If you’re asking, “Can I sell my business independently without hiring a broker?”—the answer is yes. In fact, more business owners in 2025 are choosing to go the DIY route to save on hefty commissions and maintain full control over the process. While selling on your own takes planning, preparation, and persistence, it can also lead to a more profitable and satisfying exit.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to sell your business independently, from preparation to closing the deal.
Why Sell Your Business Without a Broker?
Selling without a broker comes with clear benefits:
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No Commissions: You keep 100% of the sale proceeds—no 10% cut to a third party.
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Full Control: You manage who sees your business, how it’s presented, and what terms are offered.
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Better Buyer Insight: You get to meet and evaluate buyers yourself, which can help you protect your business’s future.
That said, it does require more work. But with the right steps, you can confidently say, “I know how to sell my business independently and maximize my return.”
Step 1: Get Your Business in Sale-Ready Shape
Before listing your business for sale, take time to clean it up operationally and financially.
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Financials: Prepare your profit & loss statements, balance sheets, and tax returns (preferably for the past 3 years). Make sure everything is up to date.
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Operational Systems: Document workflows, employee responsibilities, supplier contracts, and client lists. A buyer wants to see that the business can run without you.
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Outstanding Issues: Clear up debts, legal disputes, or any red flags that might scare off potential buyers.
A clean, well-documented business not only sells faster but often for a better price.
Step 2: Determine a Realistic Asking Price
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is pricing their business based on emotion instead of market data. To sell your business independently, you need a solid valuation.
Options include:
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Online Valuation Tools: These can give a quick snapshot, but may not be completely accurate.
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Hire a Business Appraiser: This ensures you get a detailed, objective view based on earnings, assets, and market trends.
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Use Multiples: Many small businesses are valued at 2–3x their seller’s discretionary earnings (SDE), depending on industry and risk.
Once you understand your business’s true value, you’ll be in a stronger position to negotiate.
Step 3: Market the Business Like a Pro
You might be thinking, “If I sell my business independently, how do I find buyers?” The good news is you have options:
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List on Business-for-Sale Platforms: Sites like BizBuySell, Flippa, and BusinessBroker.net attract thousands of potential buyers.
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Use Your Network: Let trusted contacts, vendors, and even loyal customers know you’re selling (confidentially, if needed).
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Email and Social Media: You can target industry-specific buyers using low-cost email marketing or LinkedIn outreach.
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Create a Business Profile: Write a clear, honest summary of your business including its strengths, financials, and growth potential (without giving away too much upfront).
Always pre-screen buyers and require a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before sharing confidential details.
Step 4: Pre-Qualify and Negotiate With Buyers
Once inquiries come in, don’t rush. You want serious, qualified buyers who understand the industry and have the financial ability to purchase.
Ask for:
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Proof of Funds
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Intentions With the Business
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Relevant Experience
Then start discussing terms:
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Purchase Price: Based on your valuation and what they’re offering.
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Payment Terms: Will it be cash upfront, seller financing, or an earn-out based on future performance?
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Transition Period: Will you stay on for 30–90 days to train the new owner?
Clear, transparent communication leads to smoother deals and fewer misunderstandings.
Step 5: Close the Deal with Confidence
When you reach an agreement, it’s time to bring in professionals.
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Hire an Attorney: They’ll help you draft or review the purchase agreement and make sure all legal details are covered.
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Complete Due Diligence: Allow the buyer to review your operations, financials, and legal documents in detail.
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Transfer Assets: This includes inventory, equipment, intellectual property, websites, and vendor/customer relationships.
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File Required Paperwork: Notify state and federal agencies of the ownership change.
You’ve reached the finish line—your business is sold, and you did it on your own.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Sell Your Business Independently
Saying, “I want to sell my business independently,” doesn’t mean going it alone without support. It means taking control of the process, doing the work, and keeping more of what you’ve built.
By preparing thoroughly, marketing smartly, and staying organized, you can sell your small business on your terms. It’s a rewarding path that gives you more freedom, more control—and more profit.
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