If you're selling a business, chances are you will engage a business broker. The resources below will help you understand what business brokers do, how much they cost, what to expect if you hire one, and when you can sell without one.
- Read our articles on hiring and working with a broker.
- Find local business brokers in BizBuySell’s Broker Directory.
- Learn how businesses are sold by reading our free eBook.
Introduction & Overview
-
What Does a Business Broker Do?
Business brokers manage the whole process, from helping you prepare your business for sale, finding buyers, negotiating terms, and closing the sale.
-
Business Broker Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications: What Business Owners Need to Know
Learn about the licenses, registrations, and certifications business brokers need to best guide you through the complex process of buying or selling a business.
-
How to Choose the Right Business Broker
Learn how to find and choose a qualified business broker that will suit your needs, and understand your industry.
-
Buy-Side Business Broker: Hiring a Business Broker to Buy a Business
Many entrepreneurs looking to buy a business leverage the expertise of business brokers to identify, evaluate, and acquire businesses.
Paying a Business Broker
-
Understanding Business Broker Fees
Business brokers are generally paid a commission on the successful sale of your business. Here's how the "success fee" works.
-
When Can You Negotiate a Reduced Broker Fee?
There are a few situations where you should be able to hire a broker to help sell your business at a reduced fee.
Selling on Your Own
-
How to Sell Your Business Without a Broker
Some business owners will manage the sale of their business without a broker. Here's how to do it, and who is a good candidate.
-
Selling Your Business "FSBO"
Independent sellers are called FSBO (For Sale By Owner) sellers, and they represent a growing portion of business owners who list establishments for sale.
More on Brokers and Other Professionals
-
Understanding Key Terms in Business Broker Contracts
When engaging a business broker to help you sell your business, understanding the key terms in your contract is essential.
-
Red Flags When Working with a Business Broker
When it comes to hiring a business broker to help you sell your business, watch out for any potential red flags that may indicate the importance of partnering with a skilled and knowledgeable professional.
-
Selling Your Business? Beware, There Are Sharks in the Water: How to Spot Predatory Brokers
Discover how to protect your business from predatory brokers who charge high upfront fees for unrealistic valuations. Learn the warning signs of brokerage scams targeting retirement-age business owners and find reputable alternatives.
-
Using a Broker to Sell Your Business to a Friend or Family
If you are selling your business to someone you know, you can use a broker to facilitate the transaction at a reduced or fixed cost.
-
Can a Real Estate Agent Sell a Business?
Real estate agents and business brokers have very similar roles, but their experience and skillsets are very different.
-
How Do You Become a Business Broker?
Business brokers help owners buy and sell companies. Find career requirements, licensing info, and essential steps to become a successful business intermediary.
-
Addressing Concerns about Business Brokers & Brokerage Agreements
Business brokers offer a specialized service, and as such have unique engagement agreements to make everything work.
-
The Right Team of Experts to Sell Your Company
Sales of larger businesses with a lot of money at stake generally necessitate a more robust sales team.
-
Who to Hire to Sell Your Small Business
Most small business owners will want an accountant, a lawyer, and a business broker to successfully manage the sale.
-
The Common Deal Delayer or Killer: New Priority Lag
New Priority Lag is the lack of knowledge that slows (or kills) deals, making the help of a trusted advisor when buying or selling a business essential.
-
Navigating the Broker Conundrum: The Critical Role of Licensed Brokers
Selling a business with real estate adds complexity to the process. A licensed broker with commercial real estate experience is necessary for navigating the process.
