Why do the pearl buyers in The Pearl by John Steinbeck work in separate offices?

Question: Why do the pearl buyers in The Pearl by John Steinbeck work in separate offices!?

Chapter 4 is when Kino is trying to sell his pearl to the dealers!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

To give the appearance of choice and competition!. To disguise the monopoly, in other words!.Www@QuestionHome@Com