Wholesaler
Also called: Wholesale trader · Topic: Markets, Equilibrium and Government Intervention · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 12 "Understanding Markets"
Meaning
A wholesaler is a trader who buys goods in large quantities directly from producers, such as grain, fruit and vegetables from farms. The wholesaler stores them in godowns or cold storage and sells them onward, often through mandis (wholesale markets). A key skill is judging how much retailers will need. Wholesalers keep supply steady and can store surplus stock until it is needed.
Example
Traders in the Khari Baoli spice market in Old Delhi and the Bengaluru flower market are wholesalers. In Surat, wholesalers send finished sarees and garments across India and abroad.
Don't confuse with
- Retailer: a retailer sells small quantities to final consumers. A wholesaler sells in bulk, mainly to other traders.
- Distributor: a distributor's main job is to carry goods over distance to retailers. A wholesaler's main job is to buy and store in bulk.