OSRS Best Shops to Sell to for Maximum Profit

OSRS Best Shops to Sell to for Maximum Profit

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), selling items to NPC shops can be a surprisingly effective way to make gold, especially for Ironmen or players looking to offload items quickly. While the Grand Exchange is the go-to for most transactions, certain shops offer better prices—sometimes even at High Alchemy value or higher. This guide dives into the best shops to sell to in OSRS, helping you maximize your profits with minimal hassle. Whether you’re unloading loot or flipping shop stock, these locations will boost your gold per hour.

Selling to NPC shops is often overlooked due to the convenience of the Grand Exchange, but it has unique advantages. Shops provide fixed prices, unaffected by market fluctuations, which is ideal for items with unstable GE values. Additionally, some shops buy at higher rates than others, offering a quick way to liquidate inventory, especially for Ironmen who can’t use the GE. Understanding shop mechanics—like stock levels and price scaling—can turn this method into a goldmine.

Shop Price Mechanics Explained

When you sell to a shop, the price you get depends on the shop’s stock. If the shop has none of your item, you’ll typically get the base price (often Low Alchemy value for general stores or High Alchemy for specialty shops). As you sell more, the price drops—usually by a percentage per item sold. For example, general stores reduce prices by 7.5% of the initial price per item overstocked, hitting a minimum of 10% of the item’s value after 10 items. Specialty shops and high-value shops like those in the Wilderness or Rogues’ Den have different scaling, often starting at High Alchemy value.

Why General Stores Aren’t Always the Best Choice

General stores, marked by a pot icon, accept any tradeable item, making them convenient for dumping miscellaneous loot. However, they typically buy at Low Alchemy value (40% of an item’s base value), which is rarely profitable compared to specialty shops or high-value stores. Unless you’re in a pinch or near a unique general store (like Bandit Duty Free), you’re better off targeting shops that specialize in your items or offer premium rates.

Top Shops for High Alchemy Prices

Selling High level with GREAT stats Sell Trade Game Items OSRS

For the best returns, focus on shops that buy items at High Alchemy value (60% of an item’s base value) or higher. These are rare but incredibly lucrative, especially for alchable items like weapons, armor, or jewelry. Below are the standout options, with tips to optimize your selling strategy.

Bandit Duty Free (Wilderness Bandit Camp General Store)

Located in the Wilderness Bandit Camp (Level 22-24 Wilderness), Bandit Duty Free is one of the best general stores for selling items. Unlike standard general stores, it buys at High Alchemy value—150% of what normal general stores offer. For example, a Rune Scimitar (value 15,000 coins) sells for 8,960 coins here when stock is zero, compared to 5,973 coins at a regular general store.

  • Location: North of the Ruins in Level 22-24 Wilderness.
  • Best Items: High-value alchables like Rune items, Dragonhide armor, or jewelry.
  • Tip: Sell 5-10 items per world and hop to avoid price drops. Bring only what you’re willing to lose due to PKer risks.
  • Risk: Wilderness location means potential PvP danger, so use low-risk gear and bank frequently.

Martin Thwait’s Lost and Found (Rogues’ Den)

Hidden in the Rogues’ Den under Burthorpe’s inn, Martin Thwait’s Lost and Found is another gem for selling at High Alchemy prices. It’s safer than the Wilderness, requiring 50 Thieving and 50 Agility (or 99 in either) to access the shop fully. This makes it ideal for players with mid-level skills looking to cash in.

  • Location: Underground in Burthorpe, near the Toad and Chicken inn.
  • Best Items: Rune weapons, armor, or any high-alch items like Mystic robes.
  • Tip: Sell in batches of 5-10 and world-hop to maintain high prices. No Wilderness risk here, so it’s safer for bulk selling.
  • Requirement: 50 Thieving/Agility or 99 in one for full access.

West Ardougne General Store

The West Ardougne General Store occasionally buys the first item at High Alchemy value, though this behavior is inconsistent and depends on stock levels. It’s less reliable than Bandit Duty Free or Rogues’ Den but worth mentioning for players already in the area after quests like Plague City.

