I was at the Grand Exchange on Eolithist getting ready to merchant my usual items, Dragon Hatchets and Robin Hood Hats, when I noticed something interesting. I put my offer up for a few of each of these items at the minimum price, and astonishingly the offer was updated immediately and I had 5 new Robins and 5 new Hatchets.
It concerned me a little that these two popular items were suddenly being sold at such low cash values compared to a month ago, so I did a bit of investigation. Here is what I found...
The Grand Exchange Prices: Most Valued (May 16 2009)
Wow. All of the "most valued" items in the game were suddenly dropping in price like no tomorrow! Dragon Platebodie, Dragon Full Helm, Bandos gear, Armadyl gear, Sara Sword, all of their prices had sunk hundreds of K.
What was going on????
The Grand Exchange Prices: Highest Price Rises (May 16 2009) Notice that the entire list of price rising objects were junk.
I did not understand how useful and popular items were taking such a hit to their prices, but team capes that can be purchased for 50gp at a store actually have a price rise. Even the famous Dragon Claws, an item that has grown over 2500% it's original price since release, went down 700k on the same day!
Dragon Claws Price Drop Other Examples
Dragon Full Helm Infinity Set There have been rumors going around in attempts to explain these sharp drops in prices.
One group believes that it's the ruined PVP system that RS has tried very hard to develop. The PVP system is very unpopular with players dut to it's lack of rewards. Even the new "Wild BOunty Hunter" worlds are unappealing.
This lack of PVP may be the reason why so many combat items suck as God armor, dragon armor, god swords, and ranger gear are dropping greatly in price, but this does not explain why non-combat items suck as Dragon Hatchets are suffering the same price drops.
Another theory is the amount of players that merchant as their primary source of income. I am guilty myself of merchanting, and even I believe that my actions have caused (or at least aided) in the huge drop in price of Robin Hood Hats and Dragon Hatchets.
Me Merchanting
The Result
So here are my recommendations to you. Take advantage of this failing economy and purchase items while they are at their all-time lows and resell then later when the economy fixes itself.
And remember, keep the majority of your wealth in COINS. Items fluctuate millions of gp every week, but the value of the coin will always stay the same.
And now I ask: What are your thoughts or feelings (if any) on the terrible economy that has plagued RS? What is the "true" cause? Should Jagex correct this economy by inputting artificial price rises?
Personally, this reminds me WAY too much of our country's economy right now (US).
« Last edited by johnkrill on May 16th 2009 »Sig and Avy made my me!!!Brawl FC is 3394-4531-4018