What’s the best way to earn money as a Trader?

Earning money as a Trader in Red Dead Online requires a mix of efficient hunting, resource management, and strategic gameplay. The Trader role revolves around Cripps Trading Company, where you gather materials by hunting animals, turn them into goods, and sell them for profit. To start, you’ll need to purchase the Butcher’s Table from Cripps at your camp, which costs 15 Gold Bars. If you’re new, consider completing daily challenges or story missions to earn Gold Bars.\n\nOnce you’ve set up the Butcher’s Table, the core gameplay loop begins. You’ll need to hunt animals and bring their carcasses or pelts to Cripps to convert them into materials. Focus on hunting large animals like deer, elk, and bison, as they provide the most materials. Perfect pelts (3-star quality) are ideal, so aim for headshots with the appropriate weapon, such as a rifle for large game or a bow for smaller animals. The Heartlands and Great Plains are excellent hunting spots due to their abundance of deer and pronghorns.\n\nAfter delivering materials to Cripps, he will begin producing goods. The production speed depends on your camp’s upgrades and the amount of materials you’ve provided. To maximize efficiency, ensure your camp is stocked with supplies by purchasing them or completing resupply missions. Resupply missions are free and often involve tasks like hunting specific animals or retrieving stolen goods. Completing these missions not only saves money but also boosts your Trader XP.\n\nOnce your goods are ready, you can sell them locally for a smaller profit or undertake a long-distance delivery for a higher payout. Local deliveries are safer, as they don’t alert other players to your location, while long-distance deliveries are riskier but more lucrative. For new players, it’s recommended to stick with local deliveries until you’re comfortable with the mechanics and have a reliable posse to protect your wagon.\n\nOne common challenge is maintaining a steady supply of materials. To address this, always carry a Varmint Rifle and a Bow for hunting smaller animals like rabbits and birds, which can supplement your materials when larger game is scarce. Additionally, consider purchasing the Hunting Wagon from the Role menu. This wagon allows you to store up to five large carcasses or pelts, making it easier to transport multiple kills back to camp.\n\nAnother tip is to position your camp in a strategic location. For example, setting up camp near the Great Plains or Heartlands ensures easy access to hunting grounds and reduces travel time. If your camp is too far from hunting areas, you’ll waste valuable time traveling back and forth.\n\nFinally, invest in Trader role upgrades as soon as possible. The Medium and Large Delivery Wagons significantly increase your profit margins by allowing you to carry more goods. The Large Wagon, for instance, can hold up to 100 goods, netting you $625 for a long-distance delivery. These upgrades require a significant investment but are well worth it in the long run.\n\nIn summary, the best way to earn money as a Trader involves efficient hunting, strategic camp placement, and investing in role upgrades. Focus on hunting large animals, complete resupply missions to save money, and choose delivery options based on your confidence and posse size. With these strategies, you’ll maximize your profits and become a successful Trader in Red Dead Online.