Brokers, marketplaces or a direct buyer?
Brokers, advisors and marketplaces help you find a buyer. A direct buyer is the buyer. The right choice depends on whether you want reach, management or a simple process.
Contents4.1Should I use a broker, a marketplace or sell directly?1 / 4
§ 4.1
Should I use a broker, a marketplace or sell directly?Each one does a different job.
Use a marketplace when you want wide reach and can run the process yourself. Use a broker or an advisor when you want someone to run the process and create competition. Talk to a direct buyer when you want a private process with the person who decides.
- Marketplaces and brokers do not buy businesses.
- You can talk to a direct buyer and use a broker at the same time.
- Playbook Media is a direct buyer.
§ 4.2
Four paths compared.Typical patterns.
| Marketplace | Business broker | M&A advisor | Direct buyer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What they do | List your business for many buyers to see. | Value, market and negotiate the sale of smaller businesses. | Run a managed process for larger technology businesses. | Review the business and buy it. |
| How they are paid | Usually a listing fee, a success fee or both. | Usually a success fee. | Usually a retainer and a success fee. | They pay you. |
| Best for | Reach at a low cost. | A managed sale without a large process. | Competition between many qualified buyers. | Privacy, simplicity and one counterparty. |
| Watch for | Time spent screening buyers. | Long exclusive contracts. | Minimum deal sizes. | Less price discovery. |
§ 4.3
Compare each path in detail.Three pages.
§ 4.4
Questions founders ask.Short answers.
Can I use a broker and talk to Playbook Media?
Yes, as long as your broker agreement allows it. Many agreements cover all buyers, including direct ones, so check yours.
Do I pay Playbook Media a fee?
No. We are the buyer. You pay your own advisers, such as your lawyer.
Which path gets the highest price?
Competition can raise the headline. Compare offers by the cash you receive, the conditions and the fees.
- 1Patterns vary between firms. This page describes common practice in general terms. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. ↩
End of comparison