Most business brokers and M&A advisors charge a success fee: a percentage of the sale price, paid at closing. Some also charge upfront or monthly fees. Exit Advisor charges a success fee, typically 5% to 15% depending on the business, with no upfront fees.
Exit Advisor is a sell-side M&A advisory and business brokerage firm that helps owners of profitable businesses sell, in the US and internationally.
How Business Brokers Charge
| Fee type | What it is | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Success fee | A percentage of the sale price, paid at closing | What percentage, and on what price: cash at close or the total including earnouts? |
| Upfront or retainer fee | Paid before the business is marketed | Is it refundable or credited against the success fee? |
| Minimum fee | A floor the broker gets on smaller deals | Does it apply to my deal size? |
| Tail period | The broker still earns a fee if a buyer they introduced closes after the contract ends | How long, and does it cover only buyers they introduced? |
What Exit Advisor Charges
- Success fee: typically 5% to 15%, depending on the business, paid when it sells
- Upfront fees: none
- Kill fees: none
- First consultation: free
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- What exactly is the fee calculated on?
- Is any fee due if the business doesn't sell?
- How long is the agreement, and how do I end it?
- Whose side are you on in the deal? Seller-only representation
Business Broker Fees FAQs
How much does a business broker charge to sell a business?
Most charge a success fee, a percentage of the sale price paid at closing. Percentages are higher on smaller deals and lower on larger ones. Exit Advisor's success fee is typically 5% to 15% depending on the business.
Do business brokers charge upfront fees?
Some do, as a retainer or marketing fee. Exit Advisor doesn't charge upfront fees.
Who pays the business broker, the buyer or the seller?
The party that hires the broker pays. In a sell-side engagement with Exit Advisor, the seller pays the success fee when the business sells.
Is the fee worth it compared to selling it myself?
It's worth it when the advisor brings more buyers, a better price or better terms than you'd get alone. Can you sell your business without a broker?