The idea that there are people reselling stuff on Craigslist used stuff. And I was surprised to see it. The biggest need that a middleman can fill on Craigslist is to provide liquidity to both sides. On Craigslist when the buyer needs it, he can swoop in as soon as he sees it.
Why would anyone want to hire a middleman, like a wedding planner, especially if you have time to take care of the planning yourself? Marina Krakovsky, author of The Middleman Economy talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about middlemen in the modern economy. Despite predictions that the internet would destroy the need for middlemen, Krakovsky argues they're more valuable than ever though their roles have changed. Krakovsky looks at the different roles middlemen play today and how their value added can justify their existence.