Dealers

Dealers are individuals or firms that facilitate exchanges between producers and consumers. They purchase goods or assets and resell them, sometimes providing financing, insurance, warranties, or after-sales service. The term covers a wide range of markets and roles, from wholesale distributors and retail storefronts to manufacturers' authorized networks and specialized intermediaries.

In the automotive industry, car dealers may sell new or used vehicles, offer financing and maintenance plans, and arrange trade-ins. They can be franchised, representing a specific manufacturer, or independent. Dealers are subject to consumer protection laws and licensing requirements; pricing and disclosure practices are governed by local regulations and market competition.

In gambling venues, dealers or croupiers handle card games and other table-based bets. They deal and shuffle cards, enforce rules, calculate payouts, and maintain game integrity. Casinos require training and licensing, and dealers must understand game procedures, odds, and security protocols.

Dealers also operate in markets for art, antiques, electronics, and other goods, often focusing on sourcing, authentication, pricing, and customer relationships. In some industries, "dealer" denotes a seller authorized by a brand or manufacturer to distribute products within a region.

In illegal contexts, "drug dealers" are individuals or networks that distribute controlled substances in violation of the law. Law enforcement and public health efforts address these networks through regulation, penalties, and efforts to disrupt supply chains.