Guild Wars 2

Gem store items that we buy (skins) free to apply on any item as many times as we want without a transmuted charge? like with HoM reward skins

I think that the point of the charges to begin with, which in it self not bad, they are pretty easy to get.

No gem store items are free to apply once

Afterwards you’ll need Transmutation charges.

Why they are not infinitely applicabe? probably cause A-net wants to get some income, and keep gold sinks alive, though IMHO (partial) map completion will get you a decent set of transmutation charges for customisation, and when all sales are over and gem prices have normalized buying charges with gold (150gems for 5 charges, ~15-20 gold) is a way as well.

I’m sure there’s a good reason behind it.

The one I can think of is this:
If all gem-store skins (which are currently seen as fairly prestigious) could be applied free of charge, people would be using them all the time on low-level alts. We’d then see these skins very often, and they would use their shine and individuality. The kind of audience they currently appeal for would be turned off by them.

For the armour skins, it could undermine the sales of outfits (which are used on lowbie alts to look a bit flashier without the cost of transmutation charges).

All HoM skins can be applied free of charge without visiting HoM. You just need it in the wardrobe. That sets a precedent for gem store skins if they choose it.

I can understand if you have paid money for something, that you should then reapply for free going forward.

It isnt a huge deal and i get the reason is just to make further money from stones which is fair enough, but it would also make a nice QoL change. The number of gem store skins is quite small, since outfits now dominate and they are buy once, apply free forever, so it might not impact them a great deal.

Because that’s what Outfits are for.

Just buy some transmutation charges for $ or €! That helps Anet and it is good for you!