“Don’t bother with a broker, just flog it yourself.”

Great advice from someone who’s never sold a business. Or possibly anything.

You’ve heard it before. Usually over a pint. “Why pay a broker? Just stick it on the internet. Flog it yourself, mate.” Cheers, Clive. Didn’t realise you were the Oracle of Exit Strategy.

Let’s be honest — this is the kind of advice that comes from someone who’s never sold a business, never negotiated a share sale, and probably never even shifted an old fridge on Facebook Marketplace. And if they have sold something, it was a set of alloy wheels to a bloke named Gaz for fifty quid and a packet of Quavers.

The Ignorance Tax: It’s Real, and You’ll Pay It

Here’s the thing. When you go DIY with your business sale, you don’t save money. You pay more. You just don’t know it yet.

It’s called the ignorance tax. And trust us, HMRC won’t warn you about this one.

• You’ll underprice it.

• You’ll talk to tyre-kickers.

• You’ll share confidential info with timewasters.

• You’ll get ghosted by “interested parties” who turn out to be nosy competitors.

• You’ll agree to things you shouldn’t, delay decisions you shouldn’t, and think “due diligence” is a polite way of saying “let’s take the p*ss.”

You don’t just risk selling cheap. You risk not selling at all.

A Good Broker Doesn’t Cost. They Return.

Now, we’re not saying all brokers are saints. But a good business broker? One who knows their stuff, asks tough questions, and holds your hand (metaphorically, unless you're into that) from day one through to completion?

• They don’t cost you money. They make you more money. Even after their fees.

• They know what your business is worth in the real market.

• They create competitive tension.

• They qualify buyers before you waste your time.

• They get you offers that aren’t just “interesting,” they’re bankable.

In short, they fight your corner while you keep running the business.

Watch Out for the Pretenders

Of course, not all brokers are equal. Some just want your signature and a few quid upfront before vanishing into a client manager Bermuda Triangle.

So here’s your sniff test:

• Who are you really buying into? If the “broker” who impressed you over Zoom disappears the moment you sign, and you get handed off to Dave-who’s-new, you’ve been mugged.

• Are they experienced? You want someone who’s done it before — properly. Like hundreds of times. Not someone who read a LinkedIn post and thought they’d “get into deals.”

• Do they get your business? If they don’t understand what you actually do, how will they pitch it?

Trust and experience matter. You don’t need a slick salesman. You need a deal closer. Someone who’ll be with you from “thinking of selling” to “funds have cleared.”

Final Round

Selling your business isn’t a Gumtree listing. It’s your legacy, your livelihood, your life’s work.

So next time your mate down the pub says, “Just flog it yourself,” buy them a pint. Then go speak to someone who’s actually sold businesses.

And if you’re still not sure who to trust — we know a few brokers worth their salt. You’ll find them behind experience, integrity, and a bloody good results sheet. Not behind a pint and a big opinion.