Who is considered the final user of a product?

The final user of a product is referred to as the consumer. This term signifies the individual or entity that ultimately uses or benefits from the product, distinguishing them from the intermediary entities involved in the distribution process, such as producers, retailers, and wholesale distributors.

Producers are responsible for manufacturing or creating the product but do not necessarily use it themselves. Retailers buy products from producers or distributors to sell them to consumers but serve as an intermediary step in the distribution chain. Wholesale distributors typically purchase large quantities of products to sell in bulk to retailers, again acting as intermediaries.

In contrast, consumers are the last link in this chain; they purchase the product for personal use and directly consume the goods or services offered. Understanding this distinction is crucial in marketing, economics, and supply chain management, as it helps businesses tailor their strategies to meet the needs and preferences of the final users.