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For a business owner, selling a business is a major financial and strategic decision, and choosing the right platform to list it can significantly impact BizBuySell , which is one of the largest online marketplaces for buying and selling businesses, offering various listing options and pricing structures. But how much does it actually cost to sell a business on BizBuySell? And is it worth upgrading to a premium listing?
This guide to selling on BizBuySell will provide a comprehensive breakdown of pricing, listing benefits, additional costs, and best practices for maximizing your sale. This serves as a guide to selling your business, helping you decide whether a Diamond Listing is worth the investment and how to upgrade or downgrade your listing.
Key Takeaways BizBuySell offers Basic, Showcase, and Diamond Listings, with prices starting at $65.95 per month. Diamond Listings provides top search placement, BuyerBlast emails, and 5x more leads than Basic Listings. Legal and closing costs can add up to $10,000+, even without broker fees. Brokers typically charge 8-15% commission but can streamline negotiations and attract serious buyers, ensuring the sale of your business proceeds smoothly. Listings can be upgraded anytime, but downgrades are only allowed after the listing term ends. BizBuySell Listing Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Sell? When selling a business on BizBuySell , selecting the right advertising tier can significantly impact how quickly and effectively a business attracts potential buyers. Every business owner can choose from BizBuySell’s three main listing options to help sellers find the right marketing strategy, with varying levels of visibility, features, and cost. All listings are billed monthly and are available for 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month terms.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the listing fees and what each tier includes.
Standard Listing Fees and Features This section outlines the different listing options available on BizBuySell, highlighting their costs and included features.
1. Basic Listing – $65.95 per month (6-month term) The Basic Listing is the most affordable option and is best suited for sellers who want a simple and cost-effective way to list their business.
Key Features:
Standard search visibility Appears in search results but ranks lower than higher-tier listings No additional promotional tools Suitable for businesses in low-competition markets or sellers looking for a budget-friendly option 2. Showcase Listing – $89.95 per month (6-month term) The Showcase Listing offers better visibility than the Basic Listing, helping a business stand out from standard listings.
Key Features:
More prominent placement in search results Increased exposure compared to Basic Listings Ideal for sellers who want moderate visibility at a mid-range cost 3. Diamond Listing – $199.95 per month (6-month term) The Diamond Listing is BizBuySell’s premium advertising option, providing maximum exposure and access to exclusive marketing tools.
Key Features:
Top placement in search results for maximum visibilityBuyerBlast emails – Sellers can send one targeted email per month to potential buyers actively looking for similar businessesEnhanced marketing tools , including videos and document attachments (financials, menus, etc.)Priority placement for brokers in BizBuySell’s Broker Directory5x more leads on average compared to Basic ListingsBest suited for high-value businesses or those in competitive markets that need premium marketing exposure Pricing Structure and Payment Terms This section explains the pricing model for listings, available term lengths, and accepted payment methods.
1. Term Length Affects Pricing BizBuySell offers three term lengths for all listing tiers:
3-month term: Costs more per month due to the shorter commitment.6-month term: Standard pricing as listed above.12-month term: Offers discounted rates (exact pricing varies; sellers should contact BizBuySell for details). 2. Payment Methods Accepted BizBuySell accepts payments via:Visa Mastercard Discover American Express (Amex)
This makes it convenient for business owners to shop for the best listing package that suits their needs.
Comparing Listing Options: Basic vs. Diamond Listing When selling a business on BizBuySell , choosing the right listing option can significantly impact visibility, lead generation, and overall success in finding buyers. The platform offers two primary listing tiers : Basic Listing and Diamond Listing . While the Basic Listing provides a cost-effective way to list a business for sale, the Diamond Listing includes premium marketing features designed to attract more potential buyers. Below is a detailed breakdown of the advantages and cost considerations of each listing type.
Key Benefits of a Diamond Listing This section details the advantages of upgrading to a premium listing, including enhanced visibility and marketing tools.
1. Increased Visibility One of the most critical factors in selling a business is visibility—the more potential buyers see the listing, the higher the chances of finding the right buyer for your business and receiving inquiries. The Diamond Listing significantly enhances exposure compared to a Basic Listing in the following ways:
Top Placement in Search Results: Diamond Listings appear at the top of BizBuySell’s search results , ensuring they are seen first. Basic Listings appear lower in the rankings, making them less prominent to potential buyers. Reinforcement Ad: A secondary reinforcement ad appears further down in search results, increasing the number of times a listing is displayed to users. This dual exposure helps maintain visibility even after initial views. 2. Exclusive Buyer Outreach Tools Diamond Listings include premium buyer engagement tools that make attracting and interacting with serious business buyers easier.
