A business broker can save you an irreplaceable commodity - time. And, the wrong broker can waste a lot of your time if they don't know what they are doing. An experienced professional broker can save you the headaches of dealing with hundreds of inquiries from lookers, tire kickers, and other unqualified callers.

If your broker does the job right, you'll be expected to provide a lot of detailed information about your business before you sign a listing agreement. Based on the information you provide the broker, you should expect a market valuation that both you and the broker are comfortable with. If you feel the broker is willing to take your listing at any price, then be prepared for disappointment, as you may eventually face a number of price reductions or the possibility that your business won't sell.

There are no standard fees in business brokerage. According to Business Brokerage Press, fees range from 10-14% of the sales price. Minimum fees range from $10,000 to $25,000 per deal. Yes, that seems expensive but a professional broker can often bring you a better price than you could get on your own. Beware the broker who negotiates his fee. A broker who waivers on their own fee structure will likely waiver in negotiating a sales price for your business.

When choosing a broker, it is vital that you find someone who makes you feel comfortable. They must exhibit an interest in you and your company, and be willing to do the work necessary to provide you with: a proper market valuation, a solid marketing plan to find you a qualified buyer, and all the tools necessary to help your buyer obtain funding to close the deal. Once in the hands of a professional broker, your business will then need you to continue running it so that you can move on to the next chapter of your life.

PROBIZSELLER May Be The Right Choice For You

I have a simple philosophy. I only represent a select few sellers at any given time. I provide prospective sellers first with a quick evaluation of their business's salability in the current market. If the business looks like a salable listing, I then provide prospective sellers with a more comprehensive market valuation of their business. I discuss the process thoroughly with the seller, and coach the seller on their role in talking with prospective buyers. I don't take listings I know I can't sell, and I don't work with sellers who lack adequate books and records.

In the last five years I have sold 95% of the businesses I have represented. I understand what sellers need and want, having been in the shoes of a seller many times in the last 35 years, in a variety of fields including restaurants, retail, business-to-business, business-to-consumer services, distribution and light manufacturing. When I was ready to sell, I wanted 110% from my broker, the facts even if I didn't like them, and great communication. Most of all, I found it necessary to be left alone to run my business until there was a qualified buyer ready to talk.

When you think you're ready, call me and we can disucss your situation. It usually takes just a few minutes for us to figure out what you need to do next. I can give you some resources if you're not there yet, or we can take the next step and move forward to listing your business. I look forward to talking to you!