merchandise broker

A merchandise broker, also known as a merchandiser, is an individual or business involved in the buying and selling of goods for profit. They act as a middleman in business transactions, facilitating the exchange of items for money.12

Merchandise brokers can operate in various capacities, including as traders, dealers, or vendors. They may sell to retailers, other wholesalers, or businesses that will use the merchandise for operational purposes rather than individual consumption. Wholesaling, a common practice for merchandise brokers, often involves selling in large quantities at prices lower than retail. This role became especially significant with the advent of mass production, streamlining the distribution process between manufacturers and retailers. Merchandise agents and brokers are one of the three main categories of wholesalers, distinct from merchant wholesalers and manufacturers' sales branches as they typically do not take ownership of the goods they handle.123