A vendor is an individual or company that sells goods or services to another business or directly to consumers, acting as a supplier within the business supply chain. In every business ecosystem, vendors play a key role in maintaining supply chains, ensuring product availability, and enabling smooth operations. Whether you run a retail store, manage an eCommerce site, or oversee manufacturing, understanding what a vendor is and how vendor relationships affect your business is vital to long-term success. This article explains the definition of a vendor, the different types, how they operate, and why vendor management is essential for efficient business