Frequently Asked Questions

ByOwner is a direct marketplace that connects business buyers and sellers without traditional broker intermediaries. Business owners can list their companies for sale, and buyers can browse opportunities and contact sellers directly. We eliminate the middleman, saving both parties money while facilitating direct communication and negotiation.

Basic business listings are currently free. We may introduce premium features and listing upgrades in the future, but our core mission is to provide an affordable alternative to expensive business brokers. Any future fees will be clearly communicated with advance notice.

Simply click "Sign Up" in the top right corner of our website. You'll need to provide your name, email address, and create a password. We'll send you a verification email to confirm your account. Once verified, you can immediately start browsing businesses or create your first listing.

Include key details that buyers need to evaluate your business:

• Business name and description
• Industry and location
• Asking price and financial highlights
• Years in operation and reason for selling
• Key assets and competitive advantages
• Growth opportunities

Business valuation depends on factors like annual revenue, profitability, industry multiples, assets, and growth potential. Many small businesses sell for 2-4 times annual profit, but this varies by industry. Consider getting a professional valuation or research comparable sales in your industry for guidance.

Prepare these documents for serious buyers:

• 3 years of financial statements
• Tax returns
• Profit & loss statements
• List of assets and equipment
• Lease agreements
• Employee information
• Customer contracts and vendor agreements

Use our search and filter tools to narrow down businesses by industry, location, price range, and other criteria. Focus on businesses in industries you understand or have experience in. Consider factors like your budget, desired location, time commitment, and growth goals when evaluating opportunities.

Ask about:

• Reason for selling
• Financial performance trends
• Customer base and retention
• Competition and market position
• Operational challenges
• Growth opportunities
• Training and transition support
• Key employees and their roles

Due diligence is your investigation of the business before purchase. Key steps include:

• Review 3+ years of financial records
• Verify customer contracts and revenue
• Inspect physical assets and equipment
• Check legal compliance and licenses
• Analyze market conditions and competition
• Interview key employees if possible

Consider hiring professionals like accountants, lawyers, or business advisors for complex transactions.

Common financing options include:

• SBA Loans: Government-backed loans with favorable terms
• Bank Financing: Traditional business loans
• Seller Financing: Owner carries part of the purchase price
• Investor Partnerships: Bringing in equity partners
• Personal Savings: Using your own capital

Most buyers use a combination of sources. Consult with lenders early to understand your borrowing capacity.

Log into your account and go to your dashboard. You'll see all your active listings with options to edit, update, or delete them. You can modify listing details, upload new photos, or mark your business as sold. Changes are updated immediately on the platform.

You can reach our support team through:

• Email: support@BusinessForSaleByOwner.us
• Phone: 1-555-BYO-WNER
• Contact Form: Available on our Contact page
• Live Chat: Available during business hours

We typically respond to inquiries within 24 hours, often much faster during business days.

Yes, we take data security seriously. We use SSL encryption for all data transmission, secure servers for data storage, and limit access to personal information to authorized personnel only. We never sell your data to third parties. See our Privacy Policy for complete details on how we protect and use your information.

Yes, you can delete your account at any time. Go to your account settings and select "Delete Account," or contact our support team for assistance. When you delete your account, your listings will be removed and your personal data will be deleted according to our Privacy Policy, though some information may be retained for legal compliance purposes.

We require users to verify their identity when creating accounts, but we do not independently verify every business listing. As a platform, we facilitate connections between buyers and sellers - it's the responsibility of both parties to conduct proper due diligence. We do monitor for obvious fraud and remove suspicious listings when identified.

Key differences include:

• No Commission Fees: Save thousands in broker fees
• Direct Communication: Talk directly with decision makers
• Full Control: You control your listing and negotiations
• Faster Process: No broker bottlenecks or delays
• Transparency: See all available businesses, not just a broker's inventory

However, brokers do provide valuable services like professional valuations, marketing expertise, and transaction guidance that some sellers may prefer.

Yes, you can list franchise businesses, but you must comply with your franchise agreement and any franchisor requirements for selling. Many franchisors have specific procedures for approving new owners, so buyers should be aware they'll need franchisor approval. Include relevant franchise information in your listing to help qualified buyers understand the requirements.