are varied and plentiful, but also not exhaustive (things are missing, same as with Clubs).Some activities are also grouped together and might not be immediately obvious, but every Business Activity can be hovered over for a tooltip with more details. (E.G. Use Hot Tubs - This includes both Hot Tubs and Hot Springs [SE])Food and Drink - All things Grilled Cheese, Bake, Cook, Drink Bar Drinks, Drink Coffee, Drink Ranch Nectar, Drink Tea, Eat, Eat Popcorn, Grill, Make Ranch Nectar, Make Treats, Mix Bar Drinks. (Missing: Drink Trays, Globe Bar, Juice Fizzer, Kava Bowl, Punch/Fondue Fountains)Art and Music - Acting Routines, Cross-stitch, DJ, Dance, Do Comedy, Do Pottery, Get Tattooed, Knitting, Listen To Music, Paint, Play An Instrument, Play Guitar, Play Piano, Play Pipe Organ, Play Violin, Practice Tattooing, Produce New Track, Sing, View Art, View Collectibles, Watch Live Entertainment.Hobbies - Attend Classes and Lectures, Build Robots, Cheerlead, Debate, Do Gemology, Do Research, Do Séances, Do Spa Activities, Do Yoga, Fabricate Objects, Flower Arranging, Go Skating, Meditate, Program, Read, Record Video, Rocket Science!, Use Bubble Blower, Use Cauldron, Use Microscope, Use Science Objects, Use Telescope, Watch Movies on TV, Woodwork, Work Out, Write.Fun and Games - Go Bowling, Play Arcade Machine, Play Basketball, Play Cards, Play Chess, Play Darts, Play Don't Wake The Llama, Play Foosball, Play Football Toss, Play Hopscotch, Play Horseshoes, Play Physical Games, Play Pub Games, Play Simbles, Play Soccer, Play Table Games, Play Video Games, Play Who's Up Party Games, Put Puzzles Together, Use Lawn Water Slide, Wear Costumes from Costume Trunk.Mischief and Mayhem - Cast Chaotic Spells, Cast Helpful Spells, Cast Spells, Drink Plasma, Hack, Possess Objects, Prank, Roar, Sabotage Objects, Swipe Objects, Use Alien Powers, Use Evil Ghost Mastery, Use Good Ghost Mastery, Use Vampire Powers, Use Werewolf Abilities. (Missing: Use Merfolk Powers)Outdoor - Care for Animals, Conservation Activities, Fall Activities, Fish, Hangout by Fire, Horses Play and Learn, Look for Frogs, Moonbathing, Pets Play and Learn, Play In Park Fountains, Play with Pets, Spring Activities, Summer Activities, Swim, Tend Garden, Tend and Harvest Garden, Use Hot Tub, Use Water Vehicles, Use the Jump Platform, Winter Activities.Social - Be Friendly, Be Funny, Be Mean, Be Mischievous, Be Romantic, Fight, Give Speech, Hug, Kiss, Scare, Tell Jokes. (Missing: WooHoo, Sparring/Practice Fighting)Kid Activities - Battle With Voidcritters, Do Homework, Perform Puppet Shows, Play In Closet, Play Marbles, Play On Playground Equipment, Play With Toys, Play with Infant & Toddler Toys, Use Activity Table, Use Science Table.Home Activities - Bathe and Shower, Browse and Buy Items, Browse the Web, Clean, Do Laundry, Fix Objects, Sleep, Stay Near Household Sims, Try On Outfits, Watch TV.BUSINESS PRESETSYou can pick from various presets based on existing venue types. Venues types available are based on your installed content. You can use the presets as-is, or use them as a starting point and customise them. Custom lists of Business Activities can be saved as a new preset for future use.Arts Center - Paint, Play An Instrument, View Art, Watch Live EntertainmentBar - Drink Bar Drinks, Watch TV, Be Friendly, Play Pub GamesBowling Alley - Bowl, Drink Bar DrinksCafé - Drink Coffee, Eat, ReadCat Café - Play with Pets, Drink Coffee, Drink TeaCommunity Garden - Tend Garden, Be FriendlyGym - Work Out, Bathe and ShowerKaraoke Bar - Sing, Drink Bar Drinks, Watch Live Entertainment, Be FriendlyLibrary - Read, Do Homework, Browse the WebLounge - Do Comedy, Play An Instrument, Watch Live Entertainment, Drink Bar DrinksMaker Space - Fabricate Objects, Woodwork, Be FriendlyMuseum - View Art, View Collectibles, PaintNightclub - Dance, Listen To Music, Drink Bar DrinksOnsen Bathhouse - Use Hot TubPark - Fish, Swim, Grill, Play On Playground EquipmentPool - SwimPottery Studio - Do Pottery, Browse and Buy Items, Attend Classes and LecturesRecreation Center - Play Table Games, Work Out, Paint, Play On Playground EquipmentShop - Browse and Buy ItemsSpa - Do Spa ActivitiesTattoo Parlor - Get TattooedUniversity Commons - Do Homework, Read, Play Physical Games, Play Video Games, Be FriendlyTARGET CUSTOMERSThese are customer demographics and again take their cue from the Club system [GT].New detail with this pack - the rules can be strict (specifically ONLY these customers) or loose (these customers preferred, but other Sims also welcome). So you could have a business ONLY attract Teens, but might run out of new customers quickly unless you create more Teens, or they are spawned via other gameplay. Preferring Teens usually spawns Teens until the save runs out, then calls in other customers to make up numbers.When "Make Selected Criteria Required" is checked, Sims MUST meet this requirement to visit the lot as a customer. When unchecked they will have priority, but other Sims can come to make up numbers later.The Target Customer Criteria are the same as for Club Requirements (inc. newly patched in Occult filter and updated Financial Status brackets), with the addition of one more category of customers - Supervised Customers:Target Customer UI is similar to the Club Requirements UI.These are customers that need to be brought to the venue by a Caregiver Sim aged Teen+. Once at the venue the Caregiver will either stay on the lot and enjoy the facilities, or drop off their charge and leave before picking them up later. Staying at the business is the default, but the box can be unchecked.Sims will arrive with children and pets, and either stay on the Small Business lot with them or leave them in your care. (Note: Cats and Dogs come with the Cats & Dogs EP. Horses come with the Horse Ranch EP)

