A vendor is an individual or company that sells goods or services to another business or consumer. Vendors play a crucial role in supply chains by providing the necessary products or services that businesses need to operate. Depending on their role in the supply chain, vendors can be: Manufacturers: Produce goods from raw materials. Wholesalers: Buy goods in bulk from manufacturers and sell them to retailers or other businesses. Retailers: Sell goods directly to consumers. Service Providers: Offer services instead of tangible products. For example, a software company might rely on vendors for office supplies, cloud storage services, and specialized software tools. These terms are fundamental in understanding business operations, financial management, and taxation.