What kind of businesses can be sold on BizBuySell?
The majority of listings in our marketplace are established businesses. These are open, operating businesses across
every imaginable industry. You can also advertise business assets (equipment, licenses, etc.) of non-operating or
closed businesses, or business real estate for sale or lease.
How much does a listing cost?
For a 6-month term, Basic listings are $65.95/month, Showcase listings are $89.95/month, and Diamond Listings are
$199.95/month. The higher the listing level, the more exposure and features, which drives more buyer interest.
Shorter 3-month terms are also available for a higher monthly rate. For details on how to purchase a 12-month
listing at a further reduced rate, contact us at (888) 777-9892.
Can I buy a listing for one month only?
No, our listing terms are for 3, 6 or 12-months. These durations ensure you have the time needed to appropriately
market your business as finding the right buyer typically takes several months. For details on how to purchase a
12-month listing at a reduced rate, contact us at (888) 777-9892.
When does my listing term start?
3, 6, or 12-month terms starts one week after purchasing a listing, even if published immediately. This grace period gives you extra time to collect and/or edit information in your listing if you need it. It also gives you time to assess your included Valuation Report. For details on how to purchase a 12-month listing at a reduced rate, contact us at (888) 777-9892 .
Why must I provide a phone number to create an
account?
Your phone number will serve as the contact number for the listing and account. It can be changed after account
creation as needed.
How do I create my listing?
To start, we ask for account setup information, followed by general details about your business. You then select and
purchase your desired plan to gain access to your included Valuation Report. Lastly, you fill in any extra detail
you want to include for your listing, such as financial information and pictures, then publish your listing.
How can I protect my business's identity?
When creating your business for sale listing, you can reveal as much or as little information about your business as
you wish. You can prevent visitors from identifying your business by creating a "blind listing". This means
restricting location details to a county or state, using generic images, and limiting business details to
generalized information. The idea is to provide only enough information so that potential buyers understand what
type of business you're selling, roughly where it's located, and the high-level financial information.
How should I title my business for sale
listing?
Be descriptive and succinct. Write the type of business and add a little bit of color. Remember, many people will
find your listing in an internet search, so keep it relatively short. For example, "Profitable Italian Restaurant",
or "Specialized Athletic Clothing Manufacturer". Don't worry about including "For Sale" in the title - we will
include that in the listing description.
What happens at the end of my 3, 6, or 12-month
listing term?
At the end of your 3, 6, or 12-month term, your listing will proceed at your monthly rate so you can continue to
reach the largest audience of business buyers with month-to-month flexibility. You can cancel at any time, however
you must purchase a new 3 or 6- month listing if you decide to renew after your listing expires. Note, it is not
uncommon for some businesses to take a year or longer to find the right buyer.
Can I disable monthly renewal?
Yes, but your listing will expire at the end of your term and be removed from our network of websites. Once canceled,
you will be unable to renew that listing with month-to-month flexibility and will need to purchase another 3, 6, or
12- month term if you decide to advertise later..
Do I pay a commission when I sell my business?
No, BizBuySell is a marketing platform that enables you to list your business for sale and we only charge advertising
fees. We are not a brokerage firm. If you prefer to work with a broker, you will find many in our Broker Directory.
Can I pay by check?
No. We only accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express for payment.
Can I email or fax you my listing?
No. To maintain our low-cost structure and listing fees, all listings are placed through the online form on our
website. If however, you need assistance while completing the application please feel free to contact our customer
service department at (888) 777-9893.
Do you sell my email address?
Absolutely not! Your email address will never be intentionally revealed to anyone. All email replies to your listing
are done "blindly."
How soon does my listing go live on your
website?
Right away! Listings now go live as soon as you publish them. We do still review all listings just in case there was
a mistake or something inappropriate.
What if I have a question about this, who do I reach
out to?
If you have any questions or general feedback, please contact
us
. If you want professional assistance, search our Business Broker Directory for active brokers experienced
in finding buyers for you.
