Why would a small retailer decide to use a wholesaler rather than try to buy directly for the manufacturers themselves?

A small retailer might choose to use a wholesaler to benefit from lower minimum order quantities, as wholesalers often allow smaller orders compared to manufacturers. Wholesalers typically provide a wider variety of products, enabling retailers to diversify their inventory without managing multiple manufacturer relationships. Additionally, wholesalers handle logistics and distribution, saving retailers time and resources, which is particularly valuable for smaller operations with limited staff and capital.