Before getting to know the merits and demerits let’s look through what does wholesaling means, And who are wholesalers?
What is Wholesaling?
Wholesaling is the market activity by which goods and services in bulk quantities are sold to retailers.
Who are Wholesalers?
Wholesalers are those middlemen who supply goods and services in bulk quantities to retailers. Those wholesalers have no direct link with final consumers or customers.
After becoming acquainted with these terms and precisions, let’s have a look at the types of wholesalers to reach one step ahead.
Types of Wholesalers
The wholesalers are divided into several types to perform different services. let’s flip through the following.
1. Brokers
Brokers are those middlemen who do not buy or sell in their own names. They bring together the buyer and seller and help them strike a deal.
2. Seller’s Agent
They do not carry stock of merchandise and sell only a particular company’s goods under certain conditions.
3. Importers and Exporters
These wholesalers deal in foreign trade. Exporters sell to foreign buyers and make goods available that are short in their countries. Importers, on the other hand, buy in large quantities from abroad and make it possible for their countrymen to use the goods that are short or not available locally.
4. Mill Supply Wholesaler
These are the pure wholesalers who purchase raw materials to sell it to the retailers.
5. Single line Wholesalers
Those wholesalers who specialize in a particular line of product and sell it to the targeted retailers.
Now, we are informed about all the perspectives given above and examine how wholesalers work. Let’s check out the functions of wholesaling.
Functions of Wholesaling
The functions which are performed by wholesalers are listed as follows.
1. Warehousing
Storage function is a part of a business activity and the result of buying and manufacturing. It refers to holding goods till they are demanded, sold, ripened, or consumed.
2. Risk bearing
Risk is inherited in business. Wholesalers are an essential part and various risks are assumed by them to ensure the flow of goods from manufacturers to retailers. Like market competition, supply chain description, price fluctuation, etc.
3. Selling and prompting
Wholesalers help the company in closing deals and convincing customers to buy by giving them awareness and building interest, and desire in the goods and services, which especially refers to selling.
4. Bulk Breaking
Wholesalers perform bulk breaking by taking large quantities of products purchased in bulk and dividing them into smaller, more manageable units or packages.
Now you are well informed about the principles of wholesaling and wholesaler. We know that everything has both benefits and drawbacks. It’s time to learn about them.
Advantages of Wholesalers:
The benefits of wholesalers are listed as follows.
Credit & Financing
Retailers can buy items on credit terms by using the financing options that wholesalers can offer. This can increase retailers’ cash flow and boost sales.
Market access
The ability of a corporation or nation to sell products and services access borders is referred to as market access. Wholesale suppliers are thought to benefit from market access since it enables them to reach a larger consumer base and increase their business opportunities. The following are some benefits of market access for wholesalers:
Market proficiency
The wholesalers have the ability or knowledge about the function of the market which is an advantage for a company or corporation. Understanding the target market, conducting in-depth market research, building trusting working relationships with suppliers and retailers, pricing products effectively, and using powerful marketing tools like trade shows, digital marketing, and sales promotions are all essential components of a successful wholesale marketing strategy.
Fewer competitors
Because each distributor deals with a specific product line from a particular producer, the wholesale industry does not experience intense market competition. As a result, there is less competition due to a smaller product selection and fewer wholesalers.
Facilitates storage
Manufacturers produce goods in huge quantities so they can justify their production expenses. retailers cannot purchase in bulk but wholesalers do. If there were no wholesalers, the manufacturer would have to rent or purchase their own warehouse to store these bulk stocks increasing the cost of doing business. The wholesalers, on the other hand, purchase in large quantities relieving manufacturers of their need for warehouses.
Direct link with retailers
The wholesalers have direct contact with all types of retailers, big or small, and whether they are located in a small or big place. For producers it is not possible to have links directly with all types of retailers, moreover, dealing with individual retailers does not justify the producer economies in selling. In fact, wholesalers are a market that can be easily approached by retailers.
Disadvantages of Wholesalers
The drawbacks of wholesalers are highlighted below
Parted profits
Profits of any product are split into parts because wholesalers are the middlemen between the manufacturers and consumers in any business. And a part or portion of the profits goes to the wholesalers.
Limited Control
When commodities are sold through wholesalers, manufacturers have less control over how their products are advertised and sold. The objectives and approaches of wholesalers could vary significantly from those of the manufacturer.
Synergy with wholesalers
Retailers might become dependent on wholesalers for their product supply, rendering them susceptible to price hikes and shifts in product availability. A retailer’s business may be hampered if their pick for wholesaler faces interruptions.
High competition
The rivalry that wholesalers themselves encounter from other wholesalers can result in price wars and pressure to lower prices, which might have an effect on the success of manufacturers and other retailers.
Related:
- Why Is the Wholesale Price Lower than the Retail Price?
- What is The Average Markup from Wholesale to Retail?
- Wholesale Price vs Selling Price vs Retail Price
- How to Calculate Wholesale Price From Retail Price?
- What is The Most Effective Discount Percentage?
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Retailers