Located atop the chilly Terror Mountain, the Igloo Garage Sale is managed by two Chias: Mika and Carassa. Unlike typical Neopian shops, it offers a unique restocking system, making it a sought-after destination for savvy shoppers. Whether you’re a seasoned restocker or just starting out, knowing how the Igloo operates can help you make the most of your time.

How Restocking Works at the Igloo

The Igloo Garage Sale restocks like other Neopian shops, but it does so with a different schedule. The restocking interval is much longer than the typical shop, happening about eight times per hour instead of the usual “every eight minutes.” Because of this, it requires a bit of patience and timing to catch the best deals.

Restocking Frequency:

• Approximately eight times per hour (compared to the more frequent restocks of other shops).
• Restocks can contain a variety of items including books, food, toys, and more.

Why Restocking at the Igloo is Popular

There are several reasons why players flock to the Igloo Garage Sale for restocking:

1. No Restock Ban: Unlike other shops, you can restock at the Igloo even if you’ve been restock-banned from other Neopian shops. This makes it an ideal spot for those who have been penalized in other stores.
2. Low Prices: Items at the Igloo Garage Sale are priced low, and no haggling is required (in fact, haggling is not an option). This ensures you always pay a fair price for the items you buy.
3. Less Competition: While competition is present, it’s generally less intense compared to other Neopian shops, and stocks tend to last a little longer. That being said, popular items may sell out within five minutes of restocking.
4. Limited Purchases: You can only purchase one item per minute (60 seconds from the time of purchase) and up to 10 items per day. This encourages strategic buying and forces you to choose your items carefully.

What to Buy at the Igloo Garage Sale

While the Igloo offers plenty of great deals, some items yield higher profits than others. Here’s a breakdown of what to prioritize:

1. Priority Items:
   • Mysterious Valentine Cards: These are great items to look out for, as they not only sell for a decent profit but also unlock a site theme.
   • Snorkle Snouts: These rare items unlock an avatar and can be worth a lot, making them top targets when restocking.
   • Toy Pinatas: Another high-priority item, as they are known to unlock an avatar and provide solid resale value.
2. Reliable Items:
   • Books and Stamps: Though they might not bring in the highest profits, they are consistently priced well and offer reliable returns.
   • Non-Red/Blue Collectable Cards: These can be sold for a nice profit, especially if you’re familiar with the market prices.
3. Items to Avoid (Bad Items):
   • Spooky Foods: These tend to be overpriced for the restocking price and usually result in a net loss when resold.
   • Key Quest Prize Items: These items often have inflated prices that exceed their resale value, making them poor choices.
   • Other Junk Items: Be wary of random, seemingly high-priced items like certain foods or toys that have little to no resale demand.

Pro Tips for Restocking at the Igloo

• Timing is Key: While the Igloo restocks around eight times per hour, there seems to be a pattern where it restocks within the first eight minutes of every hour (from :00 to :08). Pay attention to this timing to catch items quickly.
• Catch the First Drops: Always prioritize catching the items that are about to hit the ground first. These are the ones you should grab as soon as they appear, especially when they’re higher-value items.
• Avoid Jumping: Since Mika can’t move while in the air, jumping can make it harder to catch falling items. Only jump when absolutely necessary, and be mindful of the height of each item.
• Sacrifice Occasionally: If you spot a good item falling slower than others, don’t hesitate to skip a less important one to catch it. This can help you maximize your profits in the long run.
• Avoid the Piano: If you see a falling piano, avoid catching anything near it. Getting hit by the piano will end the game immediately, so be sure to let that item go.

Scoring and Limitations at the Igloo

• Score Submission Limit: There is a cap on the number of points you can accumulate, and the maximum allowable score in the HTML5 version is 1,998 points. This score cap is due to glitches in the game and isn’t something players can easily bypass.
• No High Score Table: Unlike other games, there is no high score table for the Igloo Garage Sale, and there are no trophies available for this version. However, the game is still a fun and rewarding experience for those seeking quick, profitable restocks.

Changes from the Flash Version

Several important differences exist between the HTML5 version of the Igloo Garage Sale and the previous Flash version:

1. Carassa’s Speed: In the Flash version, Carassa would speed up as the game progressed, but in the HTML5 version, she never moves faster. This makes the game a bit easier over time, as the difficulty remains consistent.
2. Bombs Explode Quickly: In the Flash version, bombs would sit on the ground for a few seconds, but in the HTML5 version, bombs explode almost immediately after hitting the ground. Be quick to avoid them!
3. No Cheat Codes: The cheat code frozensnowflake, which allowed you to drop five items without triggering game over, is no longer functional in the HTML5 version.
4. Switching Tabs: If you switch tabs during gameplay, the game will stop moving. Once you switch back, the game won’t resume, and you’ll need to refresh the page to start over.
5. No 1,000 NP Limit: In the Flash version, there was a cap on earning over 1,000 Neopoints per score submission. This limitation is removed in the HTML5 version, meaning you can earn more Neopoints per restock session.

Conclusion

While the Igloo Garage Sale may not offer the fastest restocks, it’s a great place to score profitable items and avoid the chaos of other more competitive Neopian shops. It’s also ideal for players who have been restock-banned in other areas. Keep in mind that restocking is limited to 10 items per day, but with strategic timing, you can turn the Igloo Garage Sale into a profitable endeavor with minimal risk.

Happy restocking!