Who is a business broker, and how much do business brokers make? A business broker or a business transfer agent is an individual who helps others sell and buy businesses.

If you’re thinking about taking this career path, you probably wonder how much business brokers make. A business transfer agent with one to four years of experience can earn an average of $50,980 for five transactions. In contrast, intermediate business transfer agents can make an average of $73,698 for seven transactions.

Seasoned brokers who have been in the field for more than ten years can make an average of $ 80,369 for approximately nine transactions. This is based on a 10 – 12% commission scale per transaction.

You can filter your search using location to determine the amount of cash business brokers in your area make.

What Does A Business Broker Do?

A business transfer agent is a middle man who links sellers and buyers. This is an oversimplified description of what a business broker does when you consider the effort and time that goes into each deal. A broker is tasked with asking the appropriate questions to establish a client’s needs and how best to fulfill them.

The transfer agent engages the client in every step of the deal, from evaluating a business to linking the buyer and seller into the acquisition process—from the sale cost and deliberations to conducting a thorough appraisal and closing.

It’s the agent’s job to make the selling process seamless for both the seller and buyer. The business broker should handle finance, marketing, closing, and fees as they can cause unnecessary headaches to the clients. The broker can comfortably handle the tiny details of the transaction that both buyers and sellers might miss during negotiations and transfers.

How Does a Business Broker Work?

A business owner usually employs a business transfer agent to handle the intricate details. An agent then looks into the business to work out the sale price. The broker then draws up a list of clients willing to buy the business.

The agent also takes care of marketing to reach as many interested and qualified buyers as possible. As earlier mentioned, all these transactions are executed with utmost integrity and confidentiality. The broker only presents serious and qualified buyers to the seller.

Once a potential buyer is identified, the broker sets up a meeting between the seller and buyer which often results in negotiations once an offer is tabled. The business transfer agent handles all the agreements, paperwork, financing, permits, documentation, and closing.

How to Become a Business Broker

You have to be good at multitasking to be successful in this business. Selling and buying organizations is a long process involving tons of research and due diligence.

As a broker, you must come up with a deal that’ll satisfy both parties. Consequently, you need to know the following to succeed:

1. Finance and accounting

A business broker must have a firm grasp of a company’s accounts and finances. Additionally, the central instrument for selling a company is a rational valuation that determines the organization’s pricing. A valuation approximates the company’s value and is necessary for negotiation.

It’s the business broker’s responsibility to determine the probable transaction value. However, it’s important to remember that different brokers use varying approaches to assess a business’s valuation.

2. Marketing

Marketing marks the beginning of every strategy. A broker must find a way to alert the market of an impending sale while still concealing the organization’s name. This is along with understanding the weaknesses and strengths, emerging markets, and knowing how to pick out and talk to prospective buyers. Hence, a broker must grow into a skillful marketer to uphold confidentiality and source for buyers effectively.

3. Negotiation

You must have top-notch negotiation skills to be an excellent business transfer agent. As a broker, you’ll deal with prospective buyers, filtering between the intent of the acquisition and the company on sale.

During negotiations, the broker is responsible for employing strategies that foster an environment where the buyer and seller can negotiate and make informed decisions because they have the correct data and insights about the company.

The broker facilitates seamless negotiations and sales by doing due diligence and ensuring the parties get the best out of the deal.

It’s also the broker’s work to answer any questions and clear up any grey areas for the comfort of the transacting parties.

4. Legal

The corporate legal part is the final procedure that affects a business sale. A broker should have highly developed legal skills to understand what goes into the contracts and be able to explain the same to the buyer and seller. The broker must present the complete commercial contract to the lawyer and ensure that both parties are protected under the law.

Services Offered by a Business Broker

A business transfer agent can offer various services depending on his experience, skills, and client needs. Some of the common services offered by a broker to clients are:

• Compile a detailed report about the enterprise to show the buyer
• Help the client settle on the most probable business valuation and selling price.
• Research the market and come up with a list of prospective buyers
• Maintain the sale’s confidentiality
• Scrutinize prospective buyers to gauge their capacity to complete the purchase.
• Negotiate the price on the seller’s behalf
• Provide deal sourcing and acquisition services to investors and buyers
• Create a public listing of the business on sale
• Provide general deal management services and be there for clients throughout the whole process
• Be in charge of negotiations with the buyers and put together an effective plan to close the deal.
• Analyze a firm’s tax returns for the past three years and draw up an adjusted cash flow statement to be reviewed by the buyers
• Design a marketing policy that has a total exposure of the business to potential buyers
• Protect the business confidentiality
• Present a business condition disclosure form to the seller along with other necessary forms

How Much Do Business Brokers Make in Commissions?

A business broker’s job is an end-to-end service that helps people sell their business and seal deals. A specific percentage from the sale caters to the services of a broker. No regulation dictates the commission rate or price for a business broker.

Most business transfer agents earn a commission of approximately 10% for every successful deal. However, this rate isn’t fixed and can change depending on the size of the transaction, location, and type of business. For instance, the rates will be lower for hotels, grocery stores, and gas stations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is A Selling Commission?

A selling commission is a payment given to a selling agent for their services to the seller. Normally, a broker stands in for the seller and seals the deal, after which they get the sales commission.

2. Are Broker Fees Negotiable?

Yes, a broker fee is negotiable. The average broker commission is 10%. This rate is usually divided between the buyer’s agent and the listing agent.

3. What Is The Brokerage Amount?

A brokerage fee or amount is a fee charged by a broker to provide services or complete transactions. These services comprise insurance, delivery, real estate, and financial services.

4. What Skills Do You Need To Be A Broker?

Below are the must-have skills to be a great business broker:

• Analytical skills
• Decision-making
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Assertive negotiation skills
• Honesty and reliability
• Exceptional time management
• Attention to detail and accuracy