user3014: I dont understand how a wallet comes into play?
Is a wallet a necessary part of a transaction or is it just a way of collating multiple addresses?
I get how I should use a new address for each transaction but don't understand whether they have to be attached to a wallet?
I am looking to generate thousands of addresses to accept payments for purchases in my online shop. Once an address has money in it, do I need to collate all the money together in a central account?

user2306: 
Is a wallet a necessary part of a transaction or is it just a way of collating multiple addresses?

Wallets are just a convenient way to store/back up multiple private keys (corresponding to multiple addresses).

Once an address has money in it, do I need to collate all the money together in a central account?

Not really - you can spend money from multiple addresses in one transaction.

3014: <p>I dont understand how a wallet comes into play?
Is a wallet a necessary part of a transaction or is it just a way of collating multiple addresses?</p>

<p>I get how I should use a new address for each transaction but don't understand whether they have to be attached to a wallet?</p>

<p>I am looking to generate thousands of addresses to accept payments for purchases in my online shop. Once an address has money in it, do I need to collate all the money together in a central account?</p>
 2306: <blockquote>
  <p>Is a wallet a necessary part of a transaction or is it just a way of collating multiple addresses?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Wallets are just a convenient way to store/back up multiple private keys (corresponding to multiple addresses).</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Once an address has money in it, do I need to collate all the money together in a central account?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Not really - you can spend money from multiple addresses in one transaction.</p>
