Selling your life's work on your own terms is possible. This guide walks you through Rejigg's step-by-step process of selling a small business successfully.
If you've ever considered selling your business, you know that it's a complicated process. There's just no obvious way to do it. Your choices seem limited: hire aggressive brokers who take 10-15% of your sale, or wait for cold calls and sell to the most persistent buyer rather than the right one. It's painful and unnecessarily complicated and often can feel like chewing glass.
Yet selling your life's work on your own terms is possible. This guide walks you through Rejigg's step-by-step process of selling a small business successfully.
We'll cover when to sell, how to find buyers, valuation basics, negotiations, due diligence, and closing the deal. Our goal is to provide you a framework to confidently approach this process for a smooth selling experience while avoiding common pitfalls.
Learn to recognize the perfect timing for your exit
Prepare your business to command top dollar
Connect with qualified buyers who share your vision
Handle the process with confidence and clarity
Hear directly from owners who have successfully exited their businesses using Rejigg. We'd love to make you our next success story.
Follow our proven framework to successfully exit your business
Step 1
Decide When and Why to Sell
Reflect on your motivations and the right timing for your exit.
Step 2
Prepare to Sell
Get your documentation and financials in order.
Step 3
Find Buyers
Connect with qualified buyers who share your vision.
Step 4
Negotiate a Deal
Understand valuation, deal structure, and terms.
Step 5
Conduct Due Diligence & Closing
Navigate the verification process and close the deal.
Step 6
Transition Post-Sale
Communicate with stakeholders and adjust to new realities.
How long does it take to sell a small business?
For businesses doing $1M+ in revenue, expect at least 6 months from start to close. The process includes preparation, finding buyers, negotiations, due diligence, and closing.
How much does it cost to sell a business?
Traditional brokers charge 10-15% of the sale price. Selling directly through a platform like Rejigg significantly reduces costs. You'll still need an M&A attorney and accountant, which typically cost $10,000-$50,000 depending on deal complexity.
Do I need a broker to sell my business?
Not necessarily. For most small businesses under $10M, many owners get better results connecting directly with qualified buyers. Brokers can help with complex deals, but their fees (10-15%) often don't justify the value provided.
What is my business worth?
Most small businesses are valued using multiples of EBITDA, typically ranging from 3-7x depending on size, industry, growth rate, and other factors. Try our free valuation calculator for an estimate.
What happens after I sell my business?
Most deals include a transition period (30 days to 2 years) where you help the new owner learn the business. Post-sale involvement ranges from complete departure to ongoing consulting, employment, or board roles.