Which term best describes the relationship between wholesalers and manufacturers?

The term "distribution" best describes the relationship between wholesalers and manufacturers because it encompasses the processes involved in getting products from manufacturers to the final consumer. Wholesalers serve as intermediaries that purchase large quantities of goods from manufacturers, and then distribute those goods to various retailers or other businesses. This process is critical in the supply chain as it allows manufacturers to focus on production while wholesalers handle the logistics of moving products to different markets.

Distribution involves not only the physical movement of goods but also the associated services such as storage, inventory management, and transportation. It highlights the functioning of a network that connects producers with consumers through various channels, making it a key element in the overall marketing strategy.

In contrast, retailing refers specifically to the sale of goods to consumers, selling focuses more narrowly on the act of selling itself, and marketing encompasses a broader scope that includes promotion, pricing, and product development strategies, none of which specifically highlight the intermediary role that wholesalers play in the supply chain between manufacturers and the marketplace.