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Free Quiz
Should I Use a Business Broker?
Answer 10 questions about your situation and we'll give you a personalized recommendation — plus honest advice about what a broker will and won't do for you.
Questions answered:
0 / 10
Question 1 of 10
What is your business's approximate annual revenue?
This is the single biggest factor in whether a broker makes financial sense.
Question 2 of 10
Have you ever sold a business before?
Experience changes how much you need a broker's guidance.
Question 3 of 10
Do you already have a specific buyer in mind?
A broker's biggest value is finding and vetting buyers — if you already have one, that changes the equation.
Question 4 of 10
How important is confidentiality during the sale process?
Brokers manage confidentiality professionally — employees, customers, and competitors don't need to know you're selling.
Question 5 of 10
How do you feel about negotiating directly with buyers?
Negotiating the sale of your own business is emotionally difficult — it's personal in a way that other negotiations aren't.
Question 6 of 10
How much time can you dedicate to managing the sale process?
Selling a business without a broker typically takes 20–40 hours per month of your personal time.
Question 7 of 10
How well do you understand business valuation?
Knowing what your business is actually worth — and how to justify that number to a buyer — is critical to getting a good price.
Question 8 of 10
How quickly do you want or need to sell?
Brokers have active buyer networks that can accelerate timelines significantly compared to selling on your own.
Question 9 of 10
Are you comfortable with legal documents, LOIs, and purchase agreements?
A sale involves NDAs, letters of intent, asset purchase agreements, and more. Brokers coordinate this process alongside attorneys.
Question 10 of 10
How do you feel about paying a broker commission of 8–12% of the sale price?
Most brokers charge a success fee only — no upfront cost. But on a $500K deal, that's $40,000–$60,000 out of your proceeds.
Please answer all questions before continuing.
Your Personalized Recommendation
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Get a Free Consult with a Business Broker NowWhy a broker makes sense for your situation
Based on your answers, here are the specific factors driving this recommendation.
What does a business broker actually do?
Many sellers don't realize how much is involved. Here's what a good broker handles for you.
Business valuationDetermines a realistic, defensible asking price based on your financials, industry, and market conditions.
Buyer sourcingMarkets your business confidentially to qualified buyers — often through established buyer networks.
Confidentiality managementScreens buyers, collects NDAs, and protects your identity and financials until the right time.
NegotiationActs as a buffer between you and the buyer — keeping emotions out and keeping deals on track.
Due diligence coordinationManages the information request process so you're not overwhelmed or caught off-guard.
Closing supportCoordinates with attorneys, accountants, and lenders to get to the finish line without losing the deal.
Broker vs. selling on your own
Here's an honest comparison so you can make an informed decision.
| Factor | With a broker | On your own (FSBO) |
|---|---|---|
| Finding buyers | ✓ Access to buyer network | ✗ You source all leads |
| Confidentiality | ✓ Professionally managed | ✗ Harder to control |
| Valuation | ✓ Market-based pricing | Self-determined — may be off |
| Your time | ✓ Broker handles most tasks | ✗ 20–40 hrs/month |
| Negotiation | ✓ Experienced buffer | Direct — can get emotional |
| Deal structure | ✓ Knows common structures | May miss options that help you |
| Cost | 8–12% commission on sale | ✓ No commission |
| Time to close | ✓ Typically faster | Often takes longer |
This quiz is for informational purposes only. Every business sale is unique. Consult a licensed business broker, attorney, and CPA before making decisions about selling your business.
© BusinessBrokerFinder.us.com — Free to use and share.
© BusinessBrokerFinder.us.com — Free to use and share.