  • Location: Central West Ardougne, accessible after starting Plague City.
  • Best Items: Test with high-value items like Rune Platelegs to check current buy price.
  • Tip: Use as a backup if you’re nearby; prioritize other high-alch shops first.

Specialty Shops for Specific Items

Specialty shops often buy their stock items at better rates than general stores—typically 60% of the item’s value when at default stock, compared to 40% for general stores. These are perfect for items like bows, axes, or runes that align with the shop’s focus.

Bob’s Brilliant Axes (Lumbridge)

Bob’s shop in Lumbridge is great for selling hatchets and battleaxes. It buys at High Alchemy value when stock is at default levels, making it a solid choice for early-game players with smithing or woodcutting loot.

Item Base Value Sell Price (Default Stock) Minimum Price
Steel Axe 200 coins 120 coins 20 coins
Mithril Battleaxe 1,690 coins 1,014 coins 169 coins
  • Tip: Sell axes from skilling or monster drops here instead of general stores for a 20% price boost.
  • Location: South of Lumbridge Castle.

Lowe’s Archery Emporium (Varrock)

For rangers, Lowe’s in Varrock buys bows and arrows at better rates than general stores. It’s especially useful for Ironmen crafting their own ranged gear.

  • Best Items: Yew Longbows, Mithril Arrows, or Adamant Arrows.
  • Tip: Check stock before selling; prices drop by 2% per extra item.
  • Location: Varrock Square, near the fountain.

Aubury’s Rune Shop (Varrock)

Aubury’s is a hotspot for selling runes, especially Death or Chaos Runes, which fetch decent prices when stock is low. It’s less contested than Prifddinas’ rune shop and accessible early-game.

  • Best Items: Elemental Runes, Chaos Runes, Death Runes.
  • Tip: Sell in small batches to avoid price drops; world-hop if others are selling.
  • Location: South of Varrock’s east bank.

Strategies to Maximize Shop Selling Profits

To get the most gold per hour, follow these strategies when selling to shops:

  • World-Hop Efficiently: Sell 5-10 items per shop, then hop worlds to reset stock prices. This works best at Bandit Duty Free or Rogues’ Den.
  • Prioritize High-Value Items: Focus on items with high base values (e.g., Rune Platebodies, Dragonhide) to maximize returns at high-alch shops.
  • Check Stock Levels: Use the shop interface to see current stock before selling. Low stock means higher prices.
  • Use Teleports: For Rogues’ Den, Games Necklace teleports speed up trips. For Bandit Duty Free, Burning Amulet gets you close to the Lava Maze.
  • Avoid Overstocking: Selling too many items at once tanks prices. Spread sales across multiple worlds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned players can slip up when selling to shops. Here’s what to watch out for:

Dumping Too Many Items

Selling a full inventory to one shop in one go will plummet prices, often below Grand Exchange rates. Always sell in small batches and hop worlds to keep profits high.

Ignoring Specialty Shops

Don’t default to general stores for everything. A Yew Longbow sold to Lowe’s Archery Emporium nets more than at Lumbridge’s general store. Match items to their specialty shop for better rates.

Forgetting Wilderness Risks

Bandit Duty Free’s high prices come with PvP danger. Never bring valuable gear or more items than you’re willing to lose. Use cheap armor and bank often.

Skipping Requirements

Rogues’ Den requires 50 Thieving and Agility (or 99 in one). If you don’t meet these, you’ll be stuck with less profitable options. Grind those skills first to unlock this shop.

Selling to shops in OSRS isn’t just for Ironmen—it’s a viable money-making method for any player with the right strategy. Bandit Duty Free and Rogues’ Den lead the pack for high-alch prices, while specialty shops like Bob’s Axes or Lowe’s Archery offer great returns for specific items. By world-hopping, checking stock, and targeting the right shops, you can turn your loot into serious gold. Start with these shops, experiment with your inventory, and watch your bank grow!