Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers for buyers and sellers. For legal and financial decisions, consult professionals.
What does “business for sale by owner” (FSBO) mean? ▾
FSBO means the business is listed and sold directly by the owner rather than exclusively through a broker.
Can brokers list on BusinessForSaleByOwner.us? ▾
Yes. Brokers can list transparently. Buyers can see whether a listing is owner-listed or broker-represented.
Are listings verified? ▾
We use moderation and verification signals to reduce spam and improve listing quality. Buyers should still do independent due diligence.
Do you charge a commission? ▾
No broker-style commission is charged by the marketplace. Listing options may have fees depending on the package you choose.
I paid for a listing. How do I create it? ▾
After payment, create an account at businessforsalebyowner.us/register using the same email you used at checkout. Then verify your email, sign in, and go to businessforsalebyowner.us/submit to create your listing. Your purchase is automatically connected to your account when you use the same email.
How do buyers contact a seller? ▾
Each listing includes a contact method so buyers can ask questions, request documents, and schedule discussions.
What should a seller include in a good listing? ▾
A clear description, location, asking price, financial highlights, reason for sale, and what is included (assets, inventory, staff, etc.).
How does due diligence work? ▾
Buyers typically review financial statements, tax returns, customer concentration, leases, and key contracts before making an offer.
Can I sell with seller financing? ▾
Many deals include seller financing depending on the business and buyer qualifications. Terms are negotiated between the parties. See our research on how buyers finance business acquisitions.
How much does a business broker charge? ▾
Most business brokers charge a commission of 8–12% of the sale price, though the exact amount depends on the deal size and structure. On a $500,000 sale, that's $40,000–$60,000 in fees. Use our broker fee calculator to see exactly what a broker would cost on your deal — and how much you could save selling direct.
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Have questions? Check out our FAQ page or contact us for help.