The term "by the piece" is an expression commonly used to refer to a pricing or purchasing method in which goods or services are bought or sold individually, rather than in bulk or as a whole. When something is sold "by the piece," it means that the price or cost is determined for each individual item rather than being based on the whole quantity or set. In this context, the word "piece" typically refers to a single unit or item of a particular product or service.
For example, a retailer may offer items such as clothing, furniture, or accessories "by the piece," meaning customers have the option to buy only one unit at a time rather than being required to purchase a set or a specific quantity. Similarly, a supplier or manufacturer may quote prices "by the piece" when dealing with clients who intend to purchase individual units instead of buying in bulk.
The term "by the piece" is also applicable in the context of employment or compensation, particularly in industries where the work or production is accomplished on an individual basis rather than as part of a collective effort. In this scenario, employees are typically paid a predetermined amount for each unit or item they produce, reflecting a payment structure that is based on individual productivity rather than time-based or salary-based compensation.
In summary, "by the piece" refers to a pricing, purchasing, or compensation arrangement in which items, units, or services are individually priced, purchased, or compensated, rather than being grouped or bundled together.