COMPARISONS WITH SIMILAR CONTENTStandard Venue vs. Small Business version of VenueTEST 1 - BARWhen visiting an owned Bar (I had Nina Caliente purchase Rattlesnake Juice and use the default Bar Preset) the main thing I noticed was less Sims crowded around the bar, and most Sims gathered around the TV. I guess because it's not an official Bar, there could be less of a "push" to drink, because TV watching is also a Business Activity, and there are no Pub Games on the lot by default. Nina was the Bartender as she was it's owner and has no Employees, and she was wearing her Hot Weather outfit (to fit the weather). I set her Employee Tasks to be Tend Bar, Be Friendly, Clean and Repair. At one point Nina might have needed Fun/Social, because she came out from behind the Bar to Watch TV/Chat. She went back when I turned off the TV/cancelled her chatting to me (I was playing as Johnny Zest). I pranked the toilet to break it, but Nina didn't autonomously fix it straight away (I think this is distance related because once I called her over to the restroom, she spotted the break and fixed it).Observations: In an owned Bar your Bartender will be your Bar Owner or another Employee (anyone you set to Tend Bar). They will not wear a uniform (unless you set a custom one, they will just wear their Everyday/Hot/Cold outfit). Community Lot Bartenders normally Tend Bar, Be Friendly and Clean by default (based on observations). You could add Repairs to this for fixing broken toilets etc in your own Bar, or change the vibe of the place by making them Be Mean instead of Be Friendly. There are no Happy Hour or Themed Nights at owned Bars. Bar Food menu is whatever is the world default, but drink menu depends on Mixologist skill (Community Lot bars require level 5 Mixology), so depending on current Bartender's skills/unlocks, drinks menu could vary. You also wouldn't need to have the same Venue Requirements on an owned Bar - no need for a TV if you don't want it, and no more hiding things in basements. You might have to charge entry/hourly rate to your bar if Sims aren't buying many drinks.

