The ROI for using a business broker

We often talk to business owners and those who would like to be about the return on investment, also called the acid test. If the numbers don’t provide a solid ROI it’s unlikely a buyer will make an offer or at least one that’s in the neighborhood of the asking price.

But what’s the Return on Investment for using a Business Broker. For buyers it’s a pretty easy decision. A broker does the hard work for you. But a business owner can put the business up for sale without using a business broker. So, as the old commercial said, ‘Where’s the beef?’

There have been studies performed and many who have sold their business said the use of a business broker resulted in a more confidential sale process and reduced stress. But many also said they felt they got more for their business than if they had not used a business broker.

Here are three big reasons it pays to use a business broker:

1. We know how to “package” a business for sale and where to market it. Sure, you can find internet sites to advertise your business, but we know them all and we know which ones are good, better and best. We also market your business to the more than 800 members of the Business Brokers of Florida. That is the business multiple listing service for Florida businesses.

2. We know how to recast your financials to present an accurate picture of true owner benefits.  In many cases we seek to undue any tax strategies you or your accountant may have put in place. A tax return’s net number doesn’t reflect the true benefit of owning a company. It’s critical a buyer understand that.

3. Perhaps most importantly we will work to sell your business while you work to maintain or increase the value of your business. If you are taking time to learn the process of selling a business, market your business, respond to inquiries and qualify buyers who is minding the store.

Making the decision to sell a business isn’t easy, but making the decision to use a business broker, and not a residential or commercial broker, should be one of the easiest decisions.