What is a primary characteristic that differentiates a retail dealer from a wholesale dealer?

The primary characteristic that differentiates a retail dealer from a wholesale dealer is that retail dealers can sell to the general public. Retail dealers operate in a way that allows consumers to directly purchase vehicles from them. Their business model is set up to cater to individuals seeking to buy vehicles for personal use. This is important because retail dealers often engage in marketing and customer service practices that appeal to the average consumer, helping them make informed purchasing decisions.

In contrast, wholesale dealers usually operate behind the scenes and primarily sell vehicles to other dealers or businesses rather than to the public. They act as intermediaries within the automotive industry, focusing on volume sales rather than individual consumer sales. This distinction is crucial in understanding the roles that each type of dealer plays in the automotive marketplace.