Introduction
Buying Path of Exile (PoE) currency can be a daunting task, especially for those new to the game. With the rise of online platforms offering PoE currency and items, the risk of scams has also increased. As someone with over a decade of experience in the MMO currency industry, I’m here to guide you through the process of buying PoE currency safely from reputable sources.
Why Buy PoE Currency?
Path of Exile is a game that revolves around trading and crafting, and currency items like Chaos Orbs and Exalted Orbs play a crucial role. These items can help you acquire powerful gear, enhance your character’s abilities, and more. However, accumulating enough currency through gameplay can be time-consuming. That’s where buying PoE currency comes in handy.
Risks Involved in Buying PoE Currency
Before diving into the “how-to,” it’s essential to understand the risks involved. Buying PoE currency from third-party sources can violate the game’s terms of service, potentially leading to account suspension. Always proceed with caution and at your own risk.
How to Choose a Reputable Source
Check Reviews and Ratings
One of the first steps in finding a reputable source for PoE currency is to check reviews and ratings. Platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit, and MMO-specific forums can provide valuable insights into a seller’s reputation.
Payment Security
Ensure that the platform you choose offers secure payment methods like PayPal, credit cards, or cryptocurrencies. Secure payment gateways add an extra layer of protection to your transactions.
Customer Support
A reputable source will offer excellent customer support, often available 24/7. This is crucial for resolving any issues that may arise during the transaction.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices: Extremely low prices are often a red flag for potential scams.
- Lack of Payment Security: Avoid platforms that don’t offer secure payment options.
- No Reviews or Negative Reviews: A lack of reviews or a plethora of negative reviews should be a clear warning sign.
My Recommendations for Buying PoE Currency Safely
MMOGOLD4USA (Closed but Trusted)
Though no longer operational, MMOGOLD4USA was a trusted platform for buying MMO currency, including PoE currency. Platforms with similar transparency and customer service standards are generally safer options.
Ownedcore and Epicnpc
These are forums where individual sellers and buyers trade PoE currency. However, always check the seller’s reputation and reviews before making a transaction.
Playerauction
Background Information
Playerauction serves as a marketplace for MMO currency, much like eBay serves as a platform for a wide range of goods. Currently owned by a Chinese company, Playerauction has become a go-to place for gamers looking for the best prices on in-game currency, including PoE currency.
Pricing: Competitive but Caveat Emptor
Playerauction often offers some of the best prices in the market for PoE currency. However, the platform operates as a marketplace, meaning that individual sellers set their prices. While you can find great deals, it’s crucial to exercise caution and do your due diligence to ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate seller.
Seller Legitimacy: A Mixed Bag
The platform’s marketplace model means that the onus of verifying a seller’s legitimacy falls on the buyer. While many reputable sellers operate on Playerauction, the platform is not immune to scammers. Always check seller ratings, reviews, and transaction history before making a purchase.
Dispute Resolution: Room for Improvement
One of the significant drawbacks of Playerauction is its dispute resolution process. Users have reported that the platform’s system for handling disputes is not as robust or as fair as it could be. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to resolve a conflict, be prepared for a process that may not always be in your favor.
Final Thoughts: A Platform of Highs and Lows
Playerauction offers the potential for excellent deals on PoE currency, but it comes with its own set of risks and challenges. The platform allows for a wide range of sellers, making it both a treasure trove of good deals and a minefield of potential scams. Its dispute resolution process leaves much to be desired, so it’s especially important to vet sellers carefully.
Mulefactory (Hungarian Business)
Historical Background
Mulefactory has been a player in the MMO currency market since the Diablo 2 era. Based in Hungary and operated by a Hungarian owner, the platform has a long-standing history, which adds to its credibility.
Pricing: A Double-Edged Sword
Mulefactory’s prices are generally competitive but tend to be slightly higher than other platforms like Playerauction and some Chinese websites. While the higher price point may be justified by their reputation and customer service, cost-sensitive buyers may find this to be a drawback.
Customer Service: Efficient but Not Flawless
The platform is generally praised for its customer service, particularly in terms of communication. However, like any service, it’s not immune to occasional lapses. Some users have reported slower response times during peak hours, which could be a concern if you’re in a hurry.
Delivery Speed: Generally Fast with Caveats
Mulefactory usually delivers PoE currency quickly, but the speed can vary depending on the availability of the currency or item you’re purchasing. While most transactions are completed swiftly, there have been instances where buyers had to wait longer than expected.
Specialization: A Blessing and a Limitation
Mulefactory specializes in Path of Exile, offering a wide range of unique items that general MMO currency stores may not provide. However, this specialization means that if you’re interested in diversifying your gaming portfolio, you might have to look elsewhere for other MMO currencies.
Gaming4ez (Shanghai Based)
Background Information
Established in 2013 by Mr. Wang from Shanghai, Gaming4ez has been a player in the MMO currency market for nearly a decade. The platform specializes in PoE currency and has garnered attention for its advertising on Ownedcore.
Pricing: Competitive but Occasionally Higher
When it comes to pricing, Gaming4ez usually matches the rates found on Playerauction, although they can sometimes be slightly more expensive. The platform’s competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for those looking to buy PoE currency.
Dispute Resolution: An Ownedcore Advantage
One unique aspect of Gaming4ez is its advertising presence on Ownedcore, a well-known forum for MMO currencies. This means that any disputes are subject to Ownedcore’s resolution system, which can offer an additional layer of security and peace of mind for buyers.
