In the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 76, survival isn’t just about guns and power armor—it’s about economics. Caps are the lifeblood of every Wastelander’s progression, and the art of making, saving, and trading them has become a game within the game. Whether you’re a casual settler or a seasoned Vault Dweller, understanding how to maximize your cap flow is key. After hundreds of hours in Appalachia, we’ve gathered 24 trading secrets from high-level players to help you get ahead.

1. Know Your Market
Before you even place an item in your vending machine, understand what’s in demand. Flux, plans, rare outfits, and legendary weapons are always hot. Check player vendors regularly to gauge pricing trends.

2. Stack Bulk Junk
Bulk junk like lead, aluminum, and adhesive is consistently valuable. Keep an eye out for workshops that produce these resources and stockpile them in bulk to sell or trade later.

3. Optimize Your CAMP Placement
Set up your CAMP in high-traffic areas like Whitespring or near public workshops. More foot traffic means more sales, especially if your vending machine is loaded with desirable items.

4. Specialize Your Vendor
Players remember consistent vendors. Specialize in something—whether it’s rare plans, high-end armor, or chems—and become the go-to player for that niche.

5. Legendary Exchange Wisely
Don’t waste legendary scrip. Exchange your items strategically and trade for high-value weapons or armor you can resell for caps.

6. Sell Ammo in Bulk
Ammo flies off the shelves, especially for weapons like Plasma Guns or .50 Cals. Offer bulk deals to attract power-leveling players.

7. Farm High-Value Locations
Nuked zones, West Tek, and Watoga provide great loot and materials. Regular farming runs here will keep your inventory stocked with sellable items.

8. Use Display Cases
A well-decorated vendor with display cases can attract more buyers. Think of your CAMP like a storefront—it should be functional and visually appealing.

9. Time Your Prices
Adjust your prices based on server activity. During peak hours or after events, players are more likely to buy expensive items.

10. Trade Rare Plans
Plans like the Secret Service Armor or rare camp décor can fetch a premium. If you get duplicates, hang on to them for trade deals or high-cap sales.

11. Understand Item Rarity
Not all legendary items are created equal. Two-shot explosive weapons and armor with Unyielding rolls command higher cap prices.

12. Offer Services
Some players pay caps for help with events, bosses, or building. Offering services can be a creative and steady way to earn income.

13. Join a Trading Community
Discords and subreddits dedicated to Fallout 76 trading can connect you with buyers looking for what you’ve got. It’s also a great place to find fair-value deals if you’re looking to buy Fallout 76 items.

14. Watch Your Vendor Cap Limit
Fallout 76 vendors max out at 30,000 caps. Make sure to collect your earnings regularly so you don’t lose potential income.

15. Craft with Purpose
Instead of crafting blindly, focus on making popular consumables like Disease Cures, Mentats, and Bufftats. These sell consistently to PvE and PvP players alike.

16. Flip Items
Buy low, sell high. Some players unload rare items for cheap. If you know the real value, you can flip them for significant profit.

17. Attend Player Markets
Some servers host player-run markets. These are perfect opportunities to meet other traders and build a network for long-term deals.

18. Sell Weapons Post-Events
After events like A Colossal Problem or Scorched Earth, sell any rare drops while demand is high. Timing can be everything.

19. Know the Price of Caps
Caps themselves are a commodity. Some players buy Fallout 76 Caps online to save time. Knowing the real-world value can help you evaluate big trades more effectively.

20. Use Perks Like Hard Bargain
Boost your sell prices to vendors using charisma-based perks. It adds up over time and can fund your future trades.

21. Farm Treasury Notes
These convert to gold bullion, which in turn lets you buy rare items and modules. Selling crafted items from bullion plans is a smart way to build long-term cap wealth.

22. Don’t Underestimate Cosmetics
Rare clothing and paint jobs are cap magnets. Players love to stand out, and will pay a premium to do so.

23. Price Check with Caution
Avoid relying solely on public pricing tools. Prices fluctuate rapidly, and nothing beats understanding your specific server economy.

24. Build Relationships
Lastly, remember that trading is also social. Long-term trading partners, fair pricing, and a reputation for honesty will keep caps flowing your way without needing to chase every sale.

---

Whether you’re trading plans, flipping legendaries, or simply managing a well-stocked vending machine, mastering the cap economy in Fallout 76 is both art and science. Use these secrets to navigate Appalachia’s player-driven market and watch your fortune grow.