offsell
Didn't sell? Questions owners ask

Fees and retainers

Should I pay another business broker upfront after my first sale failed?

The short answer

Possibly, but first understand what you are paying for and what will be different this time. If you have already paid a substantial upfront fee without completing a transaction, it is reasonable to scrutinise whether the next adviser's valuation, buyer strategy and sale process materially differ from the first.

The Offsell view

Our experience is that realistic value expectations, the right buyer strategy, proper positioning and persistent execution can materially influence whether a sale succeeds. Our commercial model reflects that belief.

Before you pay again, ask

  1. What exactly does this fee pay for, and when is it delivered?
  2. What will you do differently from my previous adviser?
  3. Which buyers will you approach that were not approached before?
  4. What happens to the fee if no transaction completes?

We're prepared to put our money where our mouth is.

£0 upfront.

Offsell's first fee only becomes payable when you choose to sign Heads of Terms with a buyer.

This is not about being cheap. We are prepared to start the process without asking you to pay an upfront broker fee.

£0 upfront

5%
on the first £1m of Total Deal Value
4%
on the next £1.5m
3%
on any amount above £2.5m
  • Progressive bands — each rate applies only to its band.
  • Minimum fee £15,000 + VAT.
  • At signed Heads of Terms, 20% of the anticipated fee is payable and credited against completion.
See worked fee examples

What should you do next?

  1. 01Review what your previous upfront fee delivered.
  2. 02Ask any new adviser the four questions above in writing.
  3. 03Get a fresh view of the business, the value and the buyer market.

Find out why before you simply try again.

We don't list businesses. We find buyers.

Get a fresh view

Off-market · Confidential · £0 upfront