Frequently Asked Questions

At Capital Business Advisors, we understand the significance of selling and buying a business. The process often raises many questions, and we can assist at every step. With our broad experience serving Indiana business owners and prospective buyers, we’re happy to provide clarity and confidence.

1. How do I maintain confidentiality?

We understand how important confidentiality is to business owners which is why we require buyers to sign an NDA and buyer profile. The buyer profile will indicate more specific information about each potential buyer, including liquid cash used for a down payment on the purchase of a business.

When we advertise your business for sale, we use a blind profile, which is a generic profile that does not include the name or address of your company. Buyers will not obtain detailed information until we receive their NDA and buyer profile.

2. Are there any fees to list my business?

No, we do not charge any up-front fees or monthly retainers. If your business does not sell, you will not incur any costs.

3. What is the average time to sell a business?

Typically, selling a business takes seven to nine months, but the process can take less time. Businesses that are priced accordingly usually sell faster.

4. Can I expect less than my asking price?

Whether the final sale price meets the asking price depends on the seller’s level of motivation and willingness to negotiate. At Capital Business Advisors, we are committed to achieving the full asking price whenever possible.

5. What are the terms when selling a business?

The seller determines the terms of the sale. Businesses often include some form of seller financing, typically ranging from 5% to 10% of the asking price. We take care to negotiate all terms during the due diligence process.

6. When do I announce the sale to my employees?

We strongly advise against discussing the potential sale with anyone, including your employees, before finalizing the sale. Once the sale is complete, you can announce it to employees.

7. How long is the typical training and transitioning period?

The buyer and seller negotiate the training and transitioning period during the due diligence phase of the sale. On average, this period ranges from one to six months.

8. Will I be compensated during this period?

No, sellers don’t receive compensation for the typical training and transition period, which lasts one to six months. After this initial period, the seller can expect to receive an employment contract with compensation.

Why Choose Us

Dave Gorman worked with us for several years to get our business in a position where we could sell. He did an absolutely wonderful job advising us over the years and we did succeed in reaching our goals for the business in order to sell. When we were ready he brought us several qualified buyers while keeping everything discrete. It was a long process but Dave did everything to make it as smooth as possible. We sold approximately 10 months ago. We could never have done it without Dave’s help. We would highly recommend that if you’re at the point where you’re thinking about selling your business, talk to Dave well in advance and pay close attention to his suggestions. Thank you Dave, we really appreciate everything you’ve done for us.

I recently worked with Dave Gorman and from the initial consultation to the closing of the sale he was very professional and kept an open line of communication at all times. When I first met with him he gave me realistic expectations, explained the process of selling a business, and followed through with what he said he would do. I highly recommend working with Dave if you are looking to buy or sell a business. Having been a previous business owner himself he can relate to the ups and downs of running and selling a business.

Dave Gorman was our broker when selling our vending machine business. He was outstanding - very professional and knowledgeable every step of the way and throughout the entire process. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking to buy/sell a business!

We recently went through the life changing task of selling our business we have built up over the last 38 years. Dave Gorman walked us through all the details, tasks, plans and hurdles with very few hiccups. He answered every question we had and kept our wishes/dreams as a priority. I would highly recommend him for any business sale/buying transaction.

Have More Questions? We’re Here to Help

Capital Business Advisors is here to support you as you navigate the complexities of buying or selling a business in Indiana. Get started today by calling (317) 508-6690. We proudly serve Indiana, including Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Bloomington, and Terre Haute.