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Broker Fees & Alternatives
How broker commissions, retainers and minimums work, and the arithmetic of the alternatives, including a flat fee.
Why Many Brokers Won't List a Business Under $1M, and What to Do Instead
Turned down by a broker because your business is too small? Here is why commission economics push many brokers away from smaller deals, and the practical options that remain for owners of local and niche businesses.
Sep 25, 2026 · 6 min read
Broker Fees & AlternativesHow Much Does a Business Broker Charge? Commission Rates, Retainers and Minimums Explained
Traditional business brokers commonly charge 10-15% of the sale price on small business sales, and many add a retainer or a minimum fee. Here is how each part of a broker fee works, what it pays for, and the questions to ask before you sign.
Sep 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Broker Fees & AlternativesFlat Fee vs. Commission: The Arithmetic on a $1M, $2M and $5M Sale
A hypothetical side-by-side of a 10-15% broker commission and a $10,000 flat fee at $1M, $2M and $5M sale prices, plus what the arithmetic leaves out: who does the work, and what you are really paying for.
Sep 25, 2026 · 6 min read
Broker Fees & AlternativesBusiness Broker Alternatives for a Business Under $5M
If you own a small or niche business under $5M, a traditional broker is not your only option. Compare the real alternatives: selling it yourself, a flat-fee listing service, a direct approach to a likely buyer, and an internal sale.
Sep 25, 2026 · 6 min read
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