Seller FAQ

A business valuation — or Market Price Analysis — determines the appropriate asking price for your business based on financial metrics, industry comparables, and market conditions. It's the central document in any negotiation and is essential for a successful sale. At FCBB, we use a combination of proven methods developed over 30 years of experience to deliver an accurate valuation that positions your business competitively in the market.

The value of your business depends on two primary factors: how profitable it is and how much qualified buyers are willing to pay for it. There's no one-size-fits-all formula — it depends on your industry, financials, growth trends, customer base, and dozens of other factors. A professional business broker can get you the most accurate valuation possible. Request a free valuation to find out what your business is worth in today's market.

Selling a business is far more complex than selling a home or other assets. The timeline depends on the size, type, and complexity of the business, as well as market conditions and buyer availability. On average, most businesses sell within 6-12 months from listing. Larger or more complex businesses may take longer. Your FCBB broker will provide a realistic timeline after understanding your specific situation.

Not if we do our job right — and confidentiality is at the core of everything we do. Your business is marketed without revealing its identity. Every prospective buyer must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and provide proof of funds before receiving any confidential information. We take every precaution to protect your identity throughout the entire process.

Positioning is the process of organizing and preparing your business to present it in the best possible light to buyers. This includes cleaning up financials, documenting processes, addressing any operational weaknesses, and highlighting your business's unique value drivers. Think of it as staging a home before selling — except more thorough and more impactful on the final sale price. We guide you through this entire process.

Typically, you'll need to provide: 3 years of tax returns, profit & loss statements, balance sheets, a current lease agreement, equipment lists, employee information, and any relevant contracts or licenses. Don't worry if things aren't perfectly organized — part of our process is helping you compile and present this information professionally.

You're not required to, but offering seller financing can significantly expand your buyer pool and often results in a higher sale price. Buyers see it as a sign of confidence in the business. Typical seller financing structures range from 10-30% of the purchase price carried over 3-7 years. Your broker will advise on whether seller financing makes sense for your specific situation.

After a buyer's offer is accepted, they enter a due diligence period where they review all the documents and information specified in the purchase agreement. This is their opportunity to verify that everything you've represented is accurate. We manage this process to keep things on schedule and ensure both parties fulfill their obligations. If the buyer doesn't approve, they can typically withdraw and receive their deposit back.

Yes. A professional business broker helps you: 1) Optimize and position your business to maximize value, 2) Complete an accurate valuation, 3) Confidentially market to a broad buyer network, 4) Vet and qualify buyers, 5) Negotiate the best price and terms, and 6) Manage the entire transaction through closing. Business owners who try to sell on their own typically achieve lower sale prices and face significantly longer timelines.

There are no upfront fees. We work on a success-based commission — meaning we only get paid when your business sells. Our success is directly tied to yours, which means we're fully invested in getting you the best possible outcome. We'll discuss the specific commission structure during your initial confidential consultation.