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BizBuySell is the largest online marketplace for buying and selling businesses, connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners worldwide. Established in 1996, it features approximately 65,000 active business listings annually and attracts over 3.5 million monthly visitors seeking acquisitions or exits.
If you’re a buyer looking for a profitable business or a seller aiming for a smooth exit, BizBuySell offers the tools, resources, and network to facilitate transactions efficiently. This guide explores key features, buying and selling processes, industry trends, and competitor comparisons to help you navigate BizBuySell effectively.
Key Takeaways Largest Marketplace – BizBuySell boasts the most extensive selection of business listings, attracting millions of monthly visitors.Valuation Tools —The platform provides SDE calculators, comparable sales data, and industry valuation insights to help with accurate pricing.Broker Network – BizBuySell connects users with professional brokers to facilitate smooth transactions.Buying & Selling Process – A structured process ensures thorough due diligence, financing options, and seamless ownership transitions.Competitive Market Position – Compared to competitors, BizBuySell offers unmatched accessibility and scalability for diverse business types. Key Features of BizBuySell BizBuySell is one of the largest online marketplaces for buying and selling businesses. It provides robust tools and resources for entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors. The platform caters to a wide range of industries, offering valuation tools, financing options, and a broker network to streamline transactions.
Extensive Business Listings BizBuySell features a vast selection of business listings, including:
Small local businesses, mid-sized enterprises, and large franchises. Listings across the U.S., Canada, and other global markets. A user-friendly search interface allowing buyers to filter businesses based on industry, location, revenue, and other financial metrics. Listings categorized by business type, including retail, service-based, online, and brick-and-mortar businesses. Valuation and Financial Tools BizBuySell provides several tools to help buyers and sellers determine the fair market value of a business:
Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) Calculators: Helps business owners estimate their adjusted earnings, which is a key factor in determining the business’s selling price.Comparable Sales Data: Provides industry valuation multiples and recent sales comparisons, enabling sellers to price their businesses competitively and buyers to make informed offers.Industry-Specific Valuation Metrics: Offers insights into how businesses are typically priced within different sectors. BrokerWorks Program A dedicated network of thousands of business brokers specializing in helping sellers find buyers and vice versa.
Brokers in this program gain access to discounted listing fees and exclusive industry data to assist in deal negotiations. The program connects buyers with experienced professionals who can facilitate smooth transactions. Franchise Directory A comprehensive directory for individuals looking to invest in a franchise .
Buyers can search for franchise opportunities based on location, industry, and investment requirements . Provides details on franchise fees, expected returns, and support offered by franchisors. Includes new and resale franchise opportunities. Buying a Business on BizBuySell Purchasing an established business through BizBuySell involves a structured process to ensure a smooth transaction.
1st: Search and Filtering Process Buyers can filter listings based on location, industry, revenue, cash flow, and asking price .
Advanced search tools allow for narrowing down businesses that meet specific operational and financial criteria. Users can set alerts for businesses that match their preferences. 2nd: Initial Contact Buyers can contact sellers directly via BizBuySell’s messaging system or through business brokers.
This initial step involves requesting financial details, discussing key business operations, and scheduling in-person visits to assess the business. Confidentiality agreements (NDAs) are often signed before sharing sensitive business information. 3rd: Due Diligence Due diligence ensures that the Buyer has complete business knowledge before proceeding with the purchase. This process typically includes:
Reviewing Financial Statements (2–3 weeks) – Buyers examine profit and loss statements, tax returns, and other key financial records.Assessing Legal Documents (1–2 weeks) – Checking business licenses, leases, contracts, and regulatory compliance.Interviewing Employees and Stakeholders (1–2 weeks) – Learning about company culture, key employees, and customer relationships. 4th: Financing Options Financing a business acquisition can take several forms:
SBA Loans (45–90 days) – Government-backed loans with favorable terms, requiring a detailed application and approval process.Seller Financing (14–30 days) – The seller agrees to finance part of the sale, allowing the Buyer to make payments over time.Private Equity Investment (30–45 days) – Investors provide capital in exchange for equity or a return on investment. 5th: Closing the Deal The final steps involve legal and financial formalities:
Transferring Assets and Permits (14–30 days) – Ensuring all necessary documents and ownership rights are officially transferred.Finalizing Purchase Agreements – Signing contracts, settling payments, and legally transferring ownership.Transition Period (Up to 90 days) – The seller may provide training or consulting to help the new owner adapt smoothly. Selling a Business on BizBuySell Selling a business successfully requires preparation, strategic marketing, and effective negotiation.
