Final answer:
A truck jobber, or truck wholesaler, is the type of wholesaler that carries products directly to customers for on-the-spot inspection and purchase. They played a crucial role in expanding markets, especially before the advent of widespread retail outlets, by providing direct access to a variety of goods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of wholesaler that transports a limited line of products directly to customers for immediate inspection and selection is known as a truck jobber (also referred to as a truck wholesaler). Truck jobbers typically handle a limited line of semi-perishable goods such as baked goods, dairy products, and meat. They sell and deliver products directly from their trucks, which act as their mobile sales and retail space. This method is particularly effective in reaching customers in areas that are not easily served by stationary retail outlets or where immediate product inspection is preferred.
Historically, mail-order houses like Sears played a significant role in marketing and selling products to a broader audience, especially those in isolated areas. Advances in transportation and communication not only helped companies like Sears grow but also enabled truck jobbers to efficiently bring products directly to customers. Customers could examine the items conveniently, thus bridging the gap between the producer and the consumer.