How to effectively level up a craft-based character

the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim

I am thinking of setting up a "craft-based" character is Skyrim – with the challenge to use Smithing/Enchanting/Alchemy and Speech to build up wealth while avoiding the normal kill, loot, and sell approach.

From experience, it's hard to make/sell things without losing a lot of money in the process. For example, a leather strip (3 gold) and an iron ingot (7 gold) can be smithed into an iron dagger (10 gold) – which is a grand profit of no gold.

Even using enchanting/soul gems and "high value" enchantments like "Fortify Sneak" doesn't deliver a good return. Although, since previous characters have been combat/magic/sneak-focused, I haven't put a lot into "Speech" perks.

Is there an effective/profitable approach to a "crafting" style of gameplay or do the in-game economics make it pretty much impossible?

Best Answer

If your speech skill is low, you can get your own resources by mining (good places to mine), hunting, chopping wood, gathering flowers, et cetera; although leveling up your speechcraft will make buying resources and selling products profitable, and it's fairly easy to do.

Buying cheaper alchemy ingredients can also be a good way to turn a profit.