Some FAQs on the process
How long does it take to sell my business?
It generally takes, on average, between six to nine months to sell most businesses. Keep in mind that an average is just that. Some businesses will take longer to sell, while others will sell in a shorter period of time. Still others may never sell. The sooner you have all the information needed to begin the marketing process, the shorter the time period should be. It is also important that the business be priced properly right from the start. Some sellers, operating under the premise that they can always come down in price, overprice their business. This theory often "backfires," because buyers often will refuse to look at an overpriced business.
It has been shown that the amount of the down payment may be the key ingredient to a quick sale. The lower the down payment, generally 40 percent of the asking price or less, the shorter the time to a successful sale. A reasonable down payment also tells a potential buyer that the seller has confidence in the business's ability to make the payments.
Why Is Seller Financing So Important To The Sale Of
My Business?
Surveys have shown that a seller, who asks for all cash, receives on average only 70 percent of their asking price, while sellers who accept terms receive on average 86 percent of their asking price. That's a difference of 16 percent! In many cases, businesses that are listed for all cash just don't sell. With reasonable terms, however, the chances of selling increase dramatically and the time period from listing to sale greatly decreases. Most sellers are unaware of how much interest they can receive by financing the sale of their business. In some cases it can greatly increase the amount received. And, again, it tells the buyer that the seller has enough confidence that the business can, indeed, pay for itself.
What Happens When There is a Buyer for My
Business?
When a buyer is sufficiently interested in your business, he or she will, or should, submit an offer in writing. This offer or proposal may have one or more contingencies. Usually, they concern a detailed review of your financial records and may also include a review of your lease arrangements, franchise agreement (if there is one) or other pertinent details of the business. You may accept the terms of the offer or you may make a counter-proposal. You should understand, however, that if you do not accept the buyer's proposal, the buyer can withdraw it at any time.
At first review, you may not pleased with a particular offer; however, it is important to look at it carefully. It may be lacking in some areas, but it might also have some pluses to seriously consider. There is an old adage that says, "The first offer is generally the best one the seller will receive." This does not mean that you should accept the first, or any offer -- just that all offers should be looked at carefully.
When you and the buyer are in agreement, both of you should work to satisfy and remove the contingencies in the offer. It is important that you cooperate fully in this process. You don't want the buyer to think that you are hiding anything. The buyer may, at this point, bring in outside advisors to help them review the information. When all the conditions have been met, final papers will be drawn and signed. Once the closing has been completed, money will be distributed and the new owner will take possession of the business.
What Can I Do To Help Sell My Business?
A buyer will want up-to-date financial information. If you use accountants, you can work with them on making current information available. If you are using an attorney, make sure they are familiar with the business closing process and the laws of your particular state. You might also ask if their schedule will allow them to participate in the closing on very short notice. If you and the buyer want to close the sale quickly, usually within a few weeks, unless there is an alcohol or other license involved that might delay things, you don't want to wait until the attorney can make the time to prepare the documents or attend the closing. Time is of the essence in any business sale transaction. The failure to close on schedule permits the buyer to reconsider or make changes in the original proposal.
What Can Business Brokers Do – And, What Can't They
Do?
Business brokers are the professionals who will facilitate the successful sale of your business. It is important that you understand just what a professional business broker can do -- as well as what they can't. They can help you decide how to price your business and how to structure the sale so it makes sense for everyone -- you and the buyer. They can find the right buyer for your business, work with you and the buyer in negotiating, and every step of the way until the transaction is successfully closed. They can also help the buyer in all the details of the business buying process.
A business broker is not, however, a magician who can sell an overpriced business. Most businesses are saleable if priced and structured properly. You should understand that only the marketplace can determine what a business will sell for. The amount of the down payment you are willing to accept, along with the terms of the seller financing, can greatly influence not only the ultimate selling price, but also the success of the sale itself.
To find business brokers serving your area, see BizBuySell's Business Broker Directory .
