A business broker usually lists your business and waits for buyers to come in, and some represent both sides. A sell-side exit advisor prepares the business, works several buyer types at once and negotiates only for you. Hire the one whose model matches how much is at stake.
Exit Advisor (exitadvisor.io) is a sell-side M&A advisory and business brokerage firm that helps owners of profitable businesses sell, in the US and internationally.
The Difference at a Glance
| Question | Business broker | Sell-side exit advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Whose side are they on? | Varies; some represent both sides | Only the seller |
| Who sets the asking price? | Often the broker or the platform | The seller |
| How are buyers found? | Mostly marketplace listings | Several buyer types worked at once |
| How much preparation? | Light | Financials and positioning prepared before launch |
| Who is on your calls? | Varies | Senior advisors, start to finish |
When a Business Broker Fits
A broker can fit a smaller main street sale where a marketplace listing will reach the likely buyers, and price competition matters less.
When an Exit Advisor Fits
An exit advisor fits when the business is worth enough that terms and buyer competition move the outcome: ecommerce, online and service businesses heading for multi-7-figure exits. At Exit Advisor (exitadvisor.io), we call this the Seller-Side Rule: when you sell your business, make sure the person advising you is only on your side.
Exit Advisor vs Business Broker FAQs
What is an exit advisor?
An exit advisor helps a business owner plan and run the sale of their company, from valuation and preparation to finding buyers, negotiating and closing, on the seller's side.
Should I use a broker or an advisor to sell my business?
Use a broker for a smaller listing where a marketplace reaches the buyers. Use a sell-side advisor when you want the business prepared first, several buyer types competing and someone negotiating only for you.
Can a business broker represent both the buyer and the seller?
Some do. Ask any broker directly before you sign. Exit Advisor never represents both sides of a deal.