Definition:

Wholesale trade is the sale of goods and services from one business entity to another business entity for resale or further manufacturing. It involves the movement of goods and services between businesses rather than directly to consumers.

Key Features:

• Intermediary: Wholesale trade occurs between businesses, not directly between manufacturers and consumers.
• Bulk Sales: Wholesale transactions involve large quantities of goods and services, usually in bulk.
• Profit Margins: Wholesale traders typically operate on lower profit margins than retail stores, as they focus primarily on facilitating the movement of goods.
• Accounts Payable: Wholesale transactions often involve accounts payable arrangements, where the buyer pays for the goods in advance.
• Inventory Management: Wholesale businesses need to manage their own inventory, or act as intermediaries for manufacturers’ inventory.
• Industry Specificity: Wholesale trade is often specific to particular industries, such as electronics, apparel, or food.

Examples:

• A manufacturer sells wholesale to a distributor.
• A distributor sells wholesale to retailers.
• A retailer sells wholesale to other businesses, such as hotels or restaurants.

Benefits:

• Lower Costs: Wholesale trade can provide lower prices for businesses compared to retail prices.
• Increased Inventory: Wholesale businesses can offer a wider range of products than retailers.
• Improved Distribution: Wholesale trade can streamline distribution and logistics processes.
• Access to Credit: Wholesale businesses may have access to better credit terms than retailers.
• Industry Expertise: Wholesale trade can provide access to industry expertise and market insights.

Drawbacks:

• Competition: Wholesale trade can be competitive, especially in certain industries.
• Cash Flow: Wholesale trade can involve cash flow challenges, as payments may not be received immediately.
• Inventory Risk: Wholesale businesses may bear inventory risks if products do not sell.
• Market Fluctuations: Market fluctuations can impact wholesale prices and demand.
• Relationship Management: Wholesale relationships require strong communication and trust.