Definition of sell on

The phrase "sell on" is a business term that refers to selling a product or service to an intermediate dealer or wholesaler, who then resells it again to a retailer or end consumer. The word "on" in this context suggests that the product is being sold to an intermediary who is selling to someone else. The origin of the phrase "sell on" can be traced back to the early 1600s, when merchants in London began using it to describe the practice of selling goods to another merchant who would then resell them at a higher price. The idea behind selling on was to increase profits by finding a higher-priced buyer for the product. Over time, the phrase has evolved to also refer to the process of selling products to wholesalers or distributors, who then sell to retailers or end consumers. In retail industries, such as clothing or electronics, "selling on" is a common practice for manufacturers and suppliers to move their inventory. Today, "selling on" is an important part of many businesses' strategies, as it allows them to expand their reach and sell their products through multiple channels, which can help to minimize risk and spread their profits over a wider customer base. Ultimately, it's a way for companies to maximize the value of their products while reducing the costs associated with taking on the final consumer.