Small Business Resources, Business Advice and Forms from AllBusiness.com

Buying a Business with a Broker

Buying a business without a broker is no problem if you know the business owner, or already have a good idea of the type of business you want to buy. If you're starting from scratch, however, and have

no knowledge or experience in your prospective industry, a business broker can help you get down to specifics.

He or she can help you make informed decisions about what type of business you need to buy, how much money you should spend, and most importantly, which business is right for you. Brokers can ensure a smooth transaction from an initial appraisal through the negotiating process to the final close of the deal, ensuring that you find out what you need to know in the due diligence process.

Because brokers usually earn their commissions from the seller, it's always a good idea to browse a broker's listings. They can give you a good idea of what's available in your geographical area or prospective industry.

What Is a Trademark and How to Get One
Host Hattie Bryant of Small Business School interviews Ruth Ellen Miller of Delaware-based lighting company NoUVIR.