Fallout 76 Caps: 16 Trading Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
Caps are the lifeblood of Fallout 76’s economy, and whether you're a seasoned trader or a fresh Vault Dweller, making smart deals is crucial. Unfortunately, many players fall into common traps that cost them precious Caps—or worse, their hard-earned gear. To help you trade smarter, here are 16 mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
1. Selling Rare Plans Too Cheap
Found a rare plan like the T-60 BOS Elder Paint? Don’t list it for a few hundred Caps just because you need quick currency. Check trading forums or vendor hubs first to gauge its real value.
2. Overpaying for Common Items
That Stimpak or Radaway might seem essential, but paying 100 Caps each is a waste. Visit player vendors—many sell them for far less, or you can craft them yourself.
3. Ignoring the Best Place to Buy Fallout 76 Items
Not all vendors are equal. High-traffic areas like Whitespring Mall or The Rusty Pick often have better deals than random camps. Scout multiple shops before buying.
4. Not Checking Fed76’s Price Guide
Fed76 (a popular pricing tool) gives estimated values for weapons, armor, and plans. Blindly pricing items can lead to massive losses.
5. Selling Legendaries for Scrip Value
A three-star weapon might only give 40 Scrip, but if it has a great roll (Bloodied, Anti-Armor), it could be worth thousands of Caps. Always assess rolls before dumping them.
6. Buying Fallout 76 Caps Cheap from Risky Sellers
Third-party sellers might promise fast Caps, but Bethesda bans players for unauthorized trades. Earn them safely through events, dailies, and smart vending.
7. Not Using Barter Perks
Hard Bargain (Charisma) reduces buying costs and boosts selling prices. Equip it before trading with NPC vendors to maximize profits.
8. Hoarding Useless Junk
Some junk (like Screws and Ballistic Fiber) sells well, but nobody wants 100 Wood Scraps. Clear stash space for high-demand items instead.
9. Forgetting to Adjust Vendor Prices
Default prices are often too high. Lower costs attract more buyers—a 500-Cap Plan: Chemistry Workbench won’t sell, but 50 Caps might.
10. Skipping Player Vendors Near Events
After Scorched Earth or Radiation Rumble, check nearby camps. Players often sell excess loot cheaply to clear inventory.
11. Not Stacking Caps Before Vendor Resets
NPC vendors have a 1,400-Cap daily limit. Sell strategically—dump excess chems, purified water, or weapons to hit the max fast.
12. Trading Without a Middleman for High-Value Deals
If swapping a Red Asylum Dress for 40,000 Caps, use a trusted courier from market subreddits. Scams happen.
13. Undervaluing Ammo
.45, 5.56, and Fusion Cells sell consistently. Price them at 1 Cap each—any higher, and they’ll gather dust.
14. Ignoring Seasonal Demand
Holiday scorched events flood the market with rare apparel. Sell yours beforehand when supply is low for higher profits.
15. Not Using the "Free Fast Travel" Trick
Visit teammates’ camps, Vault 76, or Foundation/Crater to save Caps on fast travel. Over time, those 30-Cap trips add up.
16. Forgetting to Lock Your Water Purifiers
Unlocked purifiers = free water for visitors. Lock them (Level 0) so you can sell purified water for easy Caps.
Final Thoughts
Trading efficiently in Fallout 76 takes patience and awareness. Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll build a steady Caps flow without risking scams or bad deals. Whether you’re hunting for the best place to buy Fallout 76 items or grinding events for profit, smart trading keeps your wallet full—and your wasteland life a little easier.