Since you clicked on this post, there is a good chance you already know who a business broker is. This post will, therefore, not dwell too much on what a business broker is and what he or she does. Our focus will be answering the question on how does a business broker make money?
The primary role of a business broker in San Diego is to help with the sale or purchase of a business. They do not do this for free. Brokerage firms are business entities. They have to make money. But how does a business broker make money? There are three ways a business broker makes money.
Charging a commission
The majority of business brokers get paid through commissions. The commission is based on an agreed percentage. This is usually upwards of 5 percent the total value of the brokered deal. The percentage fee is charged by brokers where a lot of work is involved. It is good to note that you may be required to pay a down payment before a broker agrees to sell your business. The purpose of the down payment is first to show commitment and second to help the broker meet the initial costs of getting your business listed.
Flat fees
This is yet another way business brokers charge for their services. This option is considered when the sale is not a high-value transaction. When charging a flat fee, you will have to negotiate with the business broker before they start selling your business. The size of the fee charged will depend on the amount of work that will be needed to complete the transaction.
Seller concession
This arrangement looks a lot more like commissions or fees. The only difference is that the seller is the one that sets the concession. The broker decides whether to accept your offer or not. Keep in mind that you are less likely to get the best business broker in San Diego when using this approach.
As you can see, there are various methods used when charging clients. That is why business broker’s salaries vary. Some analysts place the salary of a broker in the range of between $95,000 and $200,000. Before you commit to a business broker, make sure you understand all the terms. Some brokers add clauses that force you to pay them even when you sell the business on your own or through another brokerage firm. Read every clause in the contract before you agree to anything.
