Some of our most frequently asked questions are:

What can I do to enhance the value of my business so that when I do sell, I can sell for its full value?
Document all revenue received and have Profit and Loss Statements prepared on a monthly basis for three years prior to selling. You may also want to consider taking less "perks" out of your business to show a stronger profit before taxes. This will help with the value assigned to your company and will assist in having the business pre-qualified for a SBA loan.

What are the benefits to listing my business with a business broker vs. selling the business on my own?
Confidentiality is the number one benefit to using a broker. This is often overlooked by sellers and can potentially have grave consequences to a seller's business and relationships with vendors if they find out that the business is for sale. Secondly, brokers can aggressively pursue qualified buyers without jeopardizing the negotiating position of the seller. The majority of buyers are first time buyers and need the assistance of a broker to help them through this process. Sellers usually do not have the time to work with every buyer and guide them through this process.

Will I have to provide seller financing?

It really depends on the profitablity show on your tax returns as well as the accuracy of your financial records.  In the majority of small to medium size business sales, there is almost always some portion of seller financing. Even when a business qualifies for a SBA loan, SBA may require a small portion of seller financing. Some businesses where the tax returns show little to no profit due to seller "perks" being taken out of the business, will not qualify for a SBA loan and the seller may have to finance a large portion of the sale in order to get the full value of their business.

How long will it take to sell my business?
If the business is priced reasonably and with good terms, the average length of time to sell a business is six to eight months. This length of time can also vary depending on the desirability of the business and its location.


Please feel free to call TBR with any additional questions that you may have in selling your business. Call TBR at (972)437-3600.