As a new player, you were probably taken aback whenever you entered a new city and clicked the chat window. You probably were surprised at all the item names that popped up, full of color and likely very confusing.  Many of the players are looking for noobs to take advantage of, that's why it's always best to take the time to see what an items worth before you shell out your hard-earned gold, so watch out for those devious Whispers. Let's see how you can profit using the Trade Channels. One thing you can count on in every server are gamers who need gold right now.The trade channel is also sometimes referred to as the 'direct market.' Some of the sellers are there trying to make a quick sale before you check the actual worth of an item, others are simply selling their services, such as blacksmithing, etc. If you are a new player, you need to make sure you are not being exploited by more experienced traders.

Recipes are in demand due to their low drop rates and the limitations imposed on Vendors, this creates a supply shortage. You will likely find recipes in the Trade Channel, usually it is because a player needs gold quickly. If you see a recipe, ask how much they want for it. If the item is already listed then wait a bit for them to sell and then place yours for auction to make a bit more profit. One of the most overlooked but important things to consider for a successful trade is your etiquette. Make sure to have a respectful conversation, never boast, and never get angry. You don't want to shut off a potential source of revenue due to your bad behavior. Proper etiquette will pay off in the long run. So keep this in mind if you choose to use the Trade Channel as a means of profiting. Once they give you a price you can either check the median price with the Auctioneer-Addon or go check at Thottbot.com. Once you know the median price, then you can make a counter-offer for less than the median price. If they say no, then just make sure to leave your offer on the table in case they change their mind. If the sale is made, then go to the Auction House, if the item is not listed or in short supply then put it up for auction.