Trade Board Official
The Trade Board Official is a clerk from the Station Trade Board who sells your shop its Business Permit. He first visits on day 38 and returns every 7th day until you buy the permit. The price depends on difficulty, from 500 to 3,000 credits. From his second visit he will accept a “donation” of goods instead of a sale.
When does the Trade Board Official visit?
He visits on every day from day 38 whose day number leaves remainder 3 when divided by 7 (days 38, 45, 52 and so on), as long as you do not own the permit. Visits stop the moment you buy it. The Mentor warns you about the permit on day 24 if you still lack one. You cannot dismiss him, and he cannot be shot.
How much does the Business Permit cost?
| Difficulty | Permit price |
|---|---|
| Price Gouge | 500 |
| Mark Up | 1,500 |
| Thin Margins | 2,000 |
| Red Ink | 3,000 |
Buying it puts a Business Permit item in your store and makes Lou eligible to visit. See the Lou page.
What happens at each visit?
- First visit (day 38). He announces that every shop must hold a permit and that he can issue one for the listed price, otherwise he will report you to Security. He hints that a “donation” could help and says he will return. You can buy the permit or choose “Don’t Buy the Permit Right Now”; the latter costs nothing.
- Second visit (day 45). The same offer, but now he says a tip of goods might make him overlook it this week. He names a total value of goods he wants.
- Later visits. The offer repeats, and the requested value grows. From day 45 a random amount of 25 to 85 credits is added to the requested donation at each visit (never below 10).
You can pay in three ways: buy the permit with cash, give him goods until their value reaches the requested total (he then leaves for that week), or refuse.
What does refusing cost?
From the second visit, choosing “Refuse” records the crime Operating Without a License in your Security record, with a severity from 50 to 170. He says Security will investigate and fine you, and that you may even be shut down. See the Security guide. The game also has a “No Permit” ending; see Endings.
FAQ
How much is the Business Permit?
500, 1,500, 2,000 or 3,000 credits, depending on whether you play Price Gouge, Mark Up, Thin Margins or Red Ink.
Can I bribe the Trade Board Official?
Yes, from the second visit. He accepts goods worth the amount he names instead of the permit fee, but only for that week. The permit itself stays unbought, so he returns.
When does he stop coming?
After you buy the permit.
Is the lottery representative the same person?
No. A different visitor, the Lottery Representative, sells lottery tickets; the game files only share a name entry with the Trade Board Official.