General Rules
Business Ownership Guide
Welcome to Business Ownership!
Congratulations on becoming a licensed business owner in PHRP! We're excited to welcome you to our community of entrepreneurs.
Owning a business is more than just making sales — it's about staying active, creating roleplay opportunities, and contributing to the city's economy. This guide will help you understand your responsibilities, expectations, and guidelines for operating successfully.
Purpose of This Guide
This guide is designed to:
✅ Provide clear information on operating your business within server rules ✅ Outline your rights and responsibilities as a business owner ✅ Help you maintain compliance with product and service restrictions ✅ Offer tips and resources to help your business thrive and create great RP
Think of this as your reference manual – bookmark it and refer back as needed.
Core Business Rules – Quick Overview
1. Stay Within Your Approved Business Scope
You may only sell goods or services that directly relate to your approved business type.
✅ Example: If you own a burger shop, you can sell burgers, fries, drinks, and related food items. ❌ NOT allowed: Selling guns, fresh bakery goods, hardware, or unrelated merchandise.
Why this matters: Scope restrictions maintain realism, prevent monopolies, and ensure each business type has its niche in the economy.
Need to expand your offerings? Submit a proposal to staff explaining how the new products fit your business concept. Approval is not guaranteed.
2. Zero Tolerance for Unauthorized Illegal Activity
Your business license is for legal, above-board roleplay only — unless you have received explicit staff approval to incorporate criminal elements.
Strictly Prohibited Without Approval:
Using your business to store contraband or illegal goods
Moving illegal money through your business accounts
Acting as a front for criminal activity (gangs, organized crime, etc.)
Conducting unauthorized transactions on behalf of friends or criminal organizations
Allowing your business to be used by others for illegal purposes
Consequences for Violations:
Immediate license removal (no warnings)
Possible server-wide disciplinary action (suspension or removal of business)
No refund of purchase price or investments
Special Exception: Approved Criminal RP Businesses
Certain business types — such as pawn shops, mechanic shops, bars, or other establishments where there may be a criminal underbelly — may be granted permission to incorporate criminal elements as part of their roleplay concept.
This MUST be:
Discussed during the business application process, OR
Approved by staff before any illegal activity takes place
Examples of potentially approved criminal RP:
A pawn shop that "doesn't ask questions" about where items came from
A mechanic shop that sells illegal drugs
A bar that serves as a neutral meeting ground for criminal negotiations
Even with approval:
You must operate within the approved scope
Abuse or exceeding your approved criminal activities will result in license removal
Staff may revoke approval if it becomes problematic
If you're unsure whether your business qualifies or want to add criminal elements, open a ticket with staff BEFORE proceeding.
Running a criminal operation out of your business exposes your business to being shutdown if caught by police, so it should be a hidden, secret thing about your business, even if common knowledge. You just wouldn't have crack on your menu at a dive bar.
3. Maintain Professionalism
Interact respectfully with customers, employees, and other business owners at all times.
This includes:
Professional customer service (even if your character is gruff or difficult)
Respectful interactions with competitors
Fair treatment of employees
No using your business to harass, grief, or target other players
Your business is part of the community fabric – represent it well.
Business Operations & Expectations
Owner Presence & Activity Requirements
While we provide offline personnel to help maintain sales during your non-active hours, we expect business owners to be actively involved and present.
What "Active Involvement" Means:
Regularly operating your business and creating RP opportunities
Being present in the city (not just logging in to collect profits)
Using your business to engage with the community
Developing storylines, events, or unique offerings
You're encouraged to explore all aspects of the server – own a business AND be a criminal, a racer, a socialite, etc. – but your business should still receive attention and contribute to the RP ecosystem.
Inactivity Policy
If your business remains inactive for more than two consecutive weeks without prior notice to staff, your license will be revoked and the property will be placed up for auction.
How to avoid this:
Notify staff if you'll be away (vacation, IRL issues, etc.)
Arrange temporary management if you'll be inactive but plan to return
Maintain some level of presence even during busy RL periods
We understand life happens – just communicate with us. A quick ticket saying "I'll be away for 3 weeks" prevents losing your business.
No Private Sales or Transfers
If you no longer wish to operate your business, or your RP takes you in a different direction, you may NOT sell or transfer your business directly to another player.
The Process:
Contact staff and inform them you're closing your business
Staff will buy back the business (at a predetermined rate)
The business will be placed up for public auction/application to ensure fair opportunity for all players
Why this rule exists:
Equal opportunity – Every player has a fair chance to apply for vacant businesses
Prevents favoritism – No backdoor deals or selling to friends
Fresh roleplay – New owners bring new ideas and interactions
Economic balance – Prevents monopolies or groups from controlling the market
No exceptions. Even if your friend "really wants it" or you've made arrangements – all transfers go through staff.
Fair Marketplace Policy
The no-private-sale rule is critical to maintaining a healthy, fair economy.
Without this rule, we'd see: ❌ Businesses sold for inflated prices to friends ❌ Monopolies forming as groups buy up all businesses ❌ Newcomers locked out of opportunities ❌ Favoritism and backdoor deals undermining fairness
With this rule, we ensure: ✅ Equal opportunity for all players ✅ Fresh roleplay and new perspectives ✅ A diverse, competitive marketplace ✅ Fair pricing and access
Your business is part of the server ecosystem – when you're done with it, it returns to the community for the next entrepreneur.
Tips for Running a Successful Business
1. Create Unique RP Opportunities
Host events, promotions, or themed nights
Develop a reputation or brand identity
Create storylines around your business (rivalries, partnerships, expansion)
2. Engage With The Community
Advertise on in-city social media
Network with other businesses
Hire employees and create jobs for others
Become a known fixture in the city
3. Stay Compliant But Creative
Operate within your approved scope
Find creative ways to stand out within those boundaries
Propose expansions or changes to staff if you have great ideas
4. Use Your Business As A Hub
Make your shop a gathering place
Encourage customers to hang out, not just transact
Build relationships and ongoing storylines
Summary – Your Responsibilities
As a business owner, you are expected to:
✅ Operate within your approved business scope ✅ Maintain active presence and engagement ✅ Keep all activity legal (unless approved for criminal RP) ✅ Maintain professionalism with customers and community ✅ Communicate with staff about absences or issues ✅ Return your business through staff (no private sales)
Follow these guidelines, and your business will thrive as a valuable part of the PHRP community.
Questions or Issues?
If you have questions about:
Your approved business scope
Adding new products or services
Incorporating criminal RP elements (if applicable)
Temporary closures or absences
Transferring or closing your business
Open a ticket in Discord. Staff is here to help you succeed!
Welcome to the business community. We can't wait to see what you build!
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