i remembered two years ago I read some random book which I think was about a girl becoming a merchant or something, and I think to become one she either had to buy something at a good price or sell something. I forgot the rest of the plot, but it might be related to the sea for some reason. Does anyone know?
Robin Hobb, Liveship Traders Trilogy is western and has a female MC in some sort of trading business? Posted the same novel at about the exact same time
It could also possibly be part of one of the interludes from The Way of Kings with Rsyn where her Master makes her do the trade.