Business Intermediary
A business intermediary plays some role in a business transaction. For example, a trading house that imports goods into Singapore on behalf of a German manufacturer.Broker
A broker represents the interests of a party in a commercial transaction. For example, a real estate broker that represents the seller of a property.Agent
Like a broker, an agent represents the interests of a party. The term agent is applied to an individual professional and broker is applied to an organization that represents the interests of parties. For example, a literary agent who represents the interests of a writer.Middleman
Middleman is a term for business intermediaries who sit in the value chain between the producer and consumer. For example, a vegetable wholesaler who buys vegetables from farms and sells them to restaurants and retailers.Supply Chain
Supply chain intermediaries are any firm that are involved in physically delivering goods to the consumer. For example, a freight forward company that handles the logistics of delivering solar panels from Vietnam to Canada.Marketing Intermediary
A marketing intermediary is any firm that is involved with marketing a good including distribution, sales and promotion. For example, a car dealership that closes sales on behalf of a car manufacturer.Channel Intermediary
Channel intermediary is another term for marketing intermediaries that are involved in distribution. For example, a farmers cooperative that sells agricultural goods to wholesalers on behalf of hundreds of farms.Markets
Markets that provide a venue for buying and selling.Go-Between
An informal term for anyone who facilitates a process for a fee. For example, a mediator who helps to negotiate a solution to a dispute.Internet Intermediary
An internet intermediary is any firm that helps people to use the internet including connectivity, search, social media and publishing platforms such as a video sharing site or blogging tool.Platforms
Platforms are digital environments that allow firms to develop and distribute systems, applications and media. For example, a platform that allows firms to develop and deliver mobile apps.| Overview: Intermediary | ||
Type | ||
Definition | An individual or organization that adds value in an interaction, transaction or information exchange between parties. | |
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