BuyerBlast Emails: Diamond Listing advertisers can send one targeted email per month to active buyers in their industry category. This feature allows sellers to proactively reach potential buyers instead of waiting for them to find the listing. Direct Contact Button: A “Contact Seller” button is available directly in search results, streamlining the inquiry process. Buyers can express interest with one click, reducing barriers to communication. 3. Multimedia & Enhanced Features Diamond Listings allow sellers to provide more comprehensive information, making their listings more attractive and engaging.
Video & Attachments: Sellers can upload videos showcasing the business, property, or operations. Additional supporting documents, such as financial statements, business plans, and menus, can be attached. Broker Profile Boost: Brokers using Diamond Listings receive priority placement in BizBuySell’s Broker Directory. This priority ranking increases credibility and exposure to potential clients. Cost Comparison: Is the Upgrade Worth It? While a Diamond Listing costs approximately three times more than a Basic Listing, it offers significantly better marketing tools and lead-generation capabilities.
Listing Type Monthly Cost (6-Month Term) Average Lead Generation Basic Listing $65.95 Standard leads Diamond Listing $199.95 5x more leads on average
Who Should Consider a Diamond Listing? High-value businesses looking to attract serious buyers quickly.Businesses in competitive industries where standing out is crucial.Sellers who want proactive marketing tools, such as targeted email outreach.Business brokers looking to enhance their visibility and credibility. For those selling businesses that require maximum exposure, the Diamond Listing can help sellers find the right buyer faster by accelerating the selling process and attracting higher-quality inquiries.
Additional Costs When Selling a Business While BizBuySell itself does not charge commissions for listing a business, sellers should be aware of additional costs that may arise throughout the sale process to ensure a successful sale. These costs vary depending on whether a seller chooses to use a broker, the legal complexity of the transaction, and the closing requirements involved.
Below is a breakdown of potential expenses sellers may face when selling a business on BizBuySell.
1. Legal & Closing Costs Even if a seller chooses to handle the sale independently (without a broker), they will still incur legal and closing costs to ensure the transaction is legally sound and properly executed.
Legal Fees: $2,500 – $5,000+ Hiring a lawyer to review contracts, assist with due diligence, and handle legal paperwork is highly recommended. The cost depends on:
Business size and complexity (larger deals require more legal work).Attorney’s expertise (business transaction specialists typically charge higher fees).Specific legal requirements , such as intellectual property transfers or lease negotiations. Average estimated cost: $5,000 for a standard business sale.
Closing Costs: ~$5,000 Closing a business sale involves several administrative and transactional expenses, which may include:
Escrow fees (to ensure secure transaction handling).Tax filings related to the sale.State and local administrative filings (such as ownership transfers, business name changes, or licensing updates). Estimated cost: $5,000 , but may vary based on location and business type.
2. Broker Commissions (Optional) Business brokers can streamline the sales process, handle negotiations, and attract qualified buyers, making it easier for sellers to sell their business efficiently. However, their services come at a cost.
Broker Commission: 8% – 15% of Sale Price Brokers typically charge a commission based on the final sale price. The complexity of the deal and the broker’s experience can affect the commission percentage.. Example Broker Commission Calculation: Business sale price: $350,000 Broker commission: 10% Total broker fee: $35,000 Higher-value transactions (e.g., multi-million-dollar sales) may have slightly lower commission percentages, while smaller business sales may be at the higher end of the range (closer to 12-15%).
Example Total Cost Breakdown This table provides an estimated cost summary for selling a business on BizBuySell, considering the various expenses involved.
Cost Component Estimated Cost Listing Fees (Basic, 6 months) $395.70 Legal Fees $5,000 Closing Costs $5,000 Broker Commission (10%) $35,000 Total Without Broker $10,395.70 Total With Broker $45,395.70
Should You Sell with or Without a Broker? Let’s compare the pros and cons of using a business broker versus handling the sale independently.
✅ Selling Without a Broker (Cost-Effective but More Work):
Suitable for smaller businesses or those with a transparent sales process. Saves broker commission fees, reducing total costs significantly. Requires the seller to handle negotiations, buyer screening, and paperwork independently. ✅ Selling With a Broker (Higher Cost but Added Value):
Recommended for complex sales or when the seller prefers a hands-off approach. Brokers find qualified buyers, negotiate deals, and facilitate smoother transactions. Helps maximize sale price and ensures all legal and financial details are properly handled. How to Upgrade or Downgrade Your Listing BizBuySell allows sellers to upgrade their listing anytime, but downgrades have certain restrictions. Whether you are looking to boost your listing’s visibility with a higher-tier package or adjust your marketing costs in the future, understanding the platform’s listing adjustment policies is essential.
Upgrading Your Listing Suppose you decide to enhance your listing visibility and marketing tools. In that case, you can upgrade your listing anytime to a higher-tier package, such as moving from Basic to Showcase or Diamond .
