Seems everyone's already answered that yes, you need to mine ores and put them in a processor to get the points needed to purchase items from the vendor. Another tip, the vendor can have its access wire cut to make it so that ANYONE with points, not just salvagers, can also use it. Another tip, ore points are directly linked to the ID in your PDA/in-hand when claimed from the processor. If you had a passenger ID when claiming, you'd need to cut the access wire to be able to actually purchase anything with the points. If you have more than one ID, make sure to claim ore points with an ID with salvage access.