1st: Preparing for Sale BizBuySell’s Selling Guide provides step-by-step instructions to help business owners optimize valuation and prepare listings .Sellers must calculate Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) to determine the business’s true profitability. Addressing operational risks and improving key performance indicators (KPIs) makes the business more attractive to buyers. 2nd: Listing Optimization BizBuySell offers three listing tiers to maximize exposure:
Diamond Listing – Premium visibility with priority placement.Showcase Listing – Higher visibility than basic listings with added marketing features.Basic Listing – Standard visibility with essential listing details. A substantial listing should include:
Financial Summaries – Revenue, profit, cash flow, and debt.Growth Potential – Expansion opportunities or untapped markets.Market Differentiators – Unique business advantages, including brand reputation, customer base, and operational efficiencies. 3rd: Negotiation and Closing Letter of Intent (LOI) (7–14 days) – Buyers submit an LOI outlining key terms, offering price, and conditions of sale.Due Diligence – Buyers and legal advisors verify financial and operational details.Finalizing the Sale (2–4 weeks) – The seller may assist the Buyer with training, operations, or a business transition. Fees and Pricing for Buying and Selling Businesses Understanding the cost structure of buying or selling a business on BizBuySell is crucial for making informed decisions. The platform offers different pricing tiers and additional services that influence transaction costs. Below is a breakdown of fees and any hidden costs associated with using BizBuySell.
Listing Fees for Sellers BizBuySell offers three main listing options for business sellers:
Basic Listing ($59.95/month) – Standard listing with essential business details and limited exposure.Showcase Listing ($79.95/month) – Higher visibility, featured placement, and added marketing exposure.Diamond Listing ($299/month) – Premium placement, priority listing, and maximum exposure to potential buyers. Each listing plan is billed on a monthly basis, and sellers can choose to upgrade or renew based on their needs.
Success Fees and Commissions Unlike some competitors that charge a commission on successful sales, BizBuySell does not directly take a percentage of the sale price. However, if a seller uses a broker from BizBuySell’s BrokerWorks Program , broker commissions typically range from 8% to 15% of the final sale price, depending on the business type and transaction size.
Buyer Fees and Additional Costs For buyers, there are no direct fees for searching and purchasing businesses on BizBuySell. However, additional costs may arise, such as:
Business Valuation Reports ($99–$129) – Buyers can access professional valuation reports to assess a business’s worth.Broker Fees (8–15%) – If a buyer engages a broker through BizBuySell, they may pay a fee for advisory services.Legal and Due Diligence Costs ($2,000–$10,000+) – Buyers should factor in expenses for hiring attorneys, accountants, and other professionals to review contracts and financials.Financing Fees (Varies) – Loan origination fees, interest payments, and legal paperwork costs may apply if financing is involved. Hidden Costs to Consider While BizBuySell’s pricing is transparent, there are some hidden costs sellers and buyers should be aware of:
Ad Spending for Listings – To increase exposure, sellers may need to invest in additional marketing outside of BizBuySell.Seller Financing Risks – If a seller provides financing, they may face delayed payments or defaults.Non-Refundable Listing Fees – Regardless of whether a business sells, listing fees are non-refundable.Price Negotiation Adjustments – Buyers often negotiate down the asking price after due diligence, affecting the seller’s final payout. BizBuySell Fees & Pricing Content Matrix Cost Type Who Pays? Amount/Range Description Basic Listing Fee Seller $59.95/month Standard listing with essential details. Showcase Listing Seller $79.95/month Increased visibility and marketing exposure. Diamond Listing Seller $299/month Premium placement for maximum visibility. Broker Commission Seller (or Buyer) 8–15% of sale price Charged if using a broker from BizBuySell’s network. Business Valuation Buyer $99–$129 Professional valuation reports for business pricing insights. Legal & Due Diligence Buyer $2,000–$10,000+ Costs for hiring attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors. Loan Origination Buyer Varies Fees associated with financing through SBA loans or private lenders. Seller Financing Risks Seller Potential losses Delayed payments or risk of buyer default. Ad Spending for Exposure Seller Varies Additional marketing to attract buyers outside BizBuySell. Price Negotiation Adjustments Seller Varies Buyers often negotiate lower prices after due diligence.
