What did a merchant have to do to be part of a guild?

To be part of a guild, a merchant typically had to meet specific requirements, such as completing an apprenticeship or demonstrating a certain level of skill and experience in their trade. They were often required to pay a membership fee and adhere to the guild's rules and regulations, which included standards for quality, pricing, and business practices. Additionally, guild membership often provided access to collective bargaining power, protection from competition, and opportunities for networking and collaboration with other merchants.