In terms of agency relationships, what is the role of a customer?

In agency relationships, a customer typically interacts with an agent or an agency but does not enter into a formal agency relationship with them. This means that while a customer may benefit from the services or products offered by the agency, they do not have the same legal rights or obligations as the principal in an agency relationship. For example, a customer can ask questions, receive guidance, or request assistance without being bound by the responsibilities that a principal and agent have toward each other.

The distinction is significant when considering the legal implications and duties involved in agency relationships. Unlike principals, customers do not hold authority over the agent's actions and therefore are not privy to the same level of fiduciary duty that exists between a principal and an agent. This means that while customers might receive some level of service or support, they interact with the agency solely as consumers, without the protections or responsibilities that come from a formal agency agreement.

In contrast, other choices suggest roles that imply a deeper involvement or a formal connection with the agency that does not align with the typical definition of a customer's position in this context.