How to sell a business without a broker — and keep the commission
If you are weighing how to sell a business without a broker, the math is simple: a typical 8–12% commission is often six figures, and selling direct to BizSellDirect removes it entirely. Enter your numbers below to see the difference on your own sale.
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See what you keep by selling direct
Enter your estimated sale price and a broker's commission rate. The result updates as you type.
Not sure? Use our valuation calculator first, then come back.
Small-business brokers typically charge 8–12%. The industry standard is around 10%.
Upfront retainers, marketing packages, or closing fees some brokers add on top.
Ready to skip the commission?
BizSellDirect buys directly — no broker, no listing, no commission. Let's talk about your business.
An estimate based on the rate you enter. Actual broker fees vary by firm and agreement. The calculator runs entirely in your browser — nothing you enter is sent or stored.
How to sell a business without a broker fee — a $2M case study
The same $2 million sale, three ways. The only thing that changes is the commission.
| Path to sale | Broker commission | Owner keeps |
|---|---|---|
| Broker, low end (6%) | $120,000 | $1,880,000 |
| Broker, market rate (10%) | $200,000 | $1,800,000 |
| BizSellDirect (direct, off-market) | $0 | $2,000,000 |
Selling direct keeps that $120,000 to $200,000 in the owner’s pocket. On a $2 million sale, that is the difference between an extra full year of retirement income and a year of proceeds handed to a broker for marketing the seller did not need — because the buyer was already at the table.
No broker means no commission
A broker is a middleman who markets your business and takes a cut of the sale. We are the buyer — so there is no cut to take.
No success fee
There is no 8–12% commission on closing, because there is no broker earning one. On a $3M sale, that alone is roughly $300,000 kept.
No listing or marketing fees
No upfront retainers, no marketing packages, no add-on closing fees. Your business is never listed or marketed at all.
One buyer, direct
You deal with the people who will actually own the business — not a broker working both sides of the table for a fee.
About broker fees
Do brokers really charge 8–12%?
Does skipping a broker mean a lower price?
Is there a catch to selling direct?
Is my information saved or shared?
Keep the commission. Talk to the buyer.
A 15-minute call is all it takes to explore a direct sale — confidential, no preparation, no fees, no obligation.
BizSellDirect LLC · 260 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100 · Newport Beach, CA 92660