Mastering the Art of Forum Trading in Path of Exile
So, you’ve plundered the depths of Wraeclast, amassed a hoard of valuable loot, and now you’re itching to turn that gear into currency. But how do you navigate the somewhat archaic, yet still effective, method of forum trading in Path of Exile (PoE)? Fear not, Exile! This guide will walk you through the process, transforming you from a forum trading novice into a seasoned marketeer.
The heart of forum trading lies in creating a well-structured and informative thread that showcases your wares to potential buyers. This involves a few key steps:
- Account Setup: First, ensure you have a Path of Exile account. This is mandatory for accessing the official forums.
- Forum Navigation: Log in to www.pathofexile.com and navigate to the forum trading section. The precise location varies, but it’s typically found under the “Community” or “Forums” tab.
- League Selection: Choose the appropriate league subforum for your items. Are you selling in Standard, Hardcore, the current Challenge League, or a temporary event? Select the correct forum to ensure your thread is seen by the right audience.
- Subforum Specificity: Within the league subforum, locate the relevant subforum. This could be “Shops,” “Items,” or a similar designation. For example, look for “Standard League – Shops subforum“.
- Thread Creation: Create a new thread with a clear and concise title. Something like “[Your Character Name]’s Shop – [Type of Items] – [Prices (e.g., Chaos/Exalts)]” is a good starting point.
- Original Post Content: This is the most crucial part. Your initial post should be well-formatted and contain the following:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce your shop and any special policies (e.g., online hours, preferred payment methods).
- Item Listing: List the items you want to sell with clear and accurate descriptions. This is where it gets a bit manual. There’s no in-game copy-paste functionality for forum trading.
- Item Links: Manually provide a link to a third-party tool (such as PoE Trade) that will display the stats of your items.
- Pricing: Clearly indicate the price for each item. Use common currency abbreviations (e.g., “c” for Chaos Orbs, “ex” for Exalted Orbs).
- Availability: State your general availability for trading. Include your time zone.
- Thread Management:
- Bumping: Regularly “bump” your thread to keep it at the top of the forum. This is usually done by posting a simple comment like “bump” or “online.” Be mindful of forum rules regarding bumping frequency.
- Responsiveness: Respond promptly to potential buyers who post in your thread.
- Updates: Keep your thread updated with new items or price changes.
While forum trading requires more manual effort than using trade websites, it can still be a viable option, especially for rarer or more niche items. The Games Learning Society emphasizes community building through gaming, and forum trading, despite its challenges, does foster a sense of community interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Forum Trading
How do I link items to my forum post since there’s no in-game copy-paste?
The most common method is to use a third-party tool like PoE Trade (poe.trade) or the official Path of Exile Trade website. Search for your item using the stats it has. Then link that to your shop.
How often should I “bump” my thread?
Forum rules typically dictate the bumping frequency. Usually, you can bump your thread every few hours. Check the specific forum rules to avoid getting penalized.
What’s the best way to price my items on the forum?
Research similar items on trade websites to get an idea of the current market value. Undercutting slightly can attract buyers, but don’t sell yourself short. Also, be realistic about what you’re selling; some items have no value.
What if someone tries to scam me during a forum trade?
Be cautious and always double-check the items and currency being offered before accepting the trade. Use a trade macro or tool to quickly verify the item’s stats. If you suspect a scam, report the user to the forum moderators.
Can I use images in my forum shop?
Yes, you can use images to showcase your items or create a visually appealing shop. Use an image hosting site like Imgur and embed the images in your post using the forum’s BBCode.
What are some common forum trading abbreviations?
- b/o: Buyout price (the price you’re willing to sell the item for immediately)
- c: Chaos Orb
- ex: Exalted Orb
- L/O: Lowest Offer
- PC: Price Check
- WTB: Want to Buy
- WTS: Want to Sell
- WTT: Want to Trade
How do I handle multiple inquiries for the same item?
Respond to each inquiry and let potential buyers know that you’re considering offers. If you have a buyout price, you can sell to the first person who meets it. Otherwise, you can wait for the best offer.
What if I make a mistake in my forum post?
You can edit your forum post to correct any errors. If you make a significant change, it’s a good idea to mention it in a subsequent post to notify potential buyers.
Is forum trading still relevant with the official trade website?
While the official trade website and third-party tools like PoE Trade are more convenient for most transactions, forum trading can still be useful for niche items, unique crafts, or building a reputation as a trusted seller.
How do I format my forum post for readability?
Use BBCode to format your text. Use headings, bullet points, and line breaks to make your post easy to read. Use colors sparingly to highlight important information.
What should I do if I’m no longer selling an item?
Update your forum post to indicate that the item has been sold. You can either remove the item from the list or mark it as “SOLD.”
How can I build a good reputation as a forum trader?
Be honest, reliable, and responsive. Fulfill your trades promptly and accurately. Address any issues or concerns from buyers professionally. Positive feedback can help you establish trust and attract more customers. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for building community and trust in online environments.
What are some ethical considerations for forum trading?
Avoid price fixing, price gouging, or engaging in any other unethical trading practices. Be fair and transparent in your dealings. Treat other traders with respect.
Can I sell services (e.g., crafting, boosting) on the forum?
Yes, you can sell services on the forum. Create a thread outlining the services you offer, your prices, and your availability. Provide examples of your work or testimonials from previous customers.
What if I want to sell items in bulk?
Clearly indicate that you’re selling items in bulk and specify the quantity and price per unit. Use the bulk trading syntax, for example “price 80/1 chaos” which means you want to sell 80 of a specific item for 1 Chaos Orb. Be prepared to offer discounts for larger purchases.
Concluding Thoughts
While the convenience of in-game trading and third-party websites has lessened the reliance on forum trading, understanding the process remains valuable for certain niches within Path of Exile’s economy. By crafting well-organized and informative threads, responding promptly to inquiries, and adhering to ethical trading practices, you can successfully navigate the forum market and turn your hard-earned loot into valuable currency. Good luck, Exile, and may your trades be profitable!