Is Now a Good Time to Sell?
One of the most common questions I hear from business owners is, “Is now a good time to sell my business?” While every situation is unique, one principle holds true: the best time to sell is usually before you feel like you have to.
The biggest mistake business owners make is waiting until the business begins to decline, a new formidable competitor enters the market, or an unexpected life change forces them to sell. By the time these situations arise, the value of the business may have already been impacted, limiting both buyer interest and the final selling price.
To maximize the value of your business and achieve the highest possible acquisition price, the ideal time to sell is when your company is performing well. Buyers are attracted to businesses with stable or growing sales and profits, experienced management, and a fully staffed operation. A business that demonstrates consistent performance and future growth potential will almost always command a premium over one facing uncertainty or declining results.
For many business owners, deciding whether now is the right time to sell starts with understanding what their business is worth. Obtaining a professional valuation is an important first step in the decision-making process. For many entrepreneurs, the proceeds from the sale of their business represent a significant portion of their retirement plan or future financial security.
Knowing your current value allows you to make informed decisions and develop a strategy to maximize your return.
A knowledgeable business broker can do much more than simply estimate the value of your company. An experienced advisor can provide a comprehensive valuation, identify the factors that drive buyer interest, and recommend practical steps to increase your company’s value before going to market. Even relatively small operational improvements made in advance can have a meaningful impact on the final sale price.
The best time to begin this process is when you first start thinking about the possibility of selling—not when you’ve already decided it’s time to exit. In fact, many of the business owners I work with begin planning their exit several years before they ultimately sell. This advance planning gives them the opportunity to strengthen financial performance, improve operations, and position the business for maximum value.
At SCA Business Brokers, we provide business owners with a complimentary, confidential business valuation. If the timing isn’t right to sell today, we can help you develop a roadmap to increase your company’s value and work toward achieving your target valuation. Whether your goal is to sell next year or several years from now, planning ahead, is one of the smartest investments you can make in your business—and in your future.
Email: Buddy@squizzero.com
TEL: 508-446-4280
Buddy Carp is President of Squizzero, Carp & Associates (SCA Business Brokers), where he helps business owners successfully sell Main Street and Middle Market companies. A licensed business and commercial real estate broker, Buddy has extensive expertise in business sales, valuations, mergers and acquisitions, negotiations, financing, and exit planning. He has been recognized by the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) with its prestigious Chairman’s Circle Award multiple times, most recently in 2025, for outstanding performance in business brokerage.