You will need to restock Retail Surfaces when they are sold out, but you can slow down sales in a few ways. Any businesses that have a food/drink counter can continue serving default food/drinks from the object, even if all other food stock on the premises has sold. Services (like tattooing, massages etc) also don't sell out, just make sure you set your Owner/Employee to tend any service items (if you haven't already done so) before you rotate away. Items that don't need a stock or a service sim, such as skill objects and games, are always available for use even if there is nothing to buy and no active services when you visit.* When the lot is not loaded there will be no sales, so stock level should remain the same. You could play several households in a row without visiting the business, and nothing would have sold. You can limit visits to/time spent at the lot to slow stock depletion.* When playing the lot (as the Owner), you can Disable Sales on Retail Surfaces to stock them without Customers constantly buying things, but can still keep the business open for other services.* If you want Customers to still occasionally buy things (at a much slower rate), you can Enable Sales on the Retail Surfaces, but don't set/unset Browse and Buy Items as a Business Activity (sims aren't pushed to buy, but still do occasionally of their own accord). By the time you rotate away, you should have full shelves if you use one/both of these methods.* You can also consider selling copies of crafted items, rather than the originals. Copies are fast to produce, so it's an easy way to refill shelves. Copies usually have worse quality, but there are various ways to improve item quality in game. They also sell for less than the original, but if you are making copies quickly, you also don't need to slow down sales to keep shelves full.* Time to rotate? Enable Sales on your Retail Surfaces, if they are Disabled. If you forget this step, you won't be able to buy anything placed on Retail Surfaces when you visit as a Customer.* Move to the next household.* Now you can visit Business 1 with Household 2, but as a Customer. As the lot has not been loaded, it should have all it's stock from before set for sale. Watch the other Customers buy things... The purchase rate should be slow enough that you might never see them buy things, nothing like the fast-paced sales rate it would be with Browse and Buy Items selected.

SMALL BUSINESS SYSTEMSETTING UP [UNOWNED?] BUSINESSES TO VISITThe only new Build Mode element to Small Businesses is the room allocation tool. All other Business settings are accessed via the Owner's Business Panel. Selling a Small Business you are living on just makes the lot Residential again without the (Small Business) suffix. Unowned Small Business Venues seem to have no visitors or autonomy, like Generic lots.You can still set up Businesses to visit, like you would Retail etc, you just can't sell them after setting them up like you do with Retail. will also need to ensure that your Owners or their Employees have the appropriate skills for Classes/Lectures/Mentoring, if that service is offered. Just set the owners to Unplayed when you are done, and maybe give them Custom Neighborhood Stories settings so they don't move out of their Home Business or quit their Small Business jobs. The only thing I'm not sure of here is how restocking works for shops. Service only businesses should run fine though.PASSING DOWN BUSINESSES ON DEATHIirc, the Gurus said that if a Small Business isn't passed down in life by the Owner, it'll transfer to a household member on death. As Sims can only Register one Small Business each, it would have to pass to someone who doesn't already own one. I have not tested this in gameplay though. I HAVE checked to see if Small Businesses can be passed down on death via the L&D Will... The answer is no.

Q&A: Businesses & Hobbies | EA Forums

85 Replies

Ziafar
Seasoned Ace
22 days ago
I have a question :
I do not yet have the pack. In my game I have the bug that when a store is owned by a Sim and another of my Sims go to that store to puchase something there are no employees and the Sim cannot buy anything. I wonder if that bug can prevent the Samll businesses to work properly.
Junebean203
Rising Newcomer
2 months ago
I just want to say thank you so much for this thread. Your answers and ideas have been incredibly helpful!
Ziafar
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
This is really interesting. Wonderful job
EmmaVane
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
SMALL BUSINESS SYSTEM
BUSINESS PERKS
Getting Perks
You gain Perk Points as you level up your Renown (star) level. You get 2 Perk Points per level. Some Perks have multiple tiers, becoming stronger with each unlock, while others are a single tier. None of the Perks have requisite Perks earlier on, (you don't need the Tier 1 Schemer Perk, to get the Tier 2 Schemer Perk etc) you just need the Renown level for it. You can also refund Perk Points to redistribute them later if needed.
Alignment
They fall into three Alignments: Schemer, Neutral and Dreamer. Simply choosing the Perk doesn't seem to effect your Alignment, however, using them (and other Alignment interactions that aren't Perk-locked) does. There are also ways to use Schemer Perks for good, and Dreamer Perks for evil that likely weren't considered, so it does balance out a bit.
Passive vs. Active Perks
Perks have two types: Passive and Active. Passive Perks are on by default, and you don't need to do anything for each individual use of them. A few have toggles, for when you want to turn them off (e.g. Bartering can be toggled off after purchase, if you want to go back to cash payments only). Active Perks require an interaction from the player to be used (e.g. picking a customer to sell an item to).

