Selling and trading pets is one of the most exciting aspects of Neopets! Whether you're looking to sell unconverted (UC) pets or buy some of the most sought-after creatures, the pet trade offers a dynamic marketplace. Fun Fact: Despite other Neoboards losing traction, the Pound Chat remains bustling with new posts every day!
Neopians buy pets for all sorts of reasons, from Battledome (BD) pets to painted pets, Limited Edition (LE) pets, and more. But how do they get their hands on so many of these amazing pets? This guide will break down everything you need to know about the pet trade, including the thriving Pound Chat Neoboard.
The Rundown
Pet sales are influenced by several factors. Let's dive into what matters when you’re selling a pet:
What Sells?
Certain types of pets are in high demand. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequently sold pets:
- Battledome Pets (BD Pets)
- Painted Pets
- Limited Edition Pets (LE Pets)
- Lab Rats
Each of these pet categories has a unique appeal, and I'll explain the details in the sections below.
What's in a Name?
The name of a pet can be the deciding factor for a successful sale. While a pet's species, color, or stats can be altered through various means, the name is the one thing that’s permanent. Here are some key pet name abbreviations you’ll come across:
- RW (Real Word) – A pet’s name is an actual word from the dictionary.
- RN (Real Named) – A pet’s name is an actual person’s name.
- WN (Well Named) – A pet’s name sounds good or is thoughtfully created.
- DN (Decently Named) – A pet’s name is okay, but not great.
- BN (Badly Named) – A pet’s name is poorly chosen, often with underscores or numbers.
Level-wise
Levels are important to every pet dealer, not just BD pet sellers. If the account trying to adopt is under 4 months old, it cannot adopt pets with a level higher than 1. However, these accounts can still adopt painted pets in specific colors. Knowing a pet's level is key when pricing it.
Avvie Pets!
Pets that grant you an avatar are often priced higher due to demand on the Neoboards and among Avatar collectors. Here’s a list of all the Avatar Pets:
(Note: Some of these pets require an additional petpet or item attached to qualify for the avatar.)
Pet Types
Let’s explore the various pet types and why they hold value. Each type has different appeal, and that’s why their prices can vary. The most expensive pets are the Unconverted Neopets (which require their own separate discussion!).
Battledome Pets
These pets are considered the ultimate fighters in Neopia, making them highly valuable. As Neopia hosts numerous war plots, and many Neopians place a high value on the Battledome, BD pets often fetch high prices. The key to a good BD pet is having high and balanced stats, which are typically achieved through hand-training rather than zapping. As such, BD pets are often the most expensive in the pet trade.
Painted Pets
Painted pets are some of the easiest to obtain and are the most commonly sold. These pets are sought after mainly for their unique colors. While their purpose is simply to look good, painted pets are highly popular as a statement among Neopians. Since Paint Brushes are costly, painted pets are often much cheaper than buying the brush itself, making them a good deal.
Limited Edition Pets
LE pets are rare, and that’s what makes them valuable. Certain pets like Poogles, Cybunnys, Jetsams, and Chombys are especially coveted. These pets can either be sold as basic (no special color or stats) or painted. However, LE pets are usually priced higher than regular painted pets due to their limited availability. The highest-priced LE pets are Krawks and Draiks, which are hard to obtain and considered status symbols in Neopia.
Lab Rats
Lab Rats are pets that are repeatedly zapped in the hopes of obtaining a better color or stat boost. Unlike BD pets, Lab Rats aren’t hand-trained; they’re randomly altered by the Lab Ray. This makes their stats unpredictable, which is why Lab Rats are typically not as valuable as BD pets. However, they can still be sold as potential BD pets, meaning they may have some improved stats but require additional hand-training. Lab Rats are usually priced similarly to painted LE pets.
Getting Your Goods
Now that you know what kinds of pets are popular, the next question is: how do you get them? There are several methods, but they fall into two categories: legitimate and program-based approaches.
Pound Surfing
If you want to stay safe from freezes and play the game without programs, Pound Surfing is your option. It involves manually going to the Adoption side of the Pound and sifting through available pets to find one that fits your criteria. Once you find a pet, you can adopt it for a small fee. However, Pound Surfing can be time-consuming, and the chances of getting a pet are low.
Auto Adopting
Auto Adopting is a more efficient (though less legitimate) way to grab pets. It involves using a program to automatically surf the Pound for you. You can input your preferences for species, stats, and colors, and the program will attempt to grab a pet for you. The risk of being frozen is relatively low, but always be cautious.
Transfer Intercepting
My preferred method of pet acquisition! Transfer intercepting involves watching the Pound Neoboard for trade opportunities, then using a program to snatch the pet just as it's about to be transferred. I use a pet adopter program to help me capture these elusive pets. This method requires active participation, making it much more exciting than Auto Adopting.
Pet’s Here, Now What?
Once you’ve obtained your pet, it’s time to sell it! Neopians are always buying pets, and some pet resellers even buy pets from you to sell them again later. To get started in the pet trade, here’s what you need to know:
All is in a Name
As previously mentioned, a pet’s name can significantly impact the sale price. Use the following abbreviations when listing your pet:
- RW (Real Word)
- RN (Real Named)
- WN (Well Named)
- DN (Decently Named)
- BN (Badly Named)
Format? What Format?
When listing pets, it’s important to follow a certain format. You’ll want to include:
- Name Format – Hide the pet’s actual name using characters like X’s or #'s.
- Level – Make sure to include the pet’s level.
- Image – Upload an image of the pet to save potential buyers time.
- HB/AB – Specify the Highest Bid (HB) and Automatic Buy (AB) price to guide potential buyers.
How Much is Enough?
Pricing pets can be tricky. If you price too high, you risk scaring off potential buyers, but if you price too low, you may not get the value you deserve. Experienced pet dealers usually create a pricing table based on each pet’s attributes, such as adding extra value for each stat point or percentage of the Paint Brush cost.
Getting from One Home to Another
Transferring pets through the Pound can be risky, especially with other intercepters around. If you’re selling a valuable pet (such as a Krawk or Draik), use the Neopets transfer system for added security. If you’re using the Pound, be sure to coordinate with your buyer, giving them the exact time you’ll be transferring the pet.
Wait a Minute, How About Petpets/Petpetpets?
Petpets and Petpetpets are also a hot commodity in the pet trade, as some grant avatars. These can raise the price of the pet they’re attached to, especially if they are aged or rare.
Final Words
That wraps up my guide to the pet trade in Neopia! Whether you’re a seasoned pet dealer or just getting started, I hope this guide helps you navigate the Pound and the Pet Chat with confidence. Happy trading!
