List Your Business

Sell your business

Create a professional listing. Reach thousands of qualified buyers. No broker required.

👥Join 10,000+ business owners
✓Verified buyers
🔒Secure transactions
Simple Process

How to Sell Your Business in 5 Steps

Our streamlined process makes selling your business straightforward and stress-free.

1
📊

Get a Free Valuation

Use our AI-powered valuation tool to understand your business's true market value based on industry data and financials.

2
📝

List Your Business

Create a compelling listing with photos, financial details, and your story. Choose a plan that fits your timeline.

3
🤝

Connect with Buyers

Receive inquiries from pre-qualified buyers. Our platform matches you with serious investors looking in your industry.

4
📋

Negotiate & Sign LOI

Work directly with buyers or use our negotiation tools. Once aligned, sign a Letter of Intent to formalize the deal.

5
✅

Close with Escrow

Complete due diligence and close securely through our integrated escrow service. Funds transfer safely to your account.

Preparation

What You Need to Sell

Gather these essential items before listing to attract serious buyers and speed up the process.

💰

Financial Records

3 years of tax returns, P&L statements, balance sheets, and bank statements. Buyers want to see consistent, verifiable revenue.

📖

Operations Manual

Document your daily operations, vendor contracts, employee roles, and systems. A well-documented business is worth more.

👥

Customer Data

Customer lists, retention rates, recurring revenue metrics, and growth trends. Show buyers the value of your customer base.

🏢

Assets Inventory

Equipment, inventory, intellectual property, brand assets, and any leases or contracts that transfer with the sale.

🎯

Reason for Selling

A clear, honest explanation of why you're selling. Buyers want confidence that the sale isn't hiding underlying problems.

Valuation Insights

Understanding Valuation Multiples

Businesses typically sell for a multiple of their annual profit (SDE). Here's what to expect by industry.

IndustryTypical MultipleExample
🍕Restaurant / Food & Beverage1–3x SDE$150K profit → $150K–$450K
💻SaaS / Software3–6x SDE$200K profit → $600K–$1.2M
🔧Services1–3x SDE$100K profit → $100K–$300K
🛍️Retail / E-Commerce1–3x SDE$180K profit → $180K–$540K
🏗️Construction / Trades1.5–3x SDE$250K profit → $375K–$750K

* Multiples vary based on growth rate, owner involvement, and market conditions. Get a personalized valuation for accuracy.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about selling your business on BusinessOwner.

How long does it take to sell?›
Most businesses sell within 6–12 months. Factors like industry, price, and documentation quality affect timeline. Premium listings with complete financials tend to sell faster.
What is my business worth?›
Businesses typically sell for 1–6x their annual profit (SDE), depending on industry and growth. Use our free valuation tool for a data-driven estimate based on comparable sales.
Do I need a broker?›
No. BusinessOwner connects you directly with buyers, saving you 10–12% in broker commissions. You maintain full control of the process while our platform handles marketing and matching.
What documents do I need?›
You'll need 3 years of tax returns, P&L statements, an operations manual, customer data, and an asset inventory. Our checklist above covers everything buyers expect to see.
How much does it cost?›
Basic listings are free. Featured listings start at $99 for 90 days. Premium is $299 for 6 months with email blast access. No hidden fees or success-based commissions.
Can I sell while operating?›
Yes. Most sellers continue operating during the sale process. We recommend maintaining normal business operations to preserve value. Buyer tours can be scheduled discreetly.
How do I keep it confidential?›
Buyers sign NDAs before accessing sensitive details. Your listing shows general info only. Employee and customer identities are protected until the final stages of due diligence.
What happens after I accept an offer?›
After accepting an offer, you'll enter due diligence where the buyer verifies financials and operations. Our escrow service holds funds securely until all conditions are met and closing is complete.
What is an LOI?›
A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a non-binding agreement outlining the proposed deal terms — price, timeline, and conditions. It signals serious intent and typically leads to a formal purchase agreement.
Do you handle escrow?›
Yes. Our integrated escrow service ensures secure fund transfers. Money is held in trust until all closing conditions are satisfied, protecting both buyer and seller throughout the transaction.

Business Information

Financial Information

Location

Contact Information

Listing Plan