hurtowy

Hurtowy is a Polish term used to describe wholesale activities in commerce. It denotes the sale of goods in large quantities, typically to retailers, other businesses, or institutions, rather than to individual consumers. In economic terms, wholesale operations serve as an intermediary layer between manufacturers and downstream buyers and can encompass distribution, storage, and logistics services.

Prices in wholesale are usually lower per unit due to bulk discounts, and buyers typically order in bulk with terms such as credit, delivery schedules, and return policies. Wholesalers may act as distributors, merchants, or brokers, handling procurement from multiple producers, maintaining inventories, and providing services that facilitate supply chains.

Wholesale contrasts with retail, where goods are sold in smaller quantities to end customers at higher unit prices. Wholesale reduces transaction costs for producers and retailers by aggregating demand and handling logistics, while retailers convert bulk purchases into consumer sales.

The scope of hurtowy spans many sectors, including food, beverages, electronics, and industrial supplies. Across Poland and the European Union, wholesale activities are governed by general commercial law and tax rules, such as value-added tax (VAT), invoicing requirements, and cross-border trade regulations.

In practice, wholesale structures include manufacturers' representatives, wholesalers, distributors, and cash-and-carry outlets, each serving different roles in the supply chain. The term reflects a key function in supply chains, enabling scale, efficiency, and access to products for businesses that serve end users.