Selling a UK Business

max99x · Dec 28, 2015

Got a UK business/website that I'm considering selling, apart from Acorn, Flippa and EmpireFlippers where else can I look to put it up for sale?

I'd be seeking around the 6 figures mark.

Anyone know any brokers?

Admin · Dec 28, 2015

This is actually something I am looking to move into. I recently secured the website broker domain for this venture. I've been on the buying side of the fence many times recently and dealing with website brokers. I feel I can do a better job of the process. PM me if you want to talk further, I can help you find a buyer.

spiderspider · Dec 28, 2015

Depending on what type of business / website it is, may be worth sticking an ad onto Daltons (http://www.daltonsbusiness.com/buy/business-for-sale-listing). I've brought 'real' businesses there in the past (ie not just website powered).

Other places that also get enquiries are Gumtree and eBay. Just list it right, be descriptive, and expect to get some time wasters. Again, I've brought assets this way, as generally businesses listed on ebay and GT are sole traders, where as Daltons is more Ltd.

Should say that I've never sold a business by either of these methods, only brought, and as a buyer, that's where I look.

Admin · Dec 28, 2015

Good shout from spiderspider. I'd like to add that in my opinion >90% of all sites listed on flippa are garbage. A very disappointing place to search for good online businesses, even the high end deal flow side of it.

boxfish · Dec 28, 2015

spiderspider said:
Depending on what type of business / website it is, may be worth sticking an ad onto Daltons (http://www.daltonsbusiness.com/buy/business-for-sale-listing). I've brought 'real' businesses there in the past (ie not just website powered).

Other places that also get enquiries are Gumtree and eBay. Just list it right, be descriptive, and expect to get some time wasters. Again, I've brought assets this way, as generally businesses listed on ebay and GT are sole traders, where as Daltons is more Ltd.

Should say that I've never sold a business by either of these methods, only brought, and as a buyer, that's where I look.

It's bought.

Alien · Dec 28, 2015

admin said:
Good shout from spiderspider. I'd like to add that in my opinion >90% of all sites listed on flippa are garbage. A very disappointing place to search for good online businesses, even the high end deal flow side of it.

That's certainly true - a recent check through Flippa for some possible buys revealed just junk. :roll:

I've also used http://www.businessesforsale.com in the past too.

martin-s · Dec 28, 2015

Very few good businesses ever get sold - that's part of the issue.

spiderspider · Dec 28, 2015

boxfish said:
It's bought.

Your rite. Their are alway's errors in my tipping. The affect is that people except whats I said, like.

Alien said:
I've also used http://www.businessesforsale.com in the past too.

Never came across that one before, so thanks for sharing. Just had a quick look, and may (due diligence pending) have just picked up something new

martin-s said:
Very few good businesses ever get sold - that's part of the issue.

In the public eye, or publicly advertised anyway. The hard part is building relationships with brokers to know when confidential sales or new listings come in that are within region and sector. Signing up to receive email alerts just isn't the same as the broker thinking of you and calling you as soon as something comes in.

Adam H · Dec 28, 2015

In those ranges a broker is your best option, someone with a personal list of good buyers and sellers who they can reach out to and stir up interest. I wouldnt recommend publicly listing it in those values, it will instantly devalue it for the type of buyers your looking for and most will turn a blind eye because of it.

Having said that vet your broker carefully and make sure they are working for you and not a quick commission, too many brokers work for their contacts ( buyers ) rather than the seller. Many would rather a quick commission and quick sale with someone they've dealt with before rather than actively pursuing new interest and maximising price for the seller which could drag out over a couple of months..............or more.

Or you could do what alot of brokers would do and save your self 10 - 30% sale price, by reach out to competitors or highly related established businesses, do your due diligence on duedil.com to make sure who your contacting could possibly entertain your asking figures. Also if you do some out reach and then go for a broker make sure you outline everything you've already done and who you've contacted to save time for you all.