Customer Support: A Language Barrier
While Gaming4ez generally offers customer support, the English proficiency of their support team has been reported to be less than ideal. This language barrier can lead to misunderstandings and frustrations during the buying process, so it’s something to consider if you’re not fluent in Chinese.
Delivery Speed: Inconsistent
Much like other Chinese websites in the MMO currency market, Gaming4ez’s delivery speed can be hit or miss. While some users report quick transactions, others have experienced delays. If you’re in a rush to get your PoE currency, this inconsistency could be a significant drawback.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag
Gaming4ez offers competitive pricing and the added security of Ownedcore’s dispute resolution system. However, the platform is not without its shortcomings, including inconsistent delivery speeds and a language barrier in customer support. As with any platform, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons to determine if Gaming4ez is the right choice for your PoE currency needs.
Poecurrency.com (Chinese Business)
Background Information
Owned by Chinese entrepreneurs and registered in Hong Kong, poecurrency is a typical corporate-owned MMO currency selling site. While it may not have the long history of some other platforms, it has carved out a space in the market, particularly for PoE currency.
Pricing: A Strong Suit
One of the standout features of poecurrency is its competitive pricing. If you’re looking for good deals on PoE currency, this platform often delivers. However, as with any site offering lower prices, it’s essential to weigh the cost benefits against other factors like customer service and security.
Product Selection: Limited Choices
Unlike some other platforms that offer a wide range of MMO currencies and items, poecurrency has a more limited selection. If you’re looking for specialized or unique PoE items, you might need to look elsewhere.
Customer Service: Room for Improvement
One of the significant downsides of poecurrency is its customer service, which has been reported to be less than satisfactory. Poor communication and delayed responses are among the issues users have faced, which can be frustrating when you’re dealing with in-game currency.
Security Risks: Credit Card Concerns
Another area where poecurrency falls short is in the realm of payment security. Users have reported concerns about credit card security when making transactions on the site. If you decide to use this platform, alternative payment methods that offer better security might be worth considering.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag
While poecurrency offers competitive pricing, it comes with its own set of drawbacks, including limited product selection, poor customer service, and potential security risks. As always, it’s crucial to do your due diligence and consider these factors when deciding whether or not to make a purchase from this platform.
Bijiaqi – The Alibaba of POE Currency for Chinese Account Holders
Background Information
Bijiaqi serves a unique niche in the MMO currency market, operating much like Alibaba but for in-game currency and items. This platform is particularly geared towards individuals with Chinese bank accounts or access to Alipay.
Payment Methods: Tailored for Chinese Users
One of the standout features of bijiaqi is its payment options, which are tailored for Chinese users. The platform accepts payments through Chinese bank accounts and Alipay, making transactions seamless for those who have access to these payment methods.
Account Setup: Chinese Phone Number Required
To set up an account on bijiaqi, you may be required to provide a Chinese phone number. This requirement further narrows down the user base to those with a strong connection to China, either as residents or through financial institutions.
Product Range: A Wholesale Marketplace
Much like Alibaba offers a wide range of products in bulk, bijiaqi serves as a wholesale marketplace for MMO currency and items. This makes it a potentially lucrative option for those looking to make large-scale purchases.
Final Thoughts: A Specialized Option
Bijiaqi offers a specialized platform for those with Chinese bank accounts or Alipay, providing a wholesale marketplace for MMO currency and items. However, its specific requirements, such as the need for a Chinese phone number, make it less accessible for the broader public.
Tips for a Safe Transaction: Navigating the Complex World of MMO Currency and Items
Use Credit Cards for Chargeback Protection
One of the safest payment methods when buying MMO currency is using a credit card. Credit cards offer the advantage of chargeback protection, a feature that can be a lifesaver if you find yourself scammed. To win a chargeback dispute, sellers must document every aspect of the transaction in detail. If you’ve been scammed, this level of protection almost guarantees you’ll get your money back.
PayPal: A Good but Less Protective Alternative
PayPal is another popular payment option that offers an alternative dispute resolution scheme. While it’s generally safe, it doesn’t provide the same level of protection as credit cards. If you’re using PayPal, make sure to document all interactions and transaction details carefully.
Be Cautious with Direct Credit Card Entries
Entering your credit card information directly into a website comes with risks, especially if the site’s security is questionable. To mitigate this risk, it’s better to use your credit card through a trusted payment processor like PayPal. This adds an extra layer of security, ensuring your financial information is less likely to be compromised.
Avoid Cryptocurrency for Irreversible Transactions
Cryptocurrency payments are irreversible and should be avoided unless you’re dealing with a reputable seller. If something goes wrong, there’s no way to get your money back, making it a risky option for buying MMO currency or items.
Document Everything and Verify Delivery
Keeping a detailed record of your transaction is crucial. Document all communications, save email confirmations, and take screenshots if possible. Once you receive the MMO currency or items, verify that everything matches what was agreed upon.
Never Return Items or Currency to the Seller
A common scam involves sellers asking you to return the items or currency after delivery. Since they’ve documented every step of the delivery process, they can easily claim they fulfilled their end of the bargain. Never return items or currency to the seller under any circumstances.
By following these tips, you can navigate the complex and often risky world of buying MMO currency and items with greater confidence and security. Always remember: the more precautions you take, the safer your transaction will be.
Conclusion
Buying PoE currency can be a risky endeavor, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can minimize those risks. Always opt for reputable sources, check reviews, and ensure secure payment methods to make your transaction as safe as possible.
Remember, the safest way to acquire PoE currency is through gameplay. However, if you decide to buy, make sure to follow the guidelines and recommendations outlined in this blog post.