Key Points About Upgrading: Upgrades take effect immediately —once you choose a new tier and complete payment, the benefits of the upgraded listing apply instantly.The pricing of the new tier applies immediately —you will be billed according to the latest package’s monthly cost.Your existing term remains unchanged —upgrading does not reset the duration of your listing (e.g., if you initially chose a 6-month term , the expiration date remains the same after upgrading).How to upgrade: Log into your BizBuySell account. Locate your active business listing. Click “Upgrade Package” to access available tier options. Select the new higher-tier listing and confirm your payment.. Why Upgrade?
Downgrading Your Listing BizBuySell has strict policies regarding downgrades. Sellers cannot switch to a lower-tier listing during an active 3, 6, or 12-month term .
Key Points About Downgrading: Downgrades are NOT allowed mid-term —once you have committed to a 3, 6, or 12-month package , you must keep that tier until the term ends.After the term ends, downgrades are allowed —you can switch to a lower-tier package if you renew month-to-month instead of committing to another long-term plan.How to downgrade after the term ends: Wait for your listing term to expire. Renew on a month-to-month basis instead of choosing another fixed-term package. Select a lower-tier package (e.g., downgrade from Diamond to Basic). Important for BrokerWorks Subscribers:
Upgrades for BrokerWorks users operate on a month-to-month basis , allowing flexibility in listing changes. However, core memberships cannot be downgraded mid-term, meaning brokers must wait until the end of their membership period to reduce their listing tier. Changing Your Listing Tier – Step-by-Step Guide Here, we’ll provide instructions on how sellers can upgrade or downgrade their listing on BizBuySell.
For Sellers (Regular Listings):
Log into your BizBuySell account. Find your active business listing. Click “Upgrade Package” next to your listing. Select the new listing tier (if eligible). Confirm payment and complete the upgrade. For Brokers (BrokerWorks Subscribers):
Log into your BrokerWorks account. Navigate to Manage Listings. Select the listing you want to upgrade. Choose the higher-tier package and confirm. Downgrades are not allowed mid-term, so adjustments must be made at the next renewal. Should You Upgrade or Downgrade? Let’s learn when it may be beneficial to enhance a listing for better visibility or to reduce marketing costs.
Reasons to Upgrade Your Listing: ✅ You want more exposure (Diamond Listings appear at the top of search results).
✅ You need BuyerBlast emails to target active buyers.
✅ You want enhanced marketing features like video uploads and priority broker placement.
Reasons to Downgrade After a Term Ends: ✅ You have received enough buyer interest and want to reduce marketing costs.
✅ Your business has not yet sold, but you still want a lower-cost listing option.
✅ You are moving to a month-to-month plan for more flexibility.
Final Thoughts: Is BizBuySell Worth It? BizBuySell offers flexible pricing, no commission fees, and scalable visibility options. Sellers handling transactions independently can minimize costs, but they should be prepared to evaluate each buyer’s proposal carefully before finalizing a deal.
Who Should Use Which Listing? Basic Listing: Best for smaller businesses with limited budgets.Diamond Listing: Ideal for high-value businesses needing maximum exposure.Broker-Assisted Listing: Best for complex sales or those needing professional negotiation. If you want to increase the value of your online business before selling, Softlist.io provides expert insights and resources to help you optimize, market, and sell your business effectively. Visit our website today and take your business to the next level!
FAQs How much does it cost to sell a business? The cost of selling a business varies depending on the listing tier chosen on BizBuySell. Basic Listings start at $65.95 per month, while premium Diamond Listings cost $199.95 per month. Additional expenses such as legal fees (around $5,000), closing costs ($5,000), and broker commissions (8-15% of the sale price) can further impact total selling costs.
Where is the best place to sell a business? BizBuySell is one of the largest and most trusted platforms for selling a business, offering various listing options, marketing tools, and access to thousands of buyers. Other alternatives include BizQuest, Flippa , Empire Flippers , and Motion Invest , depending on the type of business and target audience.
How does a business broker work? A business broker helps facilitate the sale of a business by valuing the business, finding qualified buyers, negotiating deals, and ensuring a smooth transaction. Brokers typically charge an 8-15% commission on the final sale price, making them a valuable resource for business owners looking to maximize the sale of their business where professional negotiation and marketing are crucial.
Is a premium listing worth it on BizBuySell? A Diamond Listing on BizBuySell costs $199.95 per month and offers top search placement, targeted BuyerBlast emails, enhanced marketing tools, and 5x more leads compared to a Basic Listing. It is ideal for high-value businesses or competitive industries where increased exposure can attract more serious buyers faster.
How long does it typically take to sell a business on BizBuySell? The time it takes to sell a business on BizBuySell varies based on factors such as industry, business valuation, listing tier, and buyer demand. On average, businesses take anywhere from 3 to 9 months to sell, though high-demand businesses with Diamond Listings and proactive marketing strategies may sell faster. Engaging a broker and ensuring detailed financial records can also speed up the process.
