Endtrade

Endtrade is a term used in logistics, retail, and supply chain management to denote the sale of goods to the end consumer, as opposed to wholesale or intermediate trade. In this context, endtrade refers to the final leg of the distribution process where products reach the customer, typically through retail channels or direct-to-consumer models.

Definition and scope: Endtrade encompasses retail sales made through physical stores, e-commerce platforms, catalogues, and other consumer-facing channels. It may involve channel-specific pricing, promotions, and inventory controls aimed at consumer demand rather than business customers.

Etymology and usage: The term is a portmanteau of “end user” and “trade.” It is used in some logistics and retail management discussions, but there is no universally standardized definition, and some sources use alternative terms such as retail trade or consumer sales.

Applications: In enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management systems, endtrade metrics might track orders and revenue recognized at the point of consumer sale, as opposed to orders moving through wholesale channels to retailers. It is also used in channel management to delineate responsibilities between distributors, wholesalers, and retailers.

Limitations and alternatives: Because the term is not universally standardized, it can cause confusion across regions and industries. Alternatives include retail trade, consumer sales, or end-user sales, depending on context.

See also: Retail, Wholesale, Direct-to-consumer, End user, Channel management.