Tier 1 - Hopeful Hustle
😈 Sway to Buy
[Sim Name] gains the ability to persuade customers to buy any items set out for sale on Retail Displays. What magic is this, you ask? Who cares, so long as it works! Though there's always the risk of customers seeing through the technique, selling has never been this easy!
▪️Active Perk
(Note: This is only really useful if you are selling items in your business. I can be used to sell expensive items, short-dated food, things that have been sat there for a while or just selling particular items to particular Sims (you choose both the Sim and item). It's also good for selling more personalised items to appropriate Sims, like photos/paintings you just did of them or their loved-ones. Just don't overuse it if you are aiming for a Dreamer alignment.)
😐 Leave a Tip? (1-3)
While the Business is open, customers will feel more inclined to apply a digital tip and add a few extra
Simoleons on any payment made to support [SimName]'s Business. Investing further in this Perk will make customers even more generous.
▪️Passive Perk
(Note: This is a good one to get early if you have Perk Points but aren't particularly interested in any of the other things you have unlocked. The Simoleons add up over time, especially in the higher tiers, adding potentially hundreds to daily profits.)
😇 Inspiring Business Story
[SimName] can share [their] Small Business journey to inspire other Sims and strengthen their relationships. [They]
might also bore them stiff and damage their relationships, but that shouldn't stop [them] from sharing lessons learned along the way!
▪️Active Perk
(Note: This one is kind of hit-or-miss. Probably the most useful in a business where Sims are doing skills boosted by the Inspired emotion, as it would increase customer skill gain in those instances potentially leading to better reviews. It could also be handy in certain challenges, like ISBI, to prompt creative behaviour in uncontrollable Sims.)

Tier 2 - Striving Startup
😈 Fake Payments
[SimName] has gained image-editing software dexterity, allowing [them] to fake payments for household bills and employee salaries. What could possibly go wrong ?! Only possible fines from the Business Bureau, that's all!
▪️Active Perk
(Note: Great early on if you build/place a more decorate business and need help with the bills.)
😐 Going Viral (1-3)
Simfluencers have been visiting [SimName]'s Small Business and generating a huge buzz. While the business is open, [SimName] will see an increase in customer satisfaction. Investing further in this Perk will generate even more buzz...
▪️Passive Perk
(Note: I haven't played with this much yet, will add info as I do.)
😇 Employee Bonus
[SimName] will be able to give Bonuses to [their] employees, empowering them to do a great job. If successful, the employee's needs will be fulfilled based on the amount of the Bonus. The Bonus could be taken negatively, resulting in depleting the employee's needs more quickly.
▪️Active Perk
(Note: This interaction is only available on Employees whilst the business is open.)

Tier 3 - Neighborhood Gem
😈 White-Collar Robbery
[SimName] gains the ability to swipe objects regardless of their skills or traits. With this perk, [SimName] can enter restricted business areas and grab precious stuff, since, you know...it's just sitting there...
▪️Active Perk
(Note: It would really be a shame if the new rival bakery had their Employee-only Cupcake Factory stolen...)
😐 Muscle Memory (1-3)
[SimName] spends so much time in [their] Small Business doing the same tasks over and over, and naturally [they have] become quite deft. With this perk active, [SimName] will have a much easier time gaining skills while the business is open. Investing further in this Perk will boost skill gain even more...
▪️Passive Perk
(Note: Particularly good for Sims who plan to Lecture/run Classes, Mentor, Overachiever/Genius Sims, or challenges where various skills have to be maxed in a timely manner. Honestly, no downsides other than less Perk Points to spend on profit-making abilities, so I guess it depends what your sim wants to gain more.)
😇 Chug the WUTANT
[SimName] can now chug the Wutant, a special, off-market energy drink which grants [them] a much-needed boost, making [them] highly energized while [their] needs drain slower for a day. Of course, there is a guaranteed consequence, but what's a little gain at no risk?
▪️Active Perk
(Note: Fills all your needs and keeps them pretty much full for 24 hours. Once it runs out though, your Sim crashes for a full-on sleep, not just a nap. Also has a strong Energized moodlet for the duration. Especially handy for Sims who only open businesses on their days off, or those who need a few extra hours to refill the shelves with craftables. Could also be great for training Energized-boosted skills like Fitness or Nectar-Making)

