How to avoid being ripped off when trading TF2 items
Sat, 09/10/2011 - 10:15
1. Always check TF2 prices before you trade.
Look here for current prices of refined/earbuds/bill's/unusuals/etc. Buds and bills will hover around $20 and $10, respectively. It's still good to check.
2. Check the TF2 Community Items & Hats Pricing Guide for a good price estimate on TF2 items.
Don't follow these prices, they are only an estimate.
3. Don't use the TF2 shop for TF2 item prices!
This is just a terrible, terrible idea, and it happens way too often.
4. Don't forget to check SK prices, too!
Check the prices AROUND the AH. The buy prices on items are often a terrible price, and that's why they're still sitting in the AH. The bid prices are usually too low, since the seller knows to start the bid low and let people drive up the price.
5. Use this tool for CE/CR/USD conversion.
It's fast, easy, and accurate. Remember, it automatically removes 2% on CE to CR conversions, due to the CE selling fee.
6. Check your math!
Don't let them smooth talk you into thinking you're getting a good trade, when you're not. Always check with a calculator, first. Use the above resources to make sure you're getting a good deal.
7. Ask for advice.
If you need help with anything, ask an experienced trader.
8. Wait a full 24 hours since the last offer on your item(s) before trading.
Don't forget, SK is played around the world! You may get a better offer from someone on the other side of the world, but they might not be awake to offer.
Sat, 09/10/2011 - 10:25
#2
They are games, but both of
They are games, but both of 'em (especially TF2) have large and potentially lucrative economies. Getting ripped off can often lose you money, especially with earbuds/max heads/unusuals
Sat, 09/10/2011 - 11:42
#3
And yes, it's okay to pay
And yes, it's okay to pay more, but not always, or to the point of getting ripped off
Sun, 09/11/2011 - 13:08
#4
If you're trying to get into
If you're trying to get into the tf2 economy, this blog is a pretty good resource, lists pretty much every tf2 item in terms of metal/key cost:
http://tf2spreadsheet.blogspot.com/
Just a rough breakdown:
300-500 ce= 1 refined
2.33=key
Sun, 09/11/2011 - 13:24
#5
bishop was about to post the
bishop was about to post the sheet too ~
tho should be said that you always have to take it with a grain of salt. no prices are hard set and stuff changes over time. that said if something is listed for 9 refined you can be pretty damn sure that 500ce are not enough to cover it ;)
Sun, 09/11/2011 - 13:35
#6
Haha bishop, that's in the OP
Haha bishop, that's in the OP :P
Sun, 09/11/2011 - 13:57
#7
lol, must've missed that.
lol, must've missed that. Just being thorough.
Good advice, thanks.
But, in my opinion, you're taking things a bit too far. Both Spiral Knights and Team Fortress 2 are games. In both games its relatively easy to make moneys or earn items (I played a few hours in TF2 and got 3 or more items, don't remember precisely). In other words: its ok to pay a bit more now and then :)
It would be nice if someone put up an estimate for things like weapons, metals in crowns or ce (since CE can be bought for $$, same as most items, it should be relatively simple).