A business or person that sells goods, often in a commercial or wholesale context. Neutral term for a selling entity.
Please purchase this product from an authorized dealer.
販売業者は新しい流通ルートを開拓した。
The distributor developed a new distribution channel.
小売業者 specifically refers to a retailer selling directly to consumers, while 販売業者 is a broader term covering any seller or distributor, including wholesalers.
卸売業者 is a wholesaler, whereas 販売業者 can be any seller, including both wholesalers and retailers.
Compound of 販売 (hanbai, 'selling') + 業者 (gyōsha, 'business operator'). A straightforward modern formation.