For those of you who have figured out how finagle the horrible player shops into something that actually conducts profitable trade, here's a nice new option I've discovered.
Build a "Billboard" ship. Large, 2D message with your sector and message, basic thrust, blinky-light logic if wanted, faction module. Keep it cheap (cause it's gonna get vandalized and you'll need to make them regularly). Save the BP of it.
Now add your billboard to its own little fleet, and send it from your base to...
Billboard Fleets for Merchants
Build a "Billboard" ship. Large, 2D message with your sector and message, basic thrust, blinky-light logic if wanted, faction module. Keep it cheap (cause it's gonna get vandalized and you'll need to make them regularly). Save the BP of it.
Now add your billboard to its own little fleet, and send it from your base to...
Billboard Fleets for Merchants