Most Common Online Business Categories on BizBuySell BizBuySell features a diverse range of online business categories , with Software as a Service (SaaS), E-commerce, IT/Software Services, and Online Marketplaces being among the most prominent. These businesses appeal to buyers due to their scalability, recurring revenue models, and lower overhead costs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar operations. Below is a detailed breakdown of each category, including industry trends, valuation insights, and what buyers should consider.
1. SaaS (Software as a Service) Businesses SaaS businesses offer cloud-based software solutions, often operating on a subscription-based model, making them attractive for their predictable recurring revenue and scalability. These businesses typically require minimal physical infrastructure and benefit from the rising demand for digital tools in various industries.
Common SaaS Business Types: B2B SaaS Platforms – Serving industries like healthcare, finance, logistics, and marketing automation.Mobile App Development Companies – Developing consumer-focused or enterprise applications.Ad Tech Tools – Including Shopify plugins for optimizing online ad performance (e.g., Facebook, Google Ads). Market Trends & Valuation: Median Sale Price: $599,000 (2024)Average Valuation Multiple: 3.21× owner earningsSaaS businesses with low churn rates and high customer retention command higher multiples, making due diligence crucial for buyers. 2. E-commerce Businesses E-commerce remains one of the fastest-growing business models on BizBuySell, ranging from dropshipping stores to established brands with proprietary products . The rise of Amazon FBA, Shopify, and hybrid online retail models has further fueled interest in this category.
Popular E-commerce Business Models: Niche Product Stores – Selling specialized goods like UV-blocking apparel or eco-friendly products.Dropshipping Operations – Selling trending products without holding inventory (e.g., fashion, tech gadgets).Hybrid Models – Businesses combining Amazon/Walmart storefronts with their Shopify websites. Market Trends & Valuation: Median Sale Price: $850,000 (2023), a 60% increase over the past five years.Growth Drivers: Increased online shopping demand, automation, and the ability to scale globally .Businesses with diversified traffic sources (Google SEO, paid ads, influencer partnerships) tend to command higher prices. 3. IT & Software Service Businesses IT service businesses on BizBuySell range from web development agencies to cybersecurity firms , providing critical digital infrastructure services. These businesses often have recurring contracts and long-term client relationships, making them attractive for buyers seeking stability.
Common IT & Software Businesses for Sale: Web Development Agencies – Offering website design, SEO, and digital marketing services.Graphic/Web Design Firms – Focused on branding, UI/UX, and corporate identity.IT Support & Cybersecurity – Providing managed IT services and network security solutions. Market Trends & Valuation: High-demand sector as businesses continue digital transformation. IT support businesses with monthly retainers (Managed IT Services) often have higher valuations. Growing interest in AI-powered IT solutions increases business potential. 4. Websites & Online Marketplaces This category includes content-driven websites, affiliate marketing businesses, and online marketplaces . Many of these businesses generate revenue through advertising, memberships, lead generation, or e-commerce commissions .
