The Neopets Trading Post is one of the most valuable tools in Neopia, especially when you’re dealing with items worth more than 100,000 Neopoints or searching for something elusive. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from navigating to the Trading Post to mastering the art of trades.

Trading Post Location: Where to Begin

Accessing the Trading Post

There are two primary ways to access the Trading Post:

1. Via the Navigation Bar:
   • Click on Shops from the main navigation bar on the left.
   • This will take you to Neopia Central’s “Shops & Auctions” page. Look at the navigation bar for Neopia Central, and you’ll see an icon resembling Jhuidah’s head (between the Bank and the Money Tree). Clicking this icon will bring you directly to the Trading Post.
2. Via the Mystery Island Map:
   • Click on Explore in the left-hand navigation bar and select Mystery Island.
   • On the Mystery Island map, locate and click on the Trading Post to enter.

Browsing Trading Post Lots: Finding What You Need

Once at the Trading Post, you’ll want to search for specific items or trades. Here’s how to effectively browse:

Search Options

Click on Browse Lots and use the search bar. Let’s say you’re searching for a Baby Paint Brush. There are two main ways to narrow your search:

• Search Type:
  • “Identical to My Phrase” will show trades containing an exact match (e.g., Baby Paint Brush).
  • “Containing My Phrase” will display trades with related items (e.g., any type of Paint Brush).
  • “Username” allows you to find lots from a specific Neopian’s account.
  • “Lot Number” lets you view a specific trade by entering its unique number.
• Sort Options:
  • Choose to display results by Newest, Random, or Oldest. Selecting “Newest” is often the best strategy since these trades are more recent and less likely to have already been bid on or canceled.

Making an Offer on Trades: Let’s Make a Deal

Step-by-Step Process

1. Research the Price: Before bidding, check multiple lots to determine the average price of the item. Reviewing at least 20 trades is a good benchmark to avoid overpaying.
2. Decide Your Strategy:
   • If you need the item immediately, offer slightly above the asking price to secure the trade quickly.
   • If you’re comfortable negotiating, bid slightly below the asking price and wait for a response.
3. Place Your Bid: You must offer at least one item from your inventory when making a trade, even if you’re bidding pure Neopoints. For example, if the trade asks for “100k pure,” you can add a junk item (like a stick) and 100,000 Neopoints to meet the requirement.

Important Notes

• Competing Offers: Other users may be bidding on the same item, so your offer may not be accepted.
• Rejected Offers: If your offer is rejected, the item you bid will be returned to your inventory, and any Neopoints offered will be added back to your on-hand total.

Offers You’ve Made: Tracking Your Bids

To keep track of your bids, use the Offers You’ve Made section. Here, you can view all the trades you’ve bid on, including:

• The items included in the lot.
• The details of your offer.
• The status of your offer (pending, accepted, or rejected).

If you’ve bid on multiple lots for the same item, be sure to cancel any unwanted offers once one is accepted. To do this, click Cancel This Offer to have your items and Neopoints returned.

Creating a Trade: Listing Your Own Items

How to Create a Trade

1. Ensure the items you wish to trade are in your inventory.
2. Go to the Trading Post and select Create a Trade.
3. Choose up to 10 items to include in your lot (this is the maximum per trade).
4. In the “Wishlist” section, specify what you’re seeking. For example:
   • “Looking for 50k pure or a codestone of equal value.”
5. Click “Submit.” Your trade will remain active for two weeks unless canceled or accepted.

Cancelling Trades

If you change your mind, you can cancel a trade by selecting Cancel This Lot on your trade page. However, note that trades cannot be canceled within the first 15 minutes of being created.

Understanding the Icons: Trade Notifications

Here’s what the different icons in the Trading Post mean:

1. Envelope Icon: Someone has made an offer on your lot.
2. Checkmark Icon: Your bid on a lot was accepted.
3. Cross Icon: An offer you made was rejected, or a user canceled their offer on one of your lots.

The Lingo: Common Trading Terms

• 54k: Refers to 54,000 Neopoints. The abbreviation “k” is often used in trading.
• Pure: Indicates that the trader wants Neopoints only, not items.
• 54k + Items: The trader is asking for 54,000 Neopoints plus additional items.
• NFT: Not for Trade. The item is listed but not available for trading.
• ETS: Easy to Sell. Refers to items that are in high demand and easy to resell.
• Junk Item: A low-value item added to meet the requirement of bidding at least one item.

Trading Post Tips and Strategies

When to Use the Trading Post

The Trading Post is ideal for:

• Items worth over 100,000 Neopoints.
• Bundles of multiple items (e.g., codestones, dubloons).
• Rare or unbuyable items not found in user shops.

Maximizing Success

• Be Specific in Your Wishlist: A clear and concise wishlist increases the likelihood of receiving appropriate offers.
• Price Check Thoroughly: Use tools like the Shop Wizard or Jellyneo’s Item Database to estimate an item’s value.
• Timing Matters: Post trades during peak hours when more users are online for better visibility.

Common Trading Post FAQs

How Do I Know If My Offer Was Accepted?

You’ll receive a notification when your bid is accepted. The item will then appear in your inventory.

Can I Offer Pure Neopoints Only?

No, you must include at least one item in your bid. However, you can use a junk item if the trade is primarily for Neopoints.

What Happens If My Trade Expires?

If no offers are accepted within two weeks, the trade will automatically cancel, and your items will return to your inventory.

Can I Edit a Trade After Posting It?

No, but you can cancel the trade and create a new one.

Now that you’re armed with all the knowledge to navigate the Trading Post, happy trading! Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring, the Trading Post is a cornerstone of the Neopian economy.