The added descriptions to vendors that accept exploration badges and such was a good start, however there is no way to identify who they are or what they represent at a glance. Also even if you do use them often enough to recognize them there is still no guarantee that you'll be able to do so as quickly on your next visit.

I would suggest adding an extra graphic to the hovering "vendor be here" icon that is above their heads. Either by adding maybe a small numeral such as MKI - MKII so you know that vendor is for that level of gear. Or perhaps adding rank pips to their icon so that we know they cater to officers of that specific rank.

It's frustrating walking to each vendor and not being able to tell what their focus is.

This is less of an issue in places such as the vendors who deal in energy credits as they have a showcase behind them or nearby that shows weapons, armor, etc so you know what they deal with. However NPC's that operate off of badges are impossible to identify.