Types of Online Businesses Available: Content Websites – Blogs, niche media sites, and authority sites earning via ads (Google AdSense, Mediavine).Online Marketplaces – Platforms that connect buyers and sellers in specialized industries (e.g., sports memorabilia or rare collectibles).Automated Amazon FBA Stores – Established e-commerce businesses generating $10k–$20k/month with streamlined fulfillment. Market Trends & Valuation: Online businesses with stable organic traffic and diverse revenue streams attract premium valuations. Marketplaces with network effects (more users = more value) tend to sell for higher multiples. How BizBuySell Compares to Other Marketplaces BizBuySell competes with various online business marketplaces , each catering to different Buyer and seller needs. While it offers the largest inventory and broad accessibility, other platforms like Empire Flippers and Acquire.com provide more specialized services, such as vetted listings and tailored support for high-value transactions.
Market Position and Scale BizBuySell is one of the largest online business marketplaces, offering a vast inventory and high visitor traffic compared to competitors.
BizBuySell : Largest inventory with 45,000+ active listings and 1.4M monthly visitors .BizQuest : 17,000+ listings with 390K monthly visitors . (Market Analysis ). Key Differentiators vs. Competitors BizBuySell stands out with its broad audience, minimal listing requirements, and self-service tools, catering to both casual and professional buyers. Compared to niche marketplaces like Empire Flippers and Acquire.com, which focus on vetted high-value deals and SaaS businesses, BizBuySell offers a more accessible platform for diverse business transactions.
Factor BizBuySell Empire Flippers Flippa Motion Invest Axial Acquire.com Audience Mix of casual & professional buyers Serious online business investors Broad DIY buyers, flippers Small-to-mid content site investors Institutional investors Tech & SaaS founders Vetting Minimal listing standards Thorough financial & traffic vetting Open listings, minimal vetting Focus on verified revenue sites Selective high-value deals Pre-vetted SaaS businesses Search Filters Basic financial/industry filters Niche-specific (monetization types) General categories Content & monetization filters AI-driven EBITDA/revenue filters SaaS-specific metrics Support Self-service tools Due diligence support, migration help Buyer/seller tools, marketplace security Seller assistance, passive investment focus Advisory services Curation & direct negotiation Cost $59.95–$299/month 15% commission Listing fees + success fees Lower commission than competitors Membership model Success fee-based
Conclusion BizBuySell remains the largest and most versatile business marketplace, providing buyers with comprehensive search tools and sellers with maximum exposure. While competitors like Empire Flippers and Motion Invest serve niche markets better, BizBuySell’s scalability and accessibility make it the go-to platform for most business transactions. Buyers and sellers can make informed decisions that drive successful outcomes by leveraging industry insights, financial tools, and expert guidance.
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FAQs What is business-to-business (B2B) buying and selling? Business-to-business (B2B) buying and selling refers to transactions where businesses purchase goods, services, or entire companies from other businesses rather than individual consumers. Platforms like BizBuySell facilitate these transactions by connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners.
What is the business of buying and selling called? The business of buying and selling is commonly referred to as trade or commerce. In the context of acquiring and selling businesses, it falls under business brokerage or mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Marketplaces like BizBuySell support these activities by providing valuation tools and business listings.
Is buy-and-sell business good for beginners? Yes, a buy-and-sell business can be a great starting point for beginners, especially in e-commerce or franchising. It requires minimal startup capital in some cases and provides an opportunity to learn business operations. BizBuySell offers resources and broker support to help first-time buyers navigate the process.
What is the definition of buying and selling goods? Buying and selling goods refer to the commercial exchange of products or services for money. In the context of business acquisitions, it involves purchasing an existing business or selling one to an interested buyer through a structured process like those facilitated by BizBuySell.
How does BizBuySell help in buying and selling businesses? BizBuySell provides a marketplace with thousands of business listings, valuation tools, financing options, and broker networks to connect buyers and sellers efficiently and ensure a smooth transaction process.
