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Can you sell your business without a broker?
Short answer
Yes, you can sell your business yourself, and you save the broker's fee. You also take on the work: valuing it, finding and screening buyers, keeping it confidential, negotiating, and running due diligence while you still run the business. It works best when you already know a qualified buyer. If you do not, a lower fee broker can cost less than the price you leave behind.
How to, at a glance
- Price it from owner earnings and comparable sales
- Use a confidentiality agreement before sharing the name
- Screen buyers for proof of funds
- Hire a lawyer for the purchase agreement
- Consider a broker if few qualified buyers appear
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Thinking about selling?
Buyers already signed up and under NDA, including cash buyers. Matched directly, no public listing. 3% at closing, $25,000 minimum, nothing upfront.
Get my call back Get the free seller kitQuestions owners ask
- Do I need a lawyer to sell my business myself?
- It is wise. A purchase agreement, a lease assignment and a bill of sale carry real risk, and an attorney's fee is small next to the price.
- Where do owners list a business for sale themselves?
- Online business for sale marketplaces and industry groups. Expect calls from people who are not ready to buy, and screen them before sharing numbers.
- What does Optimax charge?
- 3% of the sale price at closing, $25,000 minimum, nothing upfront and nothing if it does not sell. Buyers also pay Optimax a fee under their own agreement, and both sides are told in writing.
What you take on when you sell it yourself
- Setting a price buyers and lenders will accept.
- Writing the listing and deciding where to advertise it.
- Screening callers so your numbers go only to real buyers, under a confidentiality agreement.
- Negotiating the letter of intent and purchase agreement, with your attorney.
- Answering due diligence requests while still running the business.
Where owner sales go wrong
- Staff, customers or competitors find out from a public ad.
- Hours spent on buyers who never had the money.
- One buyer, so no competition on price.
- A deal that falls apart late over the lease or financing.
Do it yourself, broker, or something in between
| Sell it yourself | Typical broker | Optimax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | None | About 10%, often with a $10,000 or higher minimum | 3%, $25,000 minimum |
| Upfront cost | Your advertising | Sometimes | None |
| Finding buyers | You | The broker | Buyers already under NDA, including cash buyers |
| Confidentiality | Up to you | NDA process | NDA before your name or address goes out |
Typical broker range from the sources listed in our broker fee guide.
Thinking about selling?
Buyers already signed up and under NDA, including cash buyers. Matched directly, no public listing. 3% at closing, $25,000 minimum, nothing upfront.
Get my call back Call 701 504 8429A call back from Ayo in one business day.