Wholesale and retail describe two different ways of buying the same product, and the difference goes well beyond price: pack size, minimum order, and even which suppliers will sell to you at all can change depending on which one you are.
Quick Answer
Wholesale means buying in bulk, usually by the outer, carton or bag, typically as a registered business. Retail means buying individual pieces, typically as an individual consumer. Some suppliers offer both from the same product range — wholesale by the outer, and per piece at a physical showroom.
What Actually Changes
A wholesale buyer typically needs to order a full outer or more, and often needs to show they are a registered business. A retail buyer can typically walk in and buy one piece. If a supplier only does one or the other, you need to know which before you show up expecting the wrong buying model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a registered business to buy wholesale?
Often yes, though this varies by supplier. Retail purchase, by contrast, is typically open to individual buyers.
Can one supplier offer both wholesale and retail?
Yes, some suppliers sell wholesale by the outer to businesses and also sell per piece to individuals, often via a showroom.
Is retail always more expensive per unit than wholesale?
Generally yes, since wholesale pricing reflects bulk purchase, but always confirm actual pricing rather than assuming.