Which is NOT considered an intermediary in trade?

In trade, intermediaries play a critical role in facilitating the exchange of goods and services between producers and consumers. Wholesale distributors, retail stores, and brokers are all examples of intermediaries because they help to connect different parties in the supply chain.

Wholesale distributors purchase goods in bulk from manufacturers and sell them to retailers or other businesses, acting as a middleman in the distribution process. Retail stores take these products and sell them directly to the final consumers, thus also serving as intermediaries. Brokers facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers, often without taking ownership of the goods themselves, and they receive a commission for their services in matchmaking.

Consumers, on the other hand, are the end users of goods and services and do not facilitate trade between other parties. They complete the final step of the transaction by purchasing products for personal use, rather than acting as an intermediary that helps connect suppliers with other businesses or individuals. This distinction is crucial in understanding the roles different entities play in the trading process.