The two intermediaries that have legal authority to act on behalf of a manufacturer are:
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Agent: An agent has the legal authority to represent and make decisions on behalf of the manufacturer, often negotiating sales and contracts.
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Broker: A broker can also act on behalf of a manufacturer, typically facilitating transactions and negotiations between the manufacturer and buyers, although they do not usually take title to the goods.
Wholesalers, dealers, and retailers generally do not have the same legal authority to act on behalf of a manufacturer. They typically operate as independent businesses that purchase goods for resale.