The Important Merchant was a Human male merchant residing in the city of Mos Espa on the planet Tatooine during the blockade of Naboo. This individual operated a stall selling various goods, proving invaluable to Qui-Gon Jinn during the Jedi's time on Tatooine. Furthermore, in the rear of his establishment, he was in the process of repairing a Titan 2150 podracer with the intention of selling it for use in the Boonta Eve Classic.
At his place of business, the Important Merchant was prepared to part with any of his merchandise, provided the price was suitable. Qui-Gon Jinn eventually approached him in search of components to repair Anakin Skywalker's podracer. He sought out the Important Merchant, who possessed a Mass coupler, a necessary part for the podracer's repair. However, the merchant was wary of dealing with Jinn upon learning that the Jedi primarily carried Republic credits. Although Qui-Gon proposed a trade, the merchant showed no interest in the items the Jedi possessed. After further prompting, the merchant declared he would accept either two Fuel converters, or a Fusion coil combined with an Engine binder, in exchange for the Mass coupler. They came to an agreement, and Jinn successfully obtained the Mass coupler for Anakin.
Ultimately, the Important Merchant's podracer found its way to Ratts Tyerell, who then entered it in the Boonta Eve Classic. Tragically, Tyerell perished when he crashed the vehicle during the second lap of the race.
The Important Merchant's singular appearance occurred within the Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace video game, specifically in the Mos Espa level. Joe Alaskey provided the character's voice. He shares the same character model as Anabar and several other Tatooine residents. In the game's mission, the player, assuming the role of Jinn, is tasked with acquiring parts to mend Skywalker's podracer through the completion of various side quests.