Frequently Asked Questions
Do business brokers charge upfront fees?
Many do — and it's the most dubious part of the industry. An upfront fee is charged before your business has actually sold, which means the broker gets paid whether or not they deliver a buyer. At Edwards Business Sales there is no upfront fee: we're paid when your business sells, so our interests are aligned with yours.
How much is my business worth?
A valuation should set an expectation for price, but the price is what a buyer will actually pay — the two are not the same. Real value is driven by competition, operational fit, and how well your business suits a particular buyer, not by a flattering headline figure. We'll give you an honest view of what a buyer is likely to pay, and explain the reasoning behind it.
When is the right time to sell my business?
Only you can decide you're ready — whether that's retirement, a new venture, health, or simply more freedom. Once you've decided, the key is to go in informed: get a realistic view of value and terms before you appoint anyone, rather than reacting to a tempting number.
How do you keep my sale confidential?
Listings are shown anonymously, and a buyer only receives full details after signing a confidentiality agreement and even then only after your permission to disclose is given. Your staff, customers and competitors don't find out until you want them to.
How are you paid if there's no upfront fee?
We're paid a success fee when your business sells. If it doesn't sell, you don't pay us to have "marketed" it. That keeps us focused on getting you a completed deal, not just an instruction.
What should I look out for when choosing a broker?
Anyone can call themselves a broker. Treat the first meeting as your chance to test them, not theirs to reassure you — ask why they value your business at the figure they give, and ask for evidence of completed sales behind any "three-stage" or "seven-stage" system. Impressive offices don't sell your business; they just make a large upfront fee feel reasonable.
Do you help people buying a business too?
Yes. We work with serious buyers — tell us your sector, size, location and budget, and we'll let you know when something fits. We understand how buyers assess a business and how deals are financed, so we can talk sensibly about price, structure and deferred terms.
Where are you based and which areas do you cover?
Edwards Business Sales is based in Bath and works with owners and buyers anywhere in the world, though most are UK based.
What is "The TRUTH About Selling Your Business"?
It's Rob Edwards' free guide explaining what really happens when you appoint a broker — how the first meeting works, the critical points in any contract, why upfront fees deserve scrutiny, and why the value in your head is rarely the price you'll achieve. It's written to be read in one or two sittings, and it's free to download.