In retail the lease is frequently worth more than the trade. A below market rent with years left is an asset a buyer is paying for, and a landlord who can refuse assignment holds a veto over your sale. Any broker selling shops who is not managing that from day one is not doing the job.
Get quotes to sell my business
The lease first
Remaining term, rent against market, assignment provisions, personal guarantees and any break or renewal rights. Start the landlord conversation before marketing, because consent takes weeks and some landlords use the request to reset terms. A short remaining term in a rising market is a discount unless it is renewed first.
Stock, fixtures and what is included
Inventory is usually valued separately at cost for saleable stock with obsolete lines written down, and the counting method should be agreed in the letter of intent rather than argued at closing. Fixtures and fit out are part of the business; a buyer prices their condition and whether the store needs refitting soon.
Judging the firm
Closed retail sales in your area in the last two years with sellers you can call, experience of the lease consent process with local landlords, what registration they hold where property or a lease is involved, and the minimum fee. On a small shop the minimum is usually the whole economics of the decision.
Questions people ask about retail business brokers
Can I sell a shop with a short lease?
Yes, at a discount, because the buyer is buying uncertainty. Renewing or extending before marketing usually returns more than it costs.
Is stock included in the price?
Normally valued separately at cost for saleable stock. Agree the method early so the closing count is arithmetic.
What do retail brokers charge?
They rarely publish. The published US commissions on this site run from 5% to 15%, with minimum fees that bind on smaller shops.