Selling a small business at a high price is usually the result of years of dedication and perseverance and a dream for many entrepreneurs. However, it can be difficult to find buyers for your business if you are not in a hot industry or if you miss out on unwanted offers. An option to gain access to a larger group of buyers and a structured sales process is to consider a commercial broker similar to a broker.
Business brokers offer matching service to buyers and sellers. The right broker can help your small business get the best possible price for a sale.
Find a commercial broker in 8 steps
If you are not yet working with a commercial broker, you need to identify the right person for your sale and get to know the process. Good brokers help small businesses find sources of potential buyers and explore other sales complexities.
Working with your team of professional consultants and following eight important steps is a good start to get in touch with the right broker and get the most out of your business sales.
Receive referrals: always start with a referral from a trusted source if possible. Ask your accountant, lawyer, colleagues and professional associations for the names of good brokers.
Use IBBA: the International Business Brokers Association is a non-profit trade association that offers training, networking and professional training through conferences and more. It is also a good source for finding brokers in your area and familiar with your type of business. IBBA works with more than 1,000 business intermediaries worldwide.
Take care: just as a potential buyer of your company takes the necessary care, you must do it yourself. View the background, experience and references of your broker. Are there lawsuits or complaints against them? Consult the Better Business Bureau. Search for their references. Have they ever managed your business sales?
Find a dedicated professional: a commercial broker who spends all his time on sales will add more value to your sales transaction than a part-time agent. A full-time commercial broker introduces a network of contacts and generally has a more complete understanding of the principles of business valuation. Find someone who is committed to the profession. If your company can be worth millions, consider merger and acquisition agents. The IBBA ethical code is a useful reference tool to use during research.
Keep it secret: avoid important personnel and suppliers by telling them that your company is for sale. It must be a very confidential issue. Your business broker must ensure that all security measures are taken to protect your business. A premature word to your suppliers, employees or customers that you are selling the business can affect your business activities and your potential sales.
Make sure you have a marketing plan: selling your business is a marketing problem. Your goal is to correctly position your business sales to attract and motivate as many buyers as possible. Make sure your broker has a marketing plan with details about advertising strategies to attract a wide range of potential buyers.
Avoid high initial costs: commissions from a commercial broker range from 10% to 15% commission on the selling price of your company. Prevent a broker from asking for a large commission in advance to assess the value of your company or to start an application process.
Avoid the pressure: never let your commercial broker put you in a pressure situation. Do not make a hasty decision. Selling your business is a complex, personal and professional transaction. Take the time to learn and remove any uncertainties.
Business brokers offer matching service to buyers and sellers. The right broker can help your small business get the best possible price for a sale.
Find a commercial broker in 8 steps
If you are not yet working with a commercial broker, you need to identify the right person for your sale and get to know the process. Good brokers help small businesses find sources of potential buyers and explore other sales complexities.
Working with your team of professional consultants and following eight important steps is a good start to get in touch with the right broker and get the most out of your business sales.
Receive referrals: always start with a referral from a trusted source if possible. Ask your accountant, lawyer, colleagues and professional associations for the names of good brokers.
Use IBBA: the International Business Brokers Association is a non-profit trade association that offers training, networking and professional training through conferences and more. It is also a good source for finding brokers in your area and familiar with your type of business. IBBA works with more than 1,000 business intermediaries worldwide.
Take care: just as a potential buyer of your company takes the necessary care, you must do it yourself. View the background, experience and references of your broker. Are there lawsuits or complaints against them? Consult the Better Business Bureau. Search for their references. Have they ever managed your business sales?
Find a dedicated professional: a commercial broker who spends all his time on sales will add more value to your sales transaction than a part-time agent. A full-time commercial broker introduces a network of contacts and generally has a more complete understanding of the principles of business valuation. Find someone who is committed to the profession. If your company can be worth millions, consider merger and acquisition agents. The IBBA ethical code is a useful reference tool to use during research.
Keep it secret: avoid important personnel and suppliers by telling them that your company is for sale. It must be a very confidential issue. Your business broker must ensure that all security measures are taken to protect your business. A premature word to your suppliers, employees or customers that you are selling the business can affect your business activities and your potential sales.
Make sure you have a marketing plan: selling your business is a marketing problem. Your goal is to correctly position your business sales to attract and motivate as many buyers as possible. Make sure your broker has a marketing plan with details about advertising strategies to attract a wide range of potential buyers.
Avoid high initial costs: commissions from a commercial broker range from 10% to 15% commission on the selling price of your company. Prevent a broker from asking for a large commission in advance to assess the value of your company or to start an application process.
Avoid the pressure: never let your commercial broker put you in a pressure situation. Do not make a hasty decision. Selling your business is a complex, personal and professional transaction. Take the time to learn and remove any uncertainties.