A wholesaler is an intermediary business that purchases products in large quantities from manufacturers or producers and then sells them to retailers, other wholesalers, or industrial, commercial, or institutional users. The primary function of a wholesaler is to facilitate the distribution of goods from the manufacturer to the end consumer.
One of the main functions of a wholesaler is to purchase products in large quantities directly from the manufacturer or producer at a lower price. This allows the wholesaler to take advantage of bulk discounts and economies of scale, which can then be passed on to the retailer or other buyers. By purchasing in large quantities, the wholesaler is also able to negotiate better terms and conditions with the manufacturer or producer, such as longer payment terms or transportation discounts.
Another function of a wholesaler is to store and distribute the products they have purchased. This includes maintaining an inventory of the products and providing warehousing and logistics services to ensure that the products are delivered to the retailer or other buyer in a timely and efficient manner.
In addition to purchasing and distributing products, wholesalers may also provide value-added services to their customers. This can include things like product customization, packaging, and labeling. For example, a wholesaler may purchase bulk quantities of a product and then repackage it into smaller quantities for individual retail sale.
Another important function of a wholesaler is to act as a financial intermediary between the manufacturer or producer and the retailer or other buyer. This can include providing credit or financing to the retailer or other buyer, allowing them to purchase products on credit and pay for them at a later date.
Overall, the main functions of a wholesaler are to facilitate the distribution of goods, provide value-added services, and act as a financial intermediary between the manufacturer or producer and the retailer or other buyer. By performing these functions, wholesalers play a critical role in the supply chain, ensuring that products are delivered to the end consumer in a timely and efficient manner.