Trade belongs to the expedition loop
A return from the wastes is not the end of an expedition. Loot, supplies and relationship progress feed the next preparation phase. Traders create the bridge between what was recovered, what can be improved and which next objective is practical.
Better stock is relationship-driven
Official copy says the best stock has to be earned and that improving relationships opens new items and opportunities. It does not publish a universal list of stock, prices or required reputation. Those fields remain absent rather than filled with plausible-looking defaults.
Prepare a trader plan
The Expedition Planner includes trader planning as coverage for reputation-oriented runs. A useful pre-trip note can identify the intended return settlement or transaction without claiming the trader will carry a specific item.
SOURCE CONTROL // OFFICIAL