What are the three levels of trade in commerce?

The correct answer is based on the commonly recognized structure of trade levels in commerce, which typically includes manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.

Manufacturers are the entities that create products and prepare them for sale. They are the starting point in the distribution chain, converting raw materials into finished goods. Wholesalers then purchase these goods in bulk from manufacturers and sell them in smaller quantities to retailers or sometimes directly to consumers. This level is crucial as wholesalers facilitate the distribution of products across larger geographic areas and help manage inventory levels.

Retailers operate at the final level, purchasing products from wholesalers (or sometimes directly from manufacturers) and selling them directly to consumers. They play a crucial role in making products available to the end users, often providing an accessible point of sale in local markets.

This three-tier structure supports efficiency in the distribution of goods, allowing for specialization at each level. Other options do not fully capture the three traditional levels of trade. For instance, while suppliers and distributors are important parts of the supply chain, they do not represent the conventional classifications typically recognized in commerce.