Is a trade-up profitable?

On average, no: the expected output is worth less than the input. There is a small chance (about 10%) of a more valuable item.

How many items do I need?

Between 5 and 10 items of the same rarity per contract.

What Is a Trade-Up Contract?

A trade-up contract exchanges 5-10 same-rarity items for one item of the next tier. It is provably fair but carries a house edge: on average the output is worth less than the input, though there is a real chance of a more valuable item.

How the contract works

You surrender 5-10 items of one rarity and receive a single item of the next tier, chosen by a provably fair result.

The house edge

The expected output value is below the input value (about 0.8x), so on average it is a loss - with a small chance of a profitable upgrade.

When it makes sense

A trade-up is useful to turn many cheap items into one desired item, understanding the risk. It is not a guaranteed way to earn.

What is a trade-up contract?: Exchanging 5-10 same-rarity items for one item of the next tier by a provably fair result; on average with a house edge.
Is a trade-up profitable?: On average, no: the expected output is worth less than the input. There is a small chance (about 10%) of a more valuable item.
How many items do I need?: Between 5 and 10 items of the same rarity per contract.