Interstation Arbitrage

What it is and why it matters

Arbitrage is buying a commodity where supply is cheaper and selling it where there is demand at a higher price. To evaluate an opportunity, account for the purchase price, the quantity, the available market depth, fuel, flight time, and risk. The bid at the destination station is not reserved.

Getting started

1. Study the local ask.
2. Compare bids at other ports.
3. Account for cargo capacity and fuel.
4. Check how many other companies' ships are already carrying this commodity to the same port.
5. Confirm the trade trip.
6. Compare the forecast with the actual result.

Example

"Where is it more profitable to sell 40 Iron Ore, and how much of the advantage will fuel eat up?"

An example from the starting world on November 6 for an empty Courier at Helios Port and 40 units of Iron Ore. The table shows revenue minus fuel replacement. The ore purchase is not deducted here.

Prices change, and tomorrow the order may be different.

Limitations and risks

You can fly only along direct routes. The full list is in the article on ports. Many commodities are bought by only one station, and the port authority sells only six commodities, so far from every pair of ports can be linked by a trip that includes a purchase.

Common mistakes

• Comparing only the best prices and forgetting volume: on November 6, demand for Electronics at Altair was just 36 units.
• Not counting fuel, especially on routes to Orion and Perseus, where it is more expensive.
• Assuming that other ships will not get to the same bid before you.

What's next

The deputy can search for demand and forecast arbitrage on its own. A trip you like can be delegated to it entirely.