So far in this series, we’ve talked about getting accurate pricing from both the auction house and from other people you know that play the game. For our next trick, we’re going to talk about using some of the tools available outside your own social circle.In my opinion the easiest way to price an item is to actually SELL the item. You can put this in the Auction house, but you’re really only appealing to people who are actively looking for an item like yours. What I prefer to do is the shotgun approach.

First, go to a major city (like Darnassus, Stormwind, Undercity, etc.), preferably to the busiest one on your server. We’re looking for the biggest mass of players we can find online. Once you’ve found a big group online, you need to find out what people will pay for your item.

The easiest way is to post a WTS (want to sell) comment on the trade channel of the city. Likewise, if you find yourself short of materials to make your items, you can post a WTB (want to buy) add as well. In your WTS comment, post something like “WTS (ctrl+click on your items in your bag so people can see the stats), now taking offers”. You may get offers right away if you have an item that’s in high demand, but if you don’t, try posting again in five minutes or so. Remember, players are logging on and off all the time, and your potential customer may appear any moment.

Take your highest offer, and use this as your basis for a buyout price in the auction house. To price your item’s initial bid, I always try to go low enough to grab attention. If there are no other items like yours in the auction house, use your instincts and make a guess. In the end, test test test! Testing will get you some great ideas of what to try next.