How to Sell Your Business (Quick Start)

Don’t wait months to make everything “perfect.” The fastest path is: get listed now so qualified buyers can find you, then prep the deeper materials in stages while conversations begin.

List Your Business (Takes Minutes)Get a Price Range Sellability Scorecard

This week: list it, then iterate

Create your listing (15–30 min)

Business name (or “Confidential”), location, short description, headline photo, revenue/SDE rough numbers, and your target price range.

Price with a simple range

Use SDE × industry multiple. Our tool gives a low/base/high range you can explain in plain English.

Publish & start fielding inquiries

Visibility matters. You can polish the listing, photos, and docs over the next 1–2 weeks while buyers begin discovering it.

Prep in parallel (lightweight)

Add 6–12 good photos, a short memo (1–2 pages), and a simple SDE recast. Share deeper info only after fit checks.

Goal: get in front of buyers early, then tighten the package as interest builds.

What you need TODAY vs LATER

Today (to go live fast)

Clear headline + short description
City/region and basic category
Revenue and SDE (rough is fine)
Price range (from our valuation)
1–3 good photos

Later (polish over 1–2 weeks)

More photos (interior, equipment, product)
1–2 page memo: story, team, lease highlights
Simple SDE recast schedule (add-backs)
High-level customer/vendor notes (no secrets yet)
Optional: inventory list at cost; equipment list

Share info in stages (protect your time)

Stage 1: teaser & quick screen

Public listing + short answers
Screen for fit, capital, and timeline

Stage 2: summary pack (optional NDA)

Summary P&L + SDE, lease terms, more photos
Confirm landlord path and key approvals

Save full document dumps for later stages. Early buyers mostly need clarity, not a data room.

Pricing that buyers understand

Main-street buyers expect SDE × industry multiple. Show a range (low/base/high) and explain what’s included. Inventory at cost is usually added on top; real estate is priced separately.

Use the Valuation Tool How Buyers Value Businesses

Handling inquiries (fast & fair)

Quick screen (2–4 questions)

Relevant experience or plan to hire
Down payment & working capital rough amount
Timeline to close if it’s a fit
Intent to keep what works vs. change everything

Next step if it’s a fit

Optional NDA, then share summary pack
Set a short call; align on diligence scope & timing

Price vs. terms (keep it simple)

Cash at close is cleanest. If you consider a seller note, keep the docs simple and protect yourself (personal guarantee, UCC-1 on business assets, insurance, ACH autopay). Be careful with buyers who want to change everything on day one—if you carry a note, that can add risk.

Financing options & red flags

List Now (You Can Edit Anytime)Get Your Valuation

Important: This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified attorney and CPA for your specific deal and jurisdiction.