Transactions handled by American Business Brokers are held parties. We require that a prospective Buyer review and sign a non-disclosure statement outlining his responsibility in having access to a Seller's confidential information. This occurs before any detailed information concerning a specific opportunity is released. We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of the business sale.

We understand that public knowledge of a potential sale can affect the attitudes and actions of customers, employees, competitors, lenders, suppliers, or investors, and thus the value of the company. We also want to safeguard the employment status of a potential Buyer while he considers a very important change for his future. Go to our Confidentiality page for more information.

It may take more money than time to buy a business. It takes more time than money to start one. The break-even point for buying versus starting a business is the cost to buy equipment, rent a space, pay a staff, pay for advertising, establish contractual relationships and support yourself while you are building up a customer base.

If you buy an established business, you have an income from the day you take over. You already know what can be accomplished by the business. If you start a business, you face a lot of uncertainty over the success and desirability of your product or service. Buying a business takes a lot of the risk out of your decision

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Most Buyers want to own a profitable, well-managed business in an industry that holds a personal interest for them. On the other hand, some Buyers may look for opportunities that offer turnaround potential, where they can apply their special skills. In general, there is no industry that is particularly better than another. However, there are specific businesses that are more successful than others - even in the same industry.

Most businesses sell for one-third to one-half down. The remainder is financed by the Seller, by a bank or through family resources. Sellers generally prefer to receive all cash at closing and some Buyers are able and willing to accommodate them. However, Buyers are usually trying to get the most bang for their buck and will want to leverage their down payment into the largest business they can buy.

Although, Buyers may want to make a no-money or low-money down offer, it is very rare that they will succeed. Usually a business cannot earn enough to pay salary to the owner and service such a level of debt. In addition, the lender, whether it is the seller or a bank, wants the Buyer to show his commitment to the business by having vested financial interest in its success.

It usually takes longer to sell a business than a house or a commercial building. Because of the confidential nature of a business sale, a business broker cannot put a For Sale sign on the window. The average time to sell a business is usually between six to eighteen months. However, there are exceptions.

Some businesses may sell within a month of being put on the market. Others may take several years to attract the right Buyer. A business broker seeks out and talks to Buyers everyday. The next one may be just right for a particular business.