Question 1

Why do brokers charge so much?

Accepted Answer

Business brokerage is a manual, relationship-driven business. Brokers invest time in marketing, buyer outreach, and negotiation — and they only get paid on closed deals. The high commission compensates for the deals that don’t close. The problem is that you pay for their entire business model, not just your transaction.

Question 2

Are there really hidden fees beyond the commission?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many brokers charge upfront marketing fees ($500–$5,000), retainer or engagement fees ($2,000–$10,000), and minimum success fees ($10,000–$25,000 regardless of sale price). Some charge admin fees if you cancel the exclusivity agreement early. Always read the engagement letter carefully.

Question 3

What if my business doesn’t sell? Do I still pay the broker?

Accepted Answer

You lose the upfront marketing and retainer fees regardless of outcome. The commission is only on a successful sale — but you’re locked into an exclusivity agreement (typically 6–12 months) during which you can’t sell independently or use another broker without paying a penalty.

Question 4

How does Built Equity’s flat fee compare?

Accepted Answer

Built Equity charges a one-time flat fee of ${topPrice} for the complete platform — financial recast, CIM generation, buyer management, NDA workflows, due diligence vault, offer comparison, and closing tools. No commission, no success fee, no marketing fee, no retainer. The fee is the same whether your business sells for $500K or $5M.

Question 5

Is the broker commission negotiable?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Larger deals ($3M+) may negotiate down to 6–8%. But on smaller deals ($500K–$2M), brokers rarely budge below 10% — and many charge minimum fees that can exceed the percentage on smaller transactions. Even at a “negotiated” 6%, that’s still $120,000 on a $2M sale.

Question 6

Do I need a broker to find qualified buyers?

Accepted Answer

No. The majority of small business buyers find listings on BizBuySell, BizQuest, and similar marketplaces — the same ones brokers use. Built Equity gives you a confidential listing page and guidance on where to post. The platform’s NDA and screening workflow ensures only qualified, verified buyers access your information.

Question 7

What about the “brokers get higher prices” claim?

Accepted Answer

There’s no peer-reviewed evidence that broker-listed businesses sell for systematically higher prices than well-prepared owner-led sales. What matters is preparation: a professional CIM, accurate financials, and a structured process. Those are exactly what Built Equity provides.

Brokers Charge 8–10%. Here’s What That Actually Costs.

Four Ways Brokers Cost You More Than You Expect

The Commission

Upfront Marketing Fees

Retainer & Engagement Fees

The Exclusivity Trap

What a Broker Really Costs

Everything a Broker Charges $188K+ For — at a Flat Fee

The Math Is Simple.

Understanding Broker Fees

Stop Paying for a Broker’s Business Model.