Understanding Intermediaries in Business and E-commerce

Intermediary means a person or entity that acts as a go-between in a transaction or communication between two parties. An intermediary can be a broker, agent, mediator, or any other individual or organization that facilitates the exchange of goods, services, or information between two or more parties.

For example, a real estate agent acts as an intermediary between a buyer and a seller, helping to negotiate the sale of a property and facilitating communication between the two parties. Similarly, a travel agent may act as an intermediary between a customer and a airline or hotel, helping to book flights and accommodations on behalf of the customer.

In the context of e-commerce, an intermediary can be a platform that connects buyers and sellers, such as Amazon or eBay. These platforms act as intermediaries by providing a marketplace for buyers and sellers to transact, and by facilitating payment and delivery of goods.

Intermediaries can also play a role in resolving disputes or facilitating communication between parties. For example, a mediator may be brought in to help resolve a dispute between two parties, or a translator may be used to facilitate communication between parties who speak different languages.

Overall, the role of an intermediary is to facilitate transactions and communication between parties, and to act as a go-between in order to bring about a mutually beneficial outcome.