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Schedule 1 Dealers Basic Guide: From Street Hustler to Empire Tycoon

Schedule 1 Dealers Basic Guide: From Street Hustler to Empire Tycoon

EAuthor: Empire Builder9 min read

Dealer Economy Optimization

Dealer Assignment Strategy

In the mid-game, optimizing your dealer assignments becomes your primary focus:

  1. Proactive Player Configuration: When your business starts growing, follow this dealer strategy:

    • Assign low and medium spending customers directly to your dealers
    • Keep high-value customers unassigned so they contact you directly
    • This approach maximizes profits as you can charge premium prices to big spenders
    • Screenshot the configuration shown in the guide for easy reference
  2. Dealer Management Optimization:

    • Don't fill every customer slot for each dealer
    • Leaving strategic gaps ensures high-value customers reach out via phone
    • This method increases both XP and profit margins when you close deals personally
    • Balance dealer assignments based on your preferred gameplay style
  3. Lazy Seller Method:

    • Perfect for players who prefer minimal interruptions
    • Assign all customer types (low, medium, and high spenders) to your dealers
    • Creates a fully automated income stream requiring minimal management
    • Keeps dealer inventories moving with consistent cash flow

Dealer Configuration Phase Division

Based on gameplay preferences, dealer configurations can be divided into three key approaches:

MethodPlayer TypePrioritiesSpecial Tips
Proactive ConfigActive street dealersPersonal deals with high-value customersLeave gaps in dealer assignments for premium customers
Lazy SellerHands-off playersFull automation & consistent incomeAssign all customer types to dealers
Teleportation TheoryMin-maxersCustomer preference matchingRequires crafting multiple product variations

Hidden Systems and Secret Techniques

The Teleportation Theory

The game features an advanced dealer system that few players fully understand:

  1. Dealers teleport between clients, meaning customer location doesn't matter
  2. Configure dealers by customer preference rather than location
  3. Assign customers who prefer euphoric products to specific dealers
  4. Stock those dealers exclusively with products matching customer preferences

Each preference-matched setup provides unique permanent bonuses:

  • Faster sales velocity due to perfect product-customer matching
  • Consistently high customer satisfaction ratings
  • More efficient inventory management
  • Better long-term customer loyalty and repeat business

The 1.4 Pricing Rule

This powerful pricing mechanism is often overlooked by players! The secret to optimal pricing:

  1. Take your product's suggested price and multiply it by 1.4
  2. This creates the perfect sweet spot for maximizing profits without losing customers
  3. You can push to 1.5x or 1.6x, but risk diminishing returns as customers may walk away
  4. Your dealers use your pricing configurations from the product app

Most valuable pricing insights:

  • Default suggested prices leave significant money on the table
  • The 1.4x multiplier works across all product types
  • Same effort, significantly more profit
  • Consistent sales without alienating your customer base

Inventory Management and Long-Term Planning

Product Packaging Strategy

Efficient product management is essential for dealer success:

  1. Package Evolution Path:

    • Start with baggies for early-game flexibility
    • Upgrade to jars as soon as possible (1 jar = 5 baggies)
    • Eventually transition to bricks for maximum efficiency
    • Higher-tier packaging means fewer refills and longer dealer uptime
  2. Jar Logic for Time Savings:

    • When customers request 3 baggies via text, negotiate up to 5
    • This allows you to deliver a single jar instead of multiple baggies
    • Saves significant time on packaging and delivery
    • Creates a more streamlined operation with less micro-management
  3. Unpackaging Technique:

    • Use the blue arrow at packaging stations to switch to unpackaging mode
    • Allows you to break down packaged products for redistribution
    • Provides flexibility when inventory needs change
    • Perfect for rebalancing dealer stock as market demands shift

XP Progression Optimization

XP StrategySpecial AttributesImplementation StrategyOptimal Output
Late Night MeetupsCurfew bonus provides extra XP and cashAlways select late night option when schedulingMaximum XP per deal
Post-4AM Door KnockingCustomers return home after 4AMVisit customer homes and offer additional productRapid XP accumulation
Personal Selling FocusDealers make money but give minimal XPBalance automated sales with personal dealsConsistent progression unlocks

