Think Selling Your Business is Quick? Think Again.
Selling a business isn’t like selling your house or your car. You can’t just throw up a listing and sit back, waiting for offers to roll in. Selling a business is a complex, strategic, and emotional process with lots of moving parts.
So, how long does it take?
The short answer: it depends. If you’re serious about making it happen, you’ll want to dig into the details.
How Long Does It Take to Sell a Business?
On average, selling a small to mid-sized company takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months. However, some businesses find the right buyer sooner, while others linger on the market for over a year. It’s not just about time; it’s about the size of your business, the industry you’re in, your asking price, and how attractive your business looks to the right buyer. Details matter, and they can make or break your sale.
Key Factors That Can Drag Out or Speed Up the Sale
Preparation: Have You Done Your Homework?
The more prepared you are, the smoother and faster your sale will be. If your financials are clean, your operations efficient, and you generally set up your business to shine, you’ll attract (qualified) buyers faster. If your books are a mess, your processes clunky, and your business overall looks like a fixer-upper, you will not only experience delays—your business might stay on the market indefinitely. Preparation isn’t optional—it’s a must.
Valuation: Pricing Isn’t Just Numbers—It’s Strategy
Pricing isn’t just about finding a number; it’s about strategically positioning your business in the market. Price it too high, and you’ll hear crickets—no one wants to overpay, no matter how great your business is. Price it too low, and you’ll sell fast but might regret it for the rest of your life. A professional valuation helps you find that balance. And don’t overlook the terms—these are just as important. Only an experienced adviser can help you get both the price and terms right so you don’t just sell, but sell smart.
Market Conditions: Why Timing Matters
The overall economy can significantly affect how quickly your business sells. During strong economic times, buyers are more willing to invest, speeding up the process. In a weak economy, buyers are more cautious, and it could take longer to find someone willing to take the plunge. Besides economic conditions, if your business is on an upswing you’ll find strong buyers; if your business is declining, however, buyers are cautious and don’t pay a premium.
The Type of Business: Some Sectors are Hot, Some are Not
Some industries have higher demand than others. If your business is in a booming industry like renewable energy, robotics, health & wellness, or e-commerce, it can sell faster. Businesses in slower or declining markets (such as traditional retail, apparel or chemical manufacturing) may take longer due to lower demand. Specialized or niche businesses may also require more time to find the right buyer, but when they do, it’s often worth the wait.
Can You Speed Things Up? Absolutely—But You’ll Need a Strategy
You can’t fully control the timeline but can speed things up with smart decisions. Working with an experienced business broker is a game changer. They know the market, have a network of potential buyers, and know how to navigate the roadblocks.
Bottom Line: Selling a Business Takes Time—Be Ready For The Ride
Selling a business is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. With an average timeline of 6 to 12 months, you need patience, preparation, and a team of professionals by your side. This isn’t just another transaction—it’s likely one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. You’ve put everything into building your business, so take your time to do it right!
According to the Exit Planning Institute, more than 70% of business owners who sold their business regret the decision within a year of the sale.
With careful planning, and considering personal, financial, and business factors, you can leave your business regret-free. Apart from exit planning, our firm offers exit readiness coaching to help you prevent the pitfalls of exit regret.
To get started, take our free PreScore questionnaire or contact us for an introductory consultation.
Image by Tung Nguyen from Pixabay