Wholesaler

A wholesaler is an intermediary that purchases goods in bulk from manufacturers or importers and resells them to retailers, other wholesalers, or industrial users, but does not sell directly to end consumers. In foreign trade, wholesalers often act as importers or distributors, undertaking functions such as warehousing, logistics, advance funding, and risk sharing. Usage scenarios include: exporters quickly entering target markets through wholesalers, wholesalers attending trade shows such as the Canton Fair to procure goods, or bulk transactions on cross-border B2B e-commerce platforms. Notes: distinguish from 'retailer', who sells directly to consumers; different from 'agent', as a wholesaler takes ownership of the goods and bears its own profits and losses; sometimes used interchangeably with 'distributor', but a distributor often has an exclusive agreement with the supplier. Foreign trade practitioners should pay attention to the wholesaler's purchase volume, payment methods (e.g., T/T, L/C), market coverage capability, and ensure that contracts clearly specify delivery, quality inspection, and claim clauses.