A person or company engaged in a trade or business—a trader, dealer, vendor, supplier, manufacturer, or contractor.
工事は信頼できる業者に依頼したほうがいい。
It's better to hire a reliable contractor for the construction work.
その業者は部品の供給を専門にしている。
That company specializes in supplying parts.
地元の業者から見積もりを取って比較した。
I got estimates from local vendors and compared them.
Fellow traders or people in the same trade—the group of professionals operating in the same industry.
業者同士で価格交渉が行われた。
Price negotiations were held among the vendors.
展示会には多くの業者が参加した。
Many companies from the industry participated in the exhibition.