For instance, the one were he wants you to make 3 good horse shoes... you are making the horse shoes and getting the resources from making them, so you lose nothing at all, not even the resources does he take, but then he gives you even more reward...hmm was it gold can't remember. same with the lady that wants various fruits or pottery, you get the supplies from actually making what they request, and then as a sweetener they give you the quest reward.