Reply To: Is there a tactful way to say Shadchan prefers money?

Still, nobody here has stated what the “going rate” is.

Actually, AZ has.

Is there a tactful way to say Shadchan prefers money?

You asked your Rav; what did he say?

If their Rav tells them $450 and the shadchan reasonably expected $950 what then.

Do you want to know realistically, or theoretically?

Realistically, the vast majority, if not all, shadchanim will probably accept the money and say, “thank you”.

Theoretically, the shadchan can bring the mechutan to an arbitrator or beis din, who will determine whose idea of the going rate is accurate. A Baal din’s rav can’t impose his psak on the other baal din unless he agrees to accept him as arbiter.