Advanced Dealer Troubleshooting

Dealer Bug Fixes and Myths Debunked

When your dealers aren't performing optimally, try these proven solutions:

  1. The Inventory Slot Myth:

    • Contrary to popular belief, you don't need empty inventory slots
    • Load every inventory slot with products and dealers will function normally
    • Maximizing inventory utilization improves overall efficiency
    • Full inventory allows for longer dealer operation between restocks
  2. Dealer Reset Technique:

    • If a dealer appears bugged or isn't selling properly:
      1. Knock them out (temporary solution)
      2. Save your game
      3. Reload your game completely
    • This three-step process resets their AI and fixes most common issues
  3. Unlisted Products Technique:

    • Dealers can sell products even if they're not listed in your sales app
    • Hand off extra inventory to dealers to move product quickly
    • Useful for clearing backstock or less popular items
    • Creates additional income streams from otherwise idle inventory

Dealer Efficiency Maximization

Efficiency FactorOptimal ApproachPrimary BenefitsSpecial Requirements
Product PackagingUpgrade to highest available packagingFewer refills & longer dealer uptimeLevel progression unlocks
XP GenerationPersonal sales during late night hoursAccelerated progression & unlocksActive gameplay time investment
Customer Preference MatchingPreference-based dealer assignmentsHigher satisfaction & faster salesMore complex inventory management

Essential Beginner Strategies

Starting Strong After the Prologue

Smart decisions in the early game can dramatically accelerate your empire growth:

  1. RV Evacuation Strategy: When you first complete the prologue, don't rush to leave:

    • Your RV will be destroyed shortly after departure
    • Take all valuable items before leaving (baggies, furniture, etc.)
    • Wait for plants to fully grow before harvesting
    • This preparation saves substantial money in early game
  2. Plant Harvesting Technique:

    • Use plant trimmers to harvest mature plants
    • Press A and D to rotate the pot for better visibility
    • Harvest all buds completely before leaving the RV
    • Take grow lights and racks (expensive items) with you
  3. Motel Setup Optimization:

    • Quickly set up your grow operation with salvaged equipment
    • Position grow lights and pots efficiently
    • Establish your packaging station immediately
    • Begin production cycle with minimal investment costs

Fast Money Methods for Early Game

Money MethodLocation/RequirementsStrategyRisk Level
Baseball Bat HustleBasketball court (north of motel)Break cook machines & ATMs for quick cashMedium (avoid breaking machines you'll need)
Trash CollectionHardware store (trash grabber required)Collect trash while traveling between customersLow (safe supplementary income)
Smart Jar SalesAnywhere (jars required)Counter-offer customers to 5 units per transactionLow (highly efficient method)

Navigation and Mobility Optimization

Map Mastery and Efficient Movement

Optimizing your movement around the city saves time and increases profits:

  1. Objective Tracking System:

    • Use the compass at the top of your screen to track objectives
    • Press M to open your map for strategic planning
    • Objectives appear as stars on your map
    • Customer meetups show as green handshaking symbols
  2. Skateboard Acquisition and Techniques:

    • Find the skateboard shop across from hardware store and arcade
    • Equip skateboard in hand and hold left click to ride
    • Build momentum by jumping continuously for maximum speed
    • Hold right click for free camera movement while riding
  3. Police Evasion Tactics:

    • Space out products in inventory for easier concealment during searches
    • Use skateboard for quick getaways from law enforcement
    • Run around cover points to break line of sight
    • Once police alerts disappear, all consequences are removed

Customer Network Development

Building Your Customer Base

Expanding your network of customers is critical to sustainable growth:

  1. Sample Distribution Strategy:

    • Always carry sample product baggies in your inventory
    • Regularly check your map for potential customers (circled on map)
    • Distribute free samples to build connections
    • This approach steadily increases your customer base over time
  2. Connection Development System:

    • Track your connections in the contacts menu under your current region
    • Focus on building relationships with dealers and suppliers
    • Successfully complete deals to advance connection status
    • Reaching "friendly" status unlocks dealers and suppliers for your network

Through these beginner strategies, you'll establish a solid foundation for your Schedule 1 empire while avoiding common pitfalls that slow progression. Combine these early-game tactics with the advanced dealer management techniques covered earlier for maximum effectiveness!