Different Types of Intermediaries

• Wholesalers: They buy products in bulk from manufactures, store them in warehouses, and sell them in smaller quantities to retailers
• Agents: Representatives for manufacturers and wholesalers. They don't take ownership of the products. They create a link between the manufacturers and retailers and earn commission on sales
• Buying agent: Has the authority of a business to buy certain goods on the business' behalf
• A selling agent: Brings buyers and sellers together and helps with the transactions. Some selling agents take control of pricing, selling and advertising
• Exports or import agents: They ensure that the export/import process runs smoothly
• Retailers: They buy goods in large quantities from the manufacturers and wholesalers, and sell these goods to customers in smaller quantities
• Brokers: Are sales intermediaries who don't take ownership of the product, but rather facilitate the sale.
• Sales representatives: Often employees of a business. They act as sellers of buyers for the business.