Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person or company that sells something: A vendor is someone who offers goods or services for sale, typically in exchange for money.
   • A seller in a specific context: Often used to refer to a seller in a market, on the street, or to a supplier of goods to a business.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The fruit vendor at the market sells fresh apples and oranges.
  • The company sent a request for proposals to several software vendors.
  • Street vendors were selling souvenirs to the tourists.

Advanced Usage

• "Vendor lock-in": A situation where a customer is dependent on a vendor for products and services and cannot move to another vendor without substantial costs or inconvenience.

  • The company wanted to avoid vendor lock-in by using open-source software.

• "Approved vendor": A seller that has been vetted and authorized by an organization to supply goods or services.

  • All office supplies must be purchased from an approved vendor.

Variants and Related Words

• Vend (verb): To offer something for sale, especially in a public place.

  • He vends his handmade jewelry at craft fairs.

• Vending machine (noun): A machine that dispenses goods (like snacks or drinks) when money is inserted.

  • I bought a soda from the vending machine.

• Vendee (noun): A buyer or purchaser, especially in a legal context (less common).

  • The contract outlines the responsibilities of the vendor and the vendee.

Synonyms

• Seller: A general term for someone who sells something.
• Merchant: Often implies a businessperson involved in trade, especially on a larger scale.
• Supplier: Focuses on providing goods to another business.
• Retailer: A seller who sells directly to the public.

Related Phrases

• Vendor booth/stall: The physical space where a vendor sells goods.

  • She set up her vendor booth early in the morning.

• Vendor agreement/contract: A formal agreement between a vendor and a buyer.

  • The vendor agreement specifies the terms of payment and delivery.

Noun

1. someone who promotes or exchanges goods or services for money