14 Middleman Business Ideas

A “middleman” is basically a broker, the person who brings together buyer and seller to make a deal. Brokers don’t just work in stocks and real estate, but also in freight shipping, auctions, wholesale and beyond. 

You could start your own broker business and help buyers and sellers reach their financial goals while making a good living – that’s a win-win-win! Just keep in mind that getting started will likely require hard work and significant investment. 

Check out our list of brilliant broker business ideas to jumpstart your thinking.

1. Travel Agency

As a travel agency middleman, you connect travelers with airlines, hotels, and tour operators. Your role is to find the best deals and packages for your clients. To maintain good relationships, communicate clearly and promptly with both travelers and service providers. You will make money by charging a commission on bookings or by adding a markup to package prices. To succeed in this competitive industry, ensure satisfaction by providing excellent customer service and personalized travel experiences.

2. Estate Sale

In an estate sale middleman business, you facilitate the sale of personal belongings from estates. You act as a mediator between the estate owner or executor and potential buyers. The key is to stay transparent about pricing, handling negotiations, and coordinating logistics. You will make money through a percentage of the total sales or a flat fee for your services. To satisfy both sides, ensure fair transactions and efficient sales processes.

3. Referral Business

As a referral business middleman, you connect individuals or businesses with needed services or products. Your role is to match clients with the most suitable providers based on their requirements. The crucial aspect of this business is to understand the needs of both parties and providing quality referrals. You will make money through referral fees or commissions from the referred businesses. Delivering valuable connections and trustworthy recommendations will bring repeat businesses from your clients.

4. Dropshipping

In a dropshipping middleman business, you act as a bridge between manufacturers or wholesalers and customers. You market and sell products without holding inventory, as orders are fulfilled directly by the suppliers. To maintain good relationships with both customers and suppliers, you need to efficiently handle orders and communicate effectively. Dropshipping businesses make money through the price difference between wholesale and retail prices, along with shipping fees. The key to success is offering a wide range of products, timely delivery, and responsive customer support.

5. Grocery Delivery

As a grocery delivery middleman, you connect customers with supermarkets or grocery stores for convenient shopping experiences. Your role is to take orders, purchase items, and deliver them to the customers’ doorsteps. Maintain relationships by offering reliable services, handling orders accurately, and providing excellent customer support. You will make money through delivery fees, markup on product prices, or subscription-based models. Ensure satisfaction by offering a wide selection of products, timely deliveries, and hassle-free shopping experiences.

6. Import-Export

In import-export middleman business, you facilitate the movement of goods between countries. You connect exporters with importers, handling logistics and paperwork. Maintain relationships by ensuring smooth transactions, keeping abreast of trade regulations, and providing timely updates. You will make money through commissions, handling fees, or by buying goods at a lower price and selling them at a profit. To succeed, offer competitive prices, reliable shipping, and efficient customs clearance.

7. Food Delivery Service

As a food delivery middleman, you connect hungry customers with restaurants or food establishments. Your role is to take orders, coordinate with restaurants, and deliver food to customers’ doorsteps. Maintain relationships by providing reliable delivery services, handling orders accurately, and resolving any issues promptly. You will make money through delivery fees, commissions from restaurants, or subscription-based models.

8. Mortgage Brokerage

In a mortgage brokerage middleman business, you help individuals and businesses find suitable mortgage loans from lenders. You act as an intermediary between borrowers and financial institutions, guiding them through the loan process. Maintain relationships by understanding clients’ financial goals and connecting them with lenders offering competitive rates and terms. Make money through commissions from lenders or fees charged to borrowers. Focus on offering personalized loan options, transparent advice, and efficient loan processing.

9. Freight Brokerage

As a freight brokerage middleman, you facilitate the transportation of goods between shippers and carriers. Your role is to match shippers with the most cost-effective and reliable carriers for their cargo. Maintain relationships by negotiating fair rates, tracking shipments, and providing updates to both shippers and carriers. You will earn through commissions or fees charged for arranging transportation services. To succeed, offer efficient logistics solutions, timely deliveries, and provide proactive communication.

10. Wholesale

In a wholesale middleman business, you act as a distributor between manufacturers or suppliers and retailers. Your role is to purchase goods in bulk and sell them to retailers at a markup. Quality products, competitive prices, and reliable delivery services will set you apart from the competitors. You will make money through the price difference between wholesale and retail prices.

11. Insurance Agency

As an insurance agency middleman, you connect individuals and businesses with insurance policies that meet their needs. Your role is to assess clients’ risks, recommend suitable coverage options, and facilitate the purchase of policies from insurance companies. Insurance agencies provide services such as personalized insurance solutions, assistance with claims processing, and ongoing support. You will earn through commissions from insurance companies or fees charged to clients.

12. Warehouse Business

In a warehouse middleman business, you provide storage and distribution services for goods. You act as an intermediary between manufacturers or suppliers and retailers or end customers. To maintain a good relationship with both sides, ensure the safety and security of stored goods, efficiently manage inventory, and facilitate timely deliveries. Make money through storage fees, handling fees, or distribution charges. The biggest investment will be building spacious and well-maintained facilities.