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The world of small business brokerages can be challenging, especially for those who are new to the idea of even being able to buy or sell a small business. Finding the right business to invest in or the perfect buyer for a current business can be a lot more involved than other transactions. While BizBuySell is a popular platform for buying and selling small businesses, there are other alternatives available.
In this article, we will explore other platforms that can serve as alternatives to BizBuySell. We'll examine each platform's unique features, costs, and target audience to provide a comprehensive overview. Additionally, we'll explain why it's crucial to consider these alternatives before settling on a platform.
We'll also touch on the benefits of working with a small business brokerage service, and why it's essential to have a team of experienced professionals guide you through the buying or selling process.
What it BizBuySell?
BizBuySell is an online platform that connects buyers and sellers of small businesses. It's one of the largest and most popular business-for-sale websites in the United States. The platform offers various tools and resources that help buyers and sellers streamline the buying and selling process.
BizBuySell offers a wide range of businesses for sale, including retail stores, restaurants, service businesses, and more. Additionally, it provides a valuation tool that allows business owners to estimate the value of their business based on various factors such as revenue, industry, and location.
However, BizBuySell's popularity and vastness can also be a limitation. To stand out from the crowd, sellers end up paying substantial fees (and even then, it can be tough to stand out). With little to no standards for which you can list, it leads to a laborious experience for buyers and a difficult one for sellers--who get tossed into a massive pool of deals.
That being said, BizBuySell can be an excellent option for those seeking to buy or sell a small business. Still, it's always wise to consider other alternatives to ensure you're getting the best possible deal. Let's get into it.
LoopNet
LoopNet is a commercial real estate platform that offers businesses for sale in addition to commercial real estate properties. LoopNet's primary audience is commercial property investors, making it an excellent option for those looking for businesses with real estate included. The platform offers various resources to help buyers and sellers, including a valuation tool, property reports, and analytics. LoopNet charges a subscription fee for its services.
LoopNet is another CoStar Group company (the company that owns BizBuySell). Costar Group is a large, publicly-traded, conglomerate made up of BizBuySell, LoopNet, Apartments.com, and Land.com. CoStar companies typically have plenty of scale and they've been in existence for awhile. This can lead to a clunky experience for those accustomed to clean and intuitive websites.
BusinessesForSale.com
BusinessesForSale.com is a global platform that provides businesses for sale in various industries, including retail, food, and hospitality. The platform is easy to use and offers a range of resources to help buyers and sellers navigate the process.
BusinessesForSale.com charges a listing fee, and sellers can choose from various listing packages based on their needs. The site offers a similar browsing experience to BizBuySell and suffers from some of the same pitfalls that result from large, uncurated, scale.
Transworld Business Advisors
Transworld Business Advisors is a global network of business brokers that specialize in buying and selling small businesses. The platform offers a range of businesses for sale, including franchises, service businesses, and manufacturing companies. Transworld Business Advisors provides a range of resources to help buyers and sellers navigate the process, including a valuation tool and a network of experienced brokers. The platform charges a listing fee, but sellers can benefit from the expertise of a professional broker.
Flippa
Flippa is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of websites, domains, and mobile apps, as well as businesses. The platform offers a range of businesses for sale, including eCommerce, software, and content-based businesses. Flippa also provides a valuation tool, a network of buyers and sellers, and a range of resources to help buyers and sellers navigate the process.
BizQuest
BizQuest is a website that connects buyers and sellers of small businesses. It offers a wide selection of businesses for sale from various industries and regions, and has advanced search options and financing resources for buyers. However, there may be limited information on the specific details of a business and competition for listings can be high (sound familiar?).
Compared to other small business sites, BizQuest has a large selection of businesses for sale and provides financing resources. However, other sites may offer more detailed information on businesses, have lower fees for sellers, or offer different search options. It's important to research and compare different small business sites to find the one that best meets your needs.
Beacon
Beacon is a small business brokerage that specializes in helping current owners sell and new entrepreneurs buy a business. The platform offers a range of businesses for sale in the "Main Street" category, with values ranging from $500K to over $5M.
With an in-house team of advisors, Beacon offers an unmatched level of expertise and guidance to their clients. Beacon charges a commission fee to sellers upon the final sale of the business.
Why Use Beacon?
If you're considering buying or selling a small business, you might be wondering why you should choose Beacon. Here are some of the reasons why:
Unmatched expertise
Our team of dedicated advisors has the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the buying or selling process, ensuring that you get the best possible deal. They will work with you every step of the way, allowing you to drive, but serving as your trusted navigator should you need assistance at any moment.
Personalized approach
At Beacon, we believe that every client is unique. That's why we take a personalized approach to every transaction. We take the time to understand your needs and goals, and we work with you to develop a strategy that meets your specific requirements.
Extensive network
At Beacon, we have an extensive network of buyers and sellers in the small business market. We work tirelessly to match buyers with the right business and help sellers find the perfect buyer. Our vast network allows us to connect clients with opportunities that they may not find elsewhere.
Competitive fees
We understand that fees can be a significant concern for buyers and sellers. We only charge commission upon the successful sale of a business and cover all costs associated with valuing, listing, and marketing the business. We don't charge buyers a dime to use the platform, meaning our sellers benefit from the greatest number of potential buyers (who we vet for fit before making owner introductions).
Proven track record
At Beacon, we have a proven track record of success. We've helped numerous clients buy and sell small businesses, and we're proud of the results we've achieved. Our success stories and testimonials from satisfied clients speak to the quality of our service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to buying or selling a small business, it's crucial to consider all your options. While BizBuySell is a popular platform, it's essential to evaluate other alternatives to determine which one best meets your needs.
By exploring these alternatives, you can ensure that you're getting the best possible deal and finding the right buyer or seller for your business.
When choosing a platform, it's also essential to consider the benefits of working with a small business brokerage service. At Beacon, we offer unmatched expertise, a personalized approach, an extensive network, competitive fees, and a proven track record of success. We believe that these qualities make us the ideal choice for anyone seeking to buy or sell a small business.
If you're interested in buying or selling a small business, contact Beacon today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your small business goals.
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Anthony is the Marketing Lead at Beacon. He previously spent his career working for software companies in Silicon Valley but is now focused on making it easier to buy and sell Main Street businesses. Anthony studied Economics at Brown University and resides in Austin.
Information posted on this page is not intended to be, and should not be construed as tax, legal, investment or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, investment and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
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