The Definition of a Large-Scale Consumer

Large scale consumers affect the economy in powerful ways.

When most of us think of the word "consumer," we see ourselves -- at the mall, the grocery store and other shopping locations. But individuals are generally considered small-scale consumers. Large-scale consumers consist of companies that purchase in bulk to operate their enterprises.

History

Throughout history, smaller, cottage industries prevented large-scale consumers from existing as a concept. It was not until the industrial age that mass production made these larger companies possible and profitable.

Types

Large-scale consumers can be involved in almost any type of business. They can roughly be divided into two categories: makers of things that people need or want. For instance, pharmaceutical companies are purchasers of chemicals because the former make medicines people need. Publishing house purchases vast quantities of paper to make books (things people want).

Effects

Large-scale consumers have a significant effect on the economy and environment. Their purchasing of products assists smaller businesses to stay open and the workers at those businesses to stay employed. But so much consumption has a downside -- the potential for increased waste production from so much discarded packaging, for example.

References

• Selling to Big Companies; Jill Konrath; 2005