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Wholesaler

What is a wholesaler?

Find terms by letter:

Find terms
by letter:

A Wholesaler is a large distribution business that buys goods in sizeable quantities directly from manufacturers/suppliers and resells them in smaller quantities (and at a markup) to retailers, contractors, or other businesses. Wholesalers play an important role in the supply chain ecosystem, enabling broad product distribution and improving the overall flow of inventory throughout the supply chain.  

Generally, these businesses will: 

  • Buy products in bulk to access volume-based or wholesale pricing 
  • Store and manage large-scale inventory for future distribution 
  • Move products to downstream channel partners such as retailers, dealers, resellers, or end-users, typically in smaller quantities 

A wide range of businesses depend on wholesalers to simplify the procurement process. They’re able to do this by working directly with manufacturers, while also keeping costs low and offering timely access to products. 

Wholesalers are essential partners for manufacturers because they help them reach broader markets and enable retailers, resellers, and service providers to source their inventory more efficiently. They are a vital link between production and point-of-sale, supporting supply chain stability, driving sales velocity, and enhancing market responsiveness.