Merchants!

[Figwit]

I have tried this but it didn't seem to work unless I sent them on a voyage first.  I didn't actually have to trade for more wood/jewels - they just had to go on a boat trip. Maybe I am confused though so I will give it another go and see if it does work.

[Kaliopae]

My top tips:

• Make your Merchant Friendly. S/he has to interact with a lot of people on a daily basis.
• Stock up on trade goods such as Cheese from the village shoppe, but only trade when you have the responsibility.
• The 'Check and Buy Hot Items' responsibility requires you to investigate and visit the village shoppe, but does not require you to buy anything.
• Well Water only sells for £1, but you need items stored to Open For Business, so it does in a pinch. Take it out when you have higher cost items to sell though.
• Selling an item to a customer clears all actions that you had queued up. Very annoying, as s/he can then fail to eat and/or sleep.

Edit:

• Don't make your Merchant Dedicated. It's enough of a pain having to do two responsibilities, let alone three.