What is the final consumer who purchases a product referred to as?

The final consumer who purchases a product is referred to as the end customer. This term specifically denotes the individual or entity that ultimately uses or consumes the product after it has moved through various stages in the supply chain, such as manufacturing, distribution, and retail. The end customer is the last component in the flow of goods, indicating that they are the recipient of the product for personal use rather than for resale.

In contrast, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers play essential roles in the supply chain but do not ultimately consume the product. Manufacturers create the products, distributors facilitate the movement of products from manufacturers to retailers, and retailers sell the products to the end customer. Understanding this distinction is fundamental in transportation operations, where the focus is often on ensuring efficient delivery to the end customer.