I need to know about the independent distributor and independent wholesalers.
Wholesaler and distributor both do re-selling, but in a different way. A wholesaler is independent in the sense that he/she may sell the product in any market or at any price. Wholesaler simply buy in bulk and sell to another wholesaler or retailer or consumer. Manufacturer can not impose any condition on them. However, a distributor is part of manufacturer’s larger sales network. Distributor has to sell in a given market, at a given price/discount – as directed by manufacturer. That way, he does not have the kind of independence a wholesaler enjoys. However, distributor is protected by manufacturer through assured supply, price, after sale service etc. while wholesaler enjoys no such protection. So, independent distributor is an oxymoron – he/she cannot be independent.