Path of Exile 2: How to Get and Use Merchant Tabs
Trading has always been the lifeblood of Path of Exile, and with Path of Exile 2 expanding on that legacy, the introduction of merchant tabs provides players with a far more efficient way to buy and sell. Merchant tabs act like your personal storefront, special stash spaces that only show items you've listed for sale. Instead of cluttering your normal stash with trade goods, these tabs neatly separate items you want to move on the market.
Other players browsing your listings will see only what you've chosen to display, making it easier to keep your crafting resources and personal gear safe from mix-ups. In a game where trading often fuels progression, mastering merchant tabs.
How to Get Merchant Tabs
Acquiring merchant tabs isn't instant. You'll need to work through several steps before turning your stash into a trade hub.
1. Reach a Specific Level or Milestone
Trading is gated behind progression to ensure new players first learn the game's core systems. Typically, you'll need to either:
Reach a set character level, or Complete a key quest that introduces trade mechanics.
By the time you unlock merchant tabs, you should already understand gear, sockets, crafting basics, and the value of core currency items.
2. Invest Resources or POE 2 Currency
Once unlocked, creating merchant tabs requires investment. Here are the most common methods:
Spending Orbs or Trading Stones: Special currency items often serve as the fee for converting a stash tab into a merchant tab.
NPC or Hideout Upgrades: Some vendors or hideout decorations may include a "stash upgrade" option.
Crafting Bench Recipe: A one-time recipe may appear, letting you transform part of your stash into a merchant tab in exchange for a payment of orbs or other resources.
This is where POE 2 Currency comes into play. Stockpiling the right orbs ensures you can unlock merchant tabs as soon as they're available, rather than waiting until you've farmed enough.
3. Access Through Hideout or Interface
Merchant tab management usually appears in your hideout UI or through a dedicated vendor. Keep an eye out for prompts like "Enable Merchant Tab" when interacting with your crafting bench or stash NPCs.
How to Set Up Merchant Tabs
Once unlocked, setting up merchant tabs is straightforward but requires some organization to maximize efficiency.
Select the Merchant Tab from your stash menu.
Drag and Drop Items you want to list for sale. These items immediately become visible to potential buyers.
Set Prices using orbs, coins, or stones. You decide whether to match current market rates or undercut slightly.
Optional Descriptions: If the system allows, you can highlight useful item properties such as high rolls, socket colors, or mods.
Organize Smartly:
Use one tab per category (weapons, armor, flasks, crafting mats).
Add prefixes like "For Trade" or "Sale – " to stay consistent.
Separate premium or rare items from bulk crafting supplies.
Think of it like running a shop: presentation matters. Players browsing through hundreds of items are more likely to notice your clean, well-priced listings.
Best Practices for Using Merchant Tabs
Getting merchant tabs is only the first step. To make them profitable, follow these best practices:
Price Competitively
Check the market first. Search for items similar to yours and adjust your prices slightly lower. Buyers are drawn to good deals, and undercutting by even a single Orb can make your item sell faster.
Keep Listings Fresh
Don't let stale items clog up your tabs. If something hasn't sold after several days, pull it out, reprice it, or vendor it. A lean, updated tab is easier for buyers to navigate.
Adapt to the Meta
As the game evolves, so does demand. That flask that was hot last week might be worthless now. Regularly adjust prices to reflect what players are actually buying.
Feature High-Value Items
Put your rarest or most desirable gear in prominent slots. Items with unique rolls, six-link sockets, or build-defining mods should sit front and center.
Bundle Low-Value Goods
Selling items individually can be inefficient. Instead, create "crafting packs" of orbs, essences, or maps. Bundling makes it easier for buyers to grab everything they need in one purchase.
Coordinate with Guildmates
If you're in a guild, coordinate pricing so you're not competing directly with friends. You can also pool resources and create themed tabs to attract bulk buyers.
Why Merchant Tabs Matter
Merchant tabs bring several major benefits to Path of Exile 2:
Streamlined Trading: No more juggling whispers or external websites. Everything happens in-game.
Offline Selling: Items remain listed even when you're not online, giving your store constant visibility.
More Time for Gameplay: Instead of sitting in town spamming trade chat, you can focus on maps, bosses, or league mechanics.
Funding Your Builds: Unwanted loot becomes a direct source of POE 2 Currency, fueling new character experiments or expensive crafting projects.
For many players, merchant tabs transform trading from a chore into a natural extension of gameplay.
Final Thoughts
Merchant tabs in Path of Exile 2 are more than a convenience, they're a game-changer for anyone who wants to engage in the economy. By unlocking them, organizing your items smartly, and pricing competitively, you'll not only earn a steady flow of POE 2 Currency but also keep your stash clean and manageable.
Whether you're offloading extra rares, selling crafting materials in bulk, or showcasing high-end uniques, merchant tabs turn your stash into a professional storefront. In a game where trade drives progression, mastering this system can be just as important as mastering combat mechanics.
So hit those milestones, invest your currency wisely, and start building your in-game business. Your future builds, and your wealth, will thank you.
MMOexp POE 2 Team