Tier 4 - Community Staple
😈 Fire Starter
[SimName] gains the ability to "accidentally" start fires on [their] lot objects. Thanks to a contact at the insurance company, [they] will receive increased payouts on lots where [their] Business can be opened. Fires can be started on other lots with no financial gain, only eliciting pure chaos.
▪️Active Perk.
(Note: One for the pyromaniacs/deviant Simmers out there. Particularly good for ruining rival businesses. Insurance payout seems to be around 150% of the item's original cost, from what I've seen so far, so if you can burn thing safely you could profit off of this alone.)
😐 Invest in SimoCoin
[SimName] gains the ability to mine Simo Coin on a Computer, at the cost of a few Simoleons. The Computer will exclusively mine for several hours and may produce significant Simoleon gains. It is the ultimate promise of wealth, just keep an eye on the electricity bill!
▪️Active Perk
▪️Requires Simoleons.
(Note: Costs 100 Simoleons + extra power to mine SimoCoin, and it seems profitable over time. Probably worth investing in solar/wind energy or combining with Fake Payments so you don't have to pay the electricity bills.)
😇 Customer Appreciation Day
When using this perk to open the Business, all goods, services, and Entrance Fees will be FREE. Customers are guaranteed to have a positive experience at the Business, developing a positive relationship with [SimName] much faster, and have a high chance of gaining the Adoring sentiment with [them]. Who needs Simoleons when [SimName] can build Renown by treating [their] customers for a day?!
▪️Active Perk
(Note: Great way to boost Renown, by sacrificing profit. Consider removing expensive stock and replacing with hoarded cheap/common items, or cooking free recipes from gathered/home-grown produce for the free days. This could also be used for chaotic reasons if, for example, your freebies happened to contain Bizarre Fruit or Pufferfish...)

Tier 5 - Local Legend
😈 Ultrasonic Whistle
While the business is open, [SimName] will carry around a hidden device, regularly playing a high-pitched noise that will force some nearby customers to leave. Not to worry, new customers will come right in, and no one leaves before they pay their Entrance Fees!
▪️Passive Perk. Can be deactivated at a Small Business Sign, Ticket Machine, or Computer.
▪️Conflicts with Irresistible Scent
(Note: Best used in combination with a one-off Entry Fee for maximum profit.)
😐 Irresistible Scent
While the Business is open, a waft of irresistible scent will fill the indoors. Customers will not only find the place smells AMAZING...they are more likely to stay around longer!
▪️Passive Perk. Can be deactivated at a Small Business Sign, Ticket Machine, or Computer.
▪️Conflicts with Ultrasonic Whistle
(Note: Best used in combination with an Hourly Fee for maximum profit.)
😇 Bartering
While the Small Business is open, customers may offer to pay in rare collectible items instead of Simoleons helping [SimName] to complete [their] collections!
▪️Passive Perk. Can be deactivated at a Business Sign, Ticket Kiosk, or Computer.
(Note: This one is great for Sims running Museums, crafters that use collectibles (like Gemologists/Florists etc), collection shops or Collectors/Geeks who just want to find ALL THE THINGS! Profit will be variable, but better if your merchandise or services are on the cheaper end of things. Packs also effect profit here, with JA making this WAY more profitable due to potentially receiving collectibles worth ~10k. Haven't checked if we can Barter as played Customers.)
EmmaVane
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
The only solution I see, is to have a different household member own the Dog Park. If you don't have a family member that could run it, maybe make a "roommate" (household roomie, not NPC roomie) - you don't have to play them much, just keep them alive so you can control the business through them.
EmmaVane
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
You can own multiple business, but it works like owning a chain of stores. They have the same ruleset, name etc. If you open a Tea & Gossip in HoB, but later want another in Mt. K, you could open a second branch via the same Owner.
You can own other types of business along with a a Small Business, but all your Small Businesses will have the same ruleset.
Miataplay
Legend
2 months ago
Interesting. I don't have this bug in my game and I play with cc and mods... I guess not all gamers get the same bugs ..
EmmaVane
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
I didn't spend long playing as the owner, about the time it took to make a out 20 treats. I could open and stock the vending machine like any other storage box, however, in that time nobody bought a treat.
When playing as a customer, there was no purchase option on the vending machine.
EmmaVane
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
There's been a plant watering bug for a while. They seem to let you water them the first time after planting, but then never again. You have to cheat it or hope it rains.
jodilynne516
Rising Newcomer
2 months ago
What about 2 different types on 2 different properties? For example, on my home lot I have a cafe. I want to have a second business at the dog park in Brindle Bay. I don’t know if it’s not possible, or a glitch that when I try to change the type and name it changes for both. If I deselect from the assigned businesses it still changes deletes the other business settings.