1.
seller; distributor; vendor; the company or entity responsible for selling a product
The company, shop, or individual responsible for selling and distributing a product. Commonly seen on product packaging, advertisements, and legal documents to identify who is responsible for the sale.
Combines 販売 (sales) and 元 (source, origin). The 元 suffix indicates the source or originating party — the entity from which the product comes.
Common collocations
- 販売元に問い合わせる: to inquire with the seller
- 販売元情報: seller information
- 販売元不明: seller unknown
- 正規販売元: authorized distributor
Usage
Frequently seen printed on product labels and packaging in Japan, often alongside 製造元 (manufacturer). The distinction matters: 製造元 is who made the product, while 販売元 is who sells it — they are often different companies. Also appears on online shopping sites and in customer service contexts.
RELATED 〜元 COMPOUNDS:
Related Words
Related:
製造元 (manufacturer)