Grossisti

Grossisti, the plural of grossista, are wholesale traders who purchase large quantities of goods from manufacturers and resell them in smaller lots to retailers, other businesses, or professional buyers. They serve as intermediaries in the supply chain, enabling producers to reach a broad customer base and allowing retailers to stock a diverse range of products without sourcing directly from many producers. Grossisti operate across sectors such as food and beverage, textiles, electronics, building supplies, and consumer goods, sometimes specializing by category or region.

The typical business model involves buying in bulk at discounted prices, storing inventory in warehouses, and selling in smaller lots at wholesale prices. Margins are generally modest and depend on volume, credit terms, added services, and risk management. Many grossisti offer value-added services such as sorting, packaging, labeling, quality control, and logistics support, including delivery to customers.

There are several types of wholesalers: merchant wholesalers who take title to goods and resell them, and brokers or agents who facilitate sales without owning the goods. Some grossisti act as distributors for specific brands or producers, sometimes with exclusive regional rights.

Regulatory and market context: grossisti must comply with general business and tax laws, and with sector-specific regulations (for example, food safety and labeling in consumer goods). In international trade, they may handle import/export procedures, customs, and currency risk. See also: supply chain, distributor, retailer, intermediary.