How to Start and Run a Successful Mining HQ

[IRAGEZ]

Chapter 2​

How to Start and Run a Successful Mining HQ​

By IRAGEZ
Part of the "So You Want to Start a Resource Shop Series", Please read thru Chapter 1!

Link: https://cubiccastles.community.forum/threads/191/

A Mining HQ is the single most important investment you will make in any resource shop.

Its purpose is simple: bring players together and hire them to work for you. Your entire operation depends on the success of your HQ. This guide will walk you through how to start, run, and—most importantly—maintain an active and profitable Mining HQ.

---

What Is the Function of a Mining HQ?​

A Mining HQ provides a safe, organized space where miners can co-op efficiently.

A proper HQ allows miners to:

• Own a plot
• Store mined resources in a chest on their plot
• Get paid via Tip Piggies based on your buying list

Your Mining HQ represents the scale, professionalism, and credibility of your operation.

Important:
You should spend more cubits on your Mining HQ than on your shop.

A good HQ also provides incentives that encourage miners to stay loyal and continue mining for you long-term.

---

What Your Mining HQ Needs (Essentials)​

Realm Setup​

• Realm named after your shop with “Mining HQ” included
  
  • Example: Resource Wholesale Mining HQ
• Warp Bumper
  
  • Invest in a Star Warp Bumper for better value

Core Infrastructure​

• 3 Vends selling:
  • Tip Piggies
  • Chests
  • Warps
• Buying List (explained below)
• Plots
  • Foundation blocks (1×3 plots are the most efficient)
  • Cash-claim bumper
  • Signs for miner names
• Announcement Board
  • Events, price changes, updates
• Storage Area
  • For purchased resources

Optional (Highly Recommended)​

• NPC explaining:
  
  • How the HQ works
  • Events / point system
  • Pay schedule
• Mailbox for communication

---

HQ Design Matters​

Design is not cosmetic—it affects recruitment.

If your HQ looks cheap, players will assume your operation is too.

Your HQ should visually match your brand:

• Medieval shop? Build a castle
• Professional / corporate shop? Office-style layout
• Colorful / creative shop? Use decoration and color

A strong design makes miners feel like they’re part of something real.

---

The Buying List (Most Important Part)​

Your buying list shows:

• What resources you buy
• The exact price you pay

Example:

Stone – 100 / 20c

Use glass displays with signs so everything is clear and transparent.

Pricing Rules​

• You may adjust prices based on supply and demand
• Always inform miners of changes
• Never change prices silently

Loss of trust is fatal to a Mining HQ.

---

Setting Prices Correctly​

1. Visit other Mining HQs
2. Copy their prices (or set slightly higher)
3. Do the math
4. Make sure profits are sustainable

Tip:
Most HQs buy resources in stacks of 100.
This makes payment, storage, and tracking much easier.

---

Recruiting Miners (The Hardest Part)​

Recruiting is the most difficult—and initially the most expensive—step.

Initial Method: Hollas​

• Use 4 hollas
• Target high-activity times:
  
  • Weekends
  • Mid-mornings
• Make your holla attractive

Example:

RW Mining HQ – Hiring Active Miners!
Great Pay • Events • Prizes

This usually gets 5–6 miners quickly.

---

Long-Term Method: Referrals & Recruiters​

Once you have miners:

• Offer referral rewards
  
  • Example: 200c per miner recruited
• Or hire a Recruiting Manager
  
  • Pay commission per recruit
  • They recruit in Pens or New Eden

Cost Comparison

• Hollas: Fast, expensive (4k for ~5–6 miners)
• Referrals: Slow, cheaper, better long-term value

---

Setting a Pay Schedule​

Miners value consistency.

Mining is tedious, and players want fast, predictable pay.

Choose a schedule you can always maintain:

• Daily
• Weekly

Stick to it. Reliability builds loyalty.

---

Inactivity Policy (Very Important)​

Set clear rules:

• 7 days inactive
  
  • Place a sign: Inactive – X Days
• 14 days inactive
  
  • Remove plot
  • Store items safely
• 1 month inactive
  
  • Items are removed

Vacation or break?

• Miner must leave a sign explaining it
• Hold their plot for a set time

---

Retaining Your Miners (Where Most HQs Fail)​

Retention is just as important as recruitment.

Best Method: Point System​

Example:

• 100 stone = 1 point
• Top 3 miners win prizes

Prizes should be:

• Worth competing for
• Within budget

Display:

• Leaderboard
• Prizes
• Point tracking (signs or docs)

---

Other Event Ideas​

• Miner-only raffles
• PvP, parkour, pulse games
• Mining “quests”
• Bonus cubits for milestones
• Holiday events

Use events strategically to:

• Boost activity
• Extract high-demand resources

Most HQs fail due to lack of incentives and activity.

---

Tracking What You Buy vs Sell​

This is what separates good HQs from great ones.

Track:

• What resources you buy
• How much you sell

Use:

• Google Sheets
• Excel

At the end of each cycle:

• Compare purchases vs sales
• Adjust prices
• Reduce buying of surplus items
• Increase prices for high-demand items

---

Setting a Buying Budget​

Never overspend.

Example:

• Weekly budget: 50k

Always:

• Compare profits vs expenses
• Keep cubit flow balanced

More on logistics and finances in a future chapter.

---

Final Tips & Leadership Advice​

• Own your mistakes and repay miners if errors occur
• Trust is everything
• Hire trustworthy managers when scaling
• Listen to miner feedback
• Set holla budgets—don’t overspend
• Avoid drama and respect other HQ owners

Your leadership determines your HQ’s success.

“Hire the best staff you can, develop them, and instill loyalty.”

Do this, and your miners will stay with you—even during volatile times.

---

Coming Up Next:

Chapter 3 – Setting up, Running, and Stocking a Resource Shop​