What is the role of an individual who brings together contracting parties?

The role of an individual who brings together contracting parties falls under the definition of a broker. A broker acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers or, in the context of funeral services, between families and service providers. They facilitate agreements and help negotiate terms, ensuring that both parties' interests are taken into account. In this capacity, a broker does not have the authority to make contracts on behalf of the parties; instead, they connect them and assist in the transaction process.

In contrast, an agent is someone who has the authority to act on behalf of another party, the principal, to create binding agreements. A principal is the party who delegates authority to the agent to act on their behalf, while a factor is typically involved in the financing aspect, purchasing goods or receivables to sell them for profit. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the role of broker is the most appropriate for someone bringing together contracting parties.