dealer

A dealer is a person or business that buys and sells goods or services to customers. In commercial use, dealers may act as retailers, wholesalers, brokers, or intermediaries who connect producers with consumers. The word can refer to a specific occupation (car dealer, art dealer) or to a generic role in various markets. The term derives from deal, meaning to distribute or exchange, with the agent noun suffix -er, and has long been used to describe traders in many sectors.

In commerce, dealers may operate at different stages of the supply chain. Retail dealers sell directly to end users, while wholesale dealers move larger quantities to retailers or other businesses. Some dealers also offer financing, warranties, or servicing as part of the sale. Licensing and regulation vary by jurisdiction and sector, reflecting consumer protection, competition, and anti-fraud measures.

In specific contexts, the duties and meanings differ. A card game dealer distributes cards, enforces house rules, collects bets, and pays winnings; in a casino, this person is often called a croupier. A car dealer sells new or used vehicles and may provide maintenance, financing, and trade-ins. An art dealer handles the sale of artworks, often acting as an intermediary between artists and buyers. In everyday language, "dealer" can also refer to someone who sells illegal drugs or other contraband, a usage that carries strong negative connotations and is illegal in most jurisdictions.

The term is versatile and its exact meaning depends on context, industry terminology, and local law.