The appropriate helpfile:

Level(0) COMMERCE 'COMMERCE XP'
The benefits of successful business go beyond the mere acquisition of coin. Adventurers who turn a profit though sales and barter may find that they build a useful reputation with merchants, along with the more general benefits of the wisdom accumulated in their professional life. Business acumen reflects patience and wisdom, and is something that is gradually accumulated over a long period of time.

Adventurers who are especially proficient in the arts of commerce may find themselves able to earn additional (minor) skills beyond those offered by their adventuring guild. Commerce experience also carries the benefits of other kinds of experience (combat, exploration, etc.), including gaining levels.

See also: EXPERIENCE

You'll gradually accumulate XP for making profitable business decisions. For now, that includes sales and bartering, although it will eventually encompass certain kinds of quests and other features. The experience is accumulated like exploration XP is- you build it up during play, and it is awarded at the end of a session.

Commerce XP is superior to "regular" XP in a fashion- it is tracked separately (even on heroes), and accumulating enough of it can earn various mercantile rewards, such as added skills. Note: This takes a damn long time. Also, immortals can see how much of it you have accumulated, which is useful for figuring out who to approach with merchant-related interactions.

Consider this a work in progress- it should gradually grow in scope if we like how it is working out in practice.

valguarnera@carrionfields.com