Cash and carry is a business model or method of purchasing goods whereby customers are required to pay for their purchases in cash and take the goods with them immediately. In this model, no credit is extended to customers and no delivery services are provided. This term is commonly used in the context of wholesale or trade transactions, where customers are usually retailers, small businesses, or individuals who buy goods in bulk.
In a cash and carry system, the customer visits a physical store or wholesale warehouse and selects the items they wish to purchase. They are then required to pay for these items upfront, usually in cash or through card payment, before leaving the premises with their goods. This model typically offers lower prices than traditional retail stores, as it eliminates the additional costs associated with credit, delivery services, and holding excessive stock.
Cash and carry is advantageous for both buyers and sellers. Buyers benefit from discounted prices, immediate access to goods, and the ability to control their own inventory. Sellers, on the other hand, benefit from reduced capital tied up in credit sales, faster turnover of inventory, and a streamlined sales process.
Overall, cash and carry is a form of self-service wholesale trade, where prompt payment and immediate transport of goods are key elements of the transaction.
