What does wholesaling mean?
Wholesaling means selling and distributing goods in bulk, usually to retailers, manufacturers, restaurants, or other businesses rather than directly to individual consumers. It is a central part of the commercial system: wholesalers purchase large quantities of merchandise, break those quantities into smaller lots, and supply retailers who ultimately sell to the public. The word can name this activity as a noun, as in “She works in wholesaling,” or function as a verb, as in “The business wholesales clothing to department stores.” Although it is sometimes confused with the adjective wholesale, the gerund wholesaling more clearly identifies the ongoing business or act of trading in bulk. In British and American English, the term is formal but entirely neutral, with no strong positive or negative connotation. It is especially useful when discussing supply chains, distribution networks, wholesale markets, and business-to-business commerce.
The business or activity of selling goods in bulk, typically to retailers or other businesses rather than directly to consumers.
"Wholesaling accounts for a substantial part of the company's revenue."
The noun is normally used as an uncountable mass noun.
To sell goods in bulk, typically to businesses or other intermediaries rather than directly to consumers.
"The manufacturer wholesales its products to retailers throughout the country."
The verb is common in business and trade contexts, especially when describing a company whose customers are other businesses.
Wholesaling is normally an uncountable noun and does not take a regular plural in ordinary use.
"She built a successful career in wholesaling."
Wholesaling is retail's hidden supply line, moving goods in bulk before they reach the shelves you shop from.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wholesaling come from?
Wholesaling is an English derivative of wholesale, formed from the word whole and the Middle English word sale, which was borrowed from Old French. Wholesale developed the business sense of selling by the whole lot or in large quantities rather than by individual item. The related words wholesaler and wholesaling share this lineage, while whole and hale descend from Old English hāl.
Related word forms
How wholesaling is actually used
Wholesaling is standard in business and commercial contexts in both British and American English. The noun is normally uncountable, and the term specifically suggests large-scale distribution rather than direct sales to individual consumers.
Easily confused with wholesaling
Wholesaling names the activity or business, while wholesale chiefly describes goods, prices, or transactions conducted in bulk.