In order to buy items from other players in Path of Exile you must go through the official Trade website, input what you want, then copy-paste a message via the in-game access for messaging that player and arrange to meet them online so they can trade it to you. Once you understand the ropes, it’s a piece of cake!
Dealing with other players is the name of the game when it comes to Path of Exile’s economy. Whether you’re trying to find that one perfect weapon, or you’re looking for some currency, understanding how to buy from other players can save you a massive amount of time and get you up to speed fast. Let’s get right into it and explain to you how exactly it works.
Why Player Trading Matters in PoE
Path of Exile lacks an auction house as in other games. In its place, there is a player-to-player trading mechanic which makes the world’s economy far more lively and fun. It’s much like a busy bazaar where you are able to transact directly with real people. This process might be a bit confusing at first, but just like anything else you get used to it and before you know it — boom! —you’ll be trading like a pro.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy Items from Players
Step 1: Visit the Official Trade Website
First things first, head over to the official Path of Exile trade website. This is your one-stop shop for finding items. The site shows everything that players have listed for sale in real-time.
Pro tip: Bookmark this page because you’ll be using it a lot!
Step 2: Search for Your Item
Here’s where the rubber hits the road. Apply search filters to easily find what you’re looking for:
- If you know what you want, type the item name in the search box
- Use the filters on the left to tune-up your search (item type, required level, stats…).
- Set your budget by filtering by price in the currency you have
For example, if you need a life flask with bleed immunity, you can filter by item type “flask,” then add specific mod filters for “life” and “bleed immunity.”
Step 3: Sort and Compare Results
Once you hit search, you’ll see a list of items. Here’s what to look for:
- Price comparison: Items are usually listed in Chaos Orbs or Divine Orbs. Don’t break the bank on your first offer!
- Seller status: Online sellers show a green dot. These folks can trade right away
- Listed time: Fresh listings are often more reliable. Sellers are more likely to still have the item
Step 4: Whisper the Seller
Found something you like? Click the “Whisper” button next to the listing. This automatically copies a message to your clipboard. The message looks something like this:
“Hi, I would like to buy your [item name] listed for [price] in [league]”
Now hop into Path of Exile and press Enter to open the chat, then Ctrl+V to paste the message. Hit Enter again to send it.
Step 5: Wait for a Response
Here’s where patience is a virtue. The seller might:
- Invite you to their party immediately
- Reply that they’re busy but will trade soon
- Not respond (they might be AFK or already sold the item)
If you don’t get a response after a minute or two, don’t sweat it. Just move on to the next seller on your list.
Step 6: Join Their Hideout and Trade
When the seller invites you to their party:
- Accept the party invite (it appears on your screen)
- Travel to their hideout by right-clicking their character portrait and selecting “Visit Hideout”
- Wait for the trade request. The seller will send you a trade window
- Check the item carefully in the trade window. Make sure it’s exactly what you wanted
- Add your currency to the trade window
- Hover over the item to verify its stats match the listing
- Accept the trade when everything looks good
- Say thanks! A quick “ty” or “thanks” goes a long way
Step 7: Leave and Enjoy Your New Item
Once the trade is complete, you can leave the party and their hideout. Right-click your own character portrait and select “Leave Party,” then use a waypoint or portal to head back to your own hideout or continue mapping.
Important Trading Tips and Tricks
Currency Exchange Rates
Not all currency is created equal. Here’s the pecking order:
- Divine Orbs are the top dog (most valuable)
- Chaos Orbs are the everyday currency
- Other currency like Alchemy Orbs, Chromatic Orbs, etc., have lower value
Always check current exchange rates on the trade site before making big purchases.
Avoiding Scams: Keep Your Eyes Peeled
Unfortunately, not everyone plays fair. Here are some red flags:
- Item switching: A seller puts the wrong item in the trade window. Always double-check!
- Price manipulation: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is
- Fake currency: In rare cases, scammers try to use similar-looking currency. Verify everything!
The golden rule? Take your time. There’s no rush when completing a trade.
What to Do When Sellers Don’t Respond
It happens to everyone. Here’s your game plan:
- Message 3-5 sellers at once for common items. First one to respond wins your business
- Check if the item is still listed by refreshing the trade site
- Look for online sellers (green dot indicator)
- Be patient during peak hours when everyone’s busy mapping
Using Trade Macros and Tools
Want to speed things up? Third-party tools like Awakened PoE Trade or PoE Overlay can help you:
- Price check items quickly
- Search the trade site without leaving the game
- Track your whispers and responses
These tools are allowed by the game developers and won’t get you in hot water.
Trading Etiquette: Don’t Be That Guy
The PoE community has some unwritten rules:
- Don’t lowball sellers with insulting offers
- Respond promptly when someone messages you
- Be polite even if negotiations fall through
- Don’t spam the same seller repeatedly
- Honor your listed prices if you’re also selling
Remember, you’re dealing with real people who just want to enjoy the game like you do.
Special Cases: Bulk Buying and High-Value Items
Buying in Bulk
Need 100 Chaos Orbs or a stack of maps? Use the Bulk Item Exchange tab on the trade site. You can specify exactly how much currency or how many items you want to trade at once. This beats messaging 20 different sellers by a country mile!
High-Value Purchases
Buying something worth multiple Divine Orbs? Extra caution is needed:
- Record the trade with screen capture software
- Triple-check the item stats before accepting
- Check the seller’s account age and trading history if possible
- Don’t rush no matter how eager you are
Mobile Trading: PoE Trade on the Go
Did you know you can use the trade website on your phone? While you can’t complete trades without being in-game, you can:
- Browse items during your lunch break
- Message sellers so they know you’re interested
- Compare prices and plan your purchases
It’s a game-changer for serious traders who want to stay ahead of the curve.
Common Mistakes New Players Make
Learn from others’ slip-ups:
- Not checking the league: Standard and league items don’t mix. Make sure you’re searching in the right league!
- Forgetting about price fixing: Some listings are fake to manipulate prices. Check multiple sellers
- Trading too early: Sometimes farming the item yourself is faster than trading for it
- Poor filter usage: Being too specific or too broad wastes time
- Not having currency ready: Keep your trading currency organized in your stash
Alternative Trading Methods
While the official trade site is king, you have other options:
Trade Chat
Type /trade [number] in-game to access trade channels. It’s the old-school way but still works for quick deals.
Discord Communities
Many PoE Discord servers have trading channels where you can buy, sell, or swap items. The community is usually helpful and responsive.
The Official PoE Forums
The forums have a trading section, though it’s less popular than the trade website. Still worth checking for rare items.
Currency Trading Tips
Sometimes you need to convert your currency. Here’s how:
- Go to the Currency tab on the trade site
- Select what you have and what you want
- Check the ratio (example: 150 Chaos Orbs for 1 Divine Orb)
- Message sellers using the same whisper system
- Complete the trade just like with items
Final Thoughts: Practice Makes Perfect
Path of Exile trading may be daunting at the start, but hold on! All those high-achieving veterans began right where you are right now. Things will go a whole lot easier the more trading you do.
Each trade you make has a ripple effect in the player-driven Path of Exile economy. You’re not just buying gear; you are partaking in one of gaming’s richest and most compelling economies. Now, Get out there, make some deals and may the RNG gods be with you for those trades!
