Should You Sell Privately or with a Business Broker?

by Vanessa Lovie-Yousaf 1st of October, 2025

Should you Sell Privately or with a Business Broker?

Selling a business is rarely a one-person job. Whether you’re selling privately or through a broker, you’ll still need a team around you, an accountant, solicitor, and potentially a finance broker. Each plays a critical role in preparing your business for sale and ensuring the transaction runs smoothly.

So the question isn’t “should I go it alone?” It’s “how do I want to market and manage the sale?”

You Always Need a Team

Regardless of the path you choose, a professional team is essential.

Accountant - Prepares and reviews financials, valuations, and tax implications.
Solicitor - Drafts and reviews contracts, manages the legal side, and ensures compliance.
Finance Broker (optional) - Helps potential buyers access funding, which can accelerate the sale.

These professionals stay with you whether you’re handling enquiries yourself or working with a broker. The main difference lies in who’s managing the marketing and negotiation.

The Case for Selling Privately

Selling privately means you control the process. You create the listing, manage the marketing, handle enquiries, and negotiate directly with buyers. For smaller or straightforward businesses particularly those valued under $300,000 this can be an efficient and cost-effective option, especially when you weigh up business broker fees which are usually a minimum $20,000 in commissions plus advertising fees around $3,000-$5,000.

Platforms like Bsale allow business owners to list directly, showcase their business nationally, and stay in control of the sale. Private sellers still rely on their accountant and solicitor to manage the technical details but save on broker commissions and maintain full visibility over buyer interactions.

When a Business Broker Adds Value

A business broker acts as your sales and negotiation specialist. They help you prepare the business for market, price it correctly, screen buyers, and manage offers. Brokers are typically most effective for higher-value businesses, usually those above $400,000 where professional marketing, networks, and negotiation skills can materially improve the outcome.

As outlined in What is a Business Broker?, brokers bring experience, connections, and emotional distance to a process that can otherwise feel personal and stressful. Their fees are generally commission-based, often 5–12%, with minimums starting around $20,000 as detailed in How Much is a Business Broker’s Commission?.

For many owners, that fee buys peace of mind and potentially a smoother, faster sale.

Choosing the Right Broker

Not all brokers are equal. As covered in How to Choose the Best Business Broker, look for someone with:

Proven experience selling in your industry and price range.
Transparent fees and a clear marketing plan.
Professional membership (e.g. AIBB).
Recent success stories with verified sales.

The right broker can elevate your sale but the wrong one can cost you time and momentum. So do your research and meet with at least 3 business brokers to get an understanding of their fees and experience.

The Real Decision

Ultimately, it’s not about whether to sell “with” or “without” a broker it’s about the role you want them to play in your team. Every sale needs the financial, legal, and structural support of professionals. The only variable is whether you also want a broker to handle the marketing and negotiation.

If your business is smaller, straightforward, and you’re confident managing buyer enquiries, a private sale may be the way to go. If your business is larger or complex or you simply want a professional guiding the process a business broker can add significant value.

Either way, platforms like Bsale connect you with qualified buyers and trusted professionals who can help you achieve the best outcome.

Originally Published: 6/4/2023, Edited: 01/10/2025

Tags: selling privately broker