What do you call the sale of tangible property directly to the ultimate consumer?

The correct answer, retail, refers specifically to the sale of tangible property directly to the ultimate consumer, which is an essential component of the overall supply chain. In retail transactions, the goods are sold in smaller quantities for personal use rather than for resale. Retailers serve as intermediaries by purchasing products in larger quantities, often from manufacturers or wholesalers, and then selling them to individual consumers.

This concept contrasts with wholesale, where goods are sold in bulk to retailers or other businesses for resale. Distribution usually encompasses the broader process of making goods available to consumers, which includes various methods beyond direct sales to end users. Bulk sales involve larger quantities of goods, typically aimed at businesses or institutions rather than individual consumers.

Understanding the distinction between these terms is crucial, as they each play a specific role in the economy and consumer market dynamics. Retailing focuses on the personalized interaction with final consumers, emphasizing accessibility and service in obtaining tangible property for personal consumption.