Matchmaking Fee to a Second Matchmaker for the Same Proposal
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Question
A matchmaker approached me with a proposal for my daughter - he provided general details (without identifying details of the young man). When I asked for full details, he replied, "I will give you the details only if you commit that if the match goes through, you will pay me the full matchmaking fee, even if another matchmaker proposed the same young man before." Is this fair/ethical on his part? What should I do? Is it permissible to agree and not fulfill? Can I retract my commitment after receiving the details? Is there advice on giving notice, etc.? Can I, after the match, with God's help, goes well, not pay the first matchmaker (or pay him less)?
Answer
Hello,
You will need to pay the first matchmaker for his proposal, if it has not been more than six months since his proposal.
Regarding the second matchmaker, the condition does not hold, and you can say you were jesting.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat, Siman 264, Seif 7
In matchmaking, he has nothing but his fee, even if he agreed with him to give him a lot (Rosh, Klal 105, Siman 1 and Mordechai, Perek HaGozel Batra, in the name of Maharam).