How to Unlock and Use Merchant Tabs in Path of Exile 2
In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about Merchant Tabs in PoE 2, from obtaining them to using them effectively to manage your in-game business.
What Are Merchant Tabs?
A Merchant Tab is a special type of stash tab in Path of Exile 2 that allows you to sell items directly to other players. Unlike normal stash tabs, which are primarily for personal storage, Merchant Tabs integrate with the game's trading interface. Items placed in these tabs can be listed with prices in the in-game shop or on third-party trade websites like the Path of Exile 2 Trade platform.
Merchant Tabs streamline the trading process by:
Displaying items neatly to prospective buyers.
Allowing easy bulk pricing for common currency items.
Facilitating passive income, since you can list items while offline or focus on farming while others browse your inventory.
Supporting efficient trade for league-specific mechanics, such as crafting or currency exchanges in timed leagues.
Merchant Tabs are especially valuable in the mid-to-late game, where trading rare items, high-value crafting materials, or specialized gear becomes a major aspect of gameplay.
How to Get Merchant Tabs in PoE 2
Merchant Tabs are not granted automatically; acquiring them requires either in-game currency or special promotional methods, depending on your platform and account type. There are several ways to obtain them:
1. Buying From the Microtransaction Shop
The most direct method to get Merchant Tabs is through the in-game shop:
Open the PoE 2 client and navigate to the Shop tab.
Look under the Stash Tabs / Inventory section.
Merchant Tabs are usually sold as one-off purchases or in bundles, often priced in premium currency (Points or Coins, depending on the platform). You can also buy Path of Exile 2 Currency to get enough.
Players who want multiple tabs can purchase bundles to save currency, as individual Merchant Tabs tend to be slightly more expensive.
Merchant Tabs purchased through the shop are account-wide, meaning they can be accessed by all characters on that account. This is useful for players who run multiple characters in the same league.
2. Earning Through In-Game Events or Achievements
Occasionally, Grinding Gear Games offers Merchant Tabs as rewards:
Some leagues feature achievements that reward stash tabs, including Merchant Tabs.
Community events, challenges, or special promotions can also provide Merchant Tabs free of charge.
While these opportunities are less frequent, they allow dedicated players to expand their inventory without spending real money.
3. Upgrading Existing Tabs
If you already own standard premium tabs, PoE 2 sometimes allows upgrading them into Merchant Tabs:
Check your stash tab management screen for the "Upgrade to Merchant Tab" option.
This often requires a mix of in-game currency and premium points.
Upgrading is a cost-efficient way to add Merchant Tabs without purchasing them individually from the store.
4. Trading for Tabs (Secondary Market)
Some players sell Merchant Tabs outside the official store using third-party platforms. While not endorsed by Grinding Gear Games, this is another route for those looking for discounted tabs. Caution is advised, as account security is paramount, and buying outside official channels carries risk.
Configuring Merchant Tabs
Once you acquire a Merchant Tab, the next step is configuring it to make your trading efficient. Merchant Tabs in PoE 2 are highly customizable, allowing you to optimize layout, pricing, and item categories.
1. Naming and Organization
Each Merchant Tab can be renamed, allowing you to create logical groupings.
Example names:
"Currency"
"Crafting Materials"
"Rare Gear"
"League-Specific Items"
Organized tabs reduce buyer confusion and make your shop easier to browse.
2. Setting Prices
Merchant Tabs allow for direct pricing per item:
Right-click an item in the tab to set a fixed price.
For currency items, you can often set stack prices to sell bulk efficiently.
Prices can be adjusted at any time, which is critical for responding to market fluctuations.
Advanced players also use price-per-unit formulas for stackable items, allowing buyers to purchase partial stacks while keeping the remaining units in the tab.
3. Adding Visual Cues
Merchant Tabs support highlighting and color-coding items.
High-value items can be outlined in bright colors to draw attention.
League-specific or temporary items can be color-coded to indicate urgency or scarcity.
4. Category Filters
Use the filtering options to group items automatically based on type or rarity.
For example, all currency items can appear in the "Currency" section, while gems and skill items are in another.
Proper categorization ensures buyers can quickly find what they need without scrolling endlessly.
Best Practices for Using Merchant Tabs
Merchant Tabs are most effective when used strategically. Here are some tips to maximize your trading efficiency:
1. Keep Your Tabs Clean
Avoid cluttering Merchant Tabs with personal gear.
Only list items you want to sell; otherwise, buyers may be confused or discouraged.
2. Monitor Market Prices
Use PoE 2 trade websites or in-game price checking tools.
Adjust prices regularly to remain competitive.
Avoid overpricing niche items that are difficult to move.
3. Bundle Items for Quick Sales
Consider listing currency or common crafting items in bulk stacks.
Bundling increases sales volume and reduces manual intervention.
4. Seasonal or League-Specific Items
Highlight items that are particularly valuable in the current league.
Players often seek temporary or powerful league mechanics; featuring these items can attract buyers quickly.
5. Use Multiple Merchant Tabs
Don't rely on a single tab for all sales.
Multiple tabs allow for segmentation:
Tab 1: Currency And Orbs
Tab 2: Rare Gear
Tab 3: Skill Gems
Segmentation improves navigation for buyers and helps you track inventory.
6. Leverage Community Tools
Many community websites sync with Merchant Tabs.
Use tools to bulk-list items or automate price updates.
These tools can save time and ensure your listings remain visible and competitive.
Advanced Strategies
Experienced PoE 2 traders often combine Merchant Tabs with market analysis and farming routines:
Farming Efficiency: Place frequently farmed drops in a dedicated Merchant Tab with pre-set prices. This allows you to continue farming without constantly adjusting the shop.
Dynamic Pricing: Track how the market responds to your listings. Adjust prices for high-demand items daily.
Event Timing: List rare items before or during high-traffic times in the league. Timing can dramatically increase your profit margin.
Conclusion
Merchant Tabs in Path of Exile 2 are a crucial feature for players who want to engage with the economy seriously. From acquisition to configuration and optimization, these tabs provide both visibility and efficiency for selling items. By following best practices-organizing tabs, setting competitive prices, and using advanced strategies-players can maximize profits, maintain order, and streamline their trading workflow.
Whether you're a casual player looking to offload excess items or a serious trader running multiple characters across leagues, Merchant Tabs are an indispensable part of PoE 2's economy. Properly used, they turn a chaotic stash into a well-oiled trading machine, allowing you to focus more on the fun part: exploring Wraeclast and experimenting with powerful builds.