How to Make Neopoints Using Auctions

Auctions are an interesting way to make neopoints, but, like restocking, require a fast computer and a lot of practice. However, looking for favorable minimum increments can be done profitably on the slowest of computers! Many users make millions at the auction house.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Sit at the 0-20 page and wait for a great deal to come along (i.e. a Split Paint Brush (120,000) for 65,000). Since there's no feature telling you exactly how much time is left in the auction, you have to get a feel for it by reloading the page and watching how fast the items move down the page. Follow the item and watch its price; it will rise dramatically at the very end because all the snipers will try for it at the same time. This is when the skill comes in. You have to guess when the item will end and how much it will go for.

2. When there's 10 seconds left type in what you think the auction will end at. It's not uncommon for a paint brush to jump 30-40,000 in the last 10 seconds. Now count in your head and when you think there is two seconds left, click the Bid button. It takes a second to process the bid and if you timed and priced it right you will get the item. The timing will come but knowing what to bid takes lots of experience. In general, codestones, faeries, and map pieces will reach a price very close to their actual value, so it's better to go for expensive items that are far from their actual value.

3. Know the relative values of items you plan on going for. There's usually not enough time to look up the value before the auction ends. DO NOT bid on what looks like a great deal if you're not sure, especially if nobody else has bid.

4. FAVORABLE INCREMENT searching, as I call it, is an almost foolproof technique to get good deals. Search the auction genie frequently, looking for items with no bids that have an increment as such that your bid will be profitable but the next bid won't be worth it. For example, a Main Codestone starting at 3000 np was just listed and you found it first. The minimum increment is 3000 np, so you must bid at least 6000. Main Codestone goes for 9800, so bid 7000 and the next person will have to bid 10,000, which is overpayment and most likely won't happen. This technique is great for unbuyables with high increments, and it is great in general because it requires little work; just search for items often to find them before anyone else.

5. People will often put up 'fun auctions'for unbuyable items that they are having trouble selling. These are usually great deals, so check the Trading/Auction neoboard for anyone advertising them.

Resources

• Neopets