Free buyer's guide

12 tips for buying a business without costly surprises

Practical advice from our specialist brokers on what a business really costs, what to pay, how to read the profit figures and the red flags to check before you sign.
Who it's for
First-time buyersKnow what to look for and what it really costs
Comparing optionsJudge value and risk, not just the asking price
Experienced operatorsA final checklist before you commit
Cover of Benchmark's 12 Tips for Buying a Business guide

Get your free copy

22-page PDF, instant download

What's inside the guide

12 short, practical tips written for Australian business buyers.
  1. Get the best possible advice

    Who belongs on your advisory team.

  2. Know your strengths

    Match your skills to the right type of business.

  3. The five negative attributes

    Stock, debtors, staff, long hours and key clients.

  4. Funding and finance

    Every cost beyond the asking price, from stamp duty to working capital.

  5. How much should you pay?

    How return on investment and risk set value.

  6. Secure your future

    How the lease, staff, suppliers and clients protect earnings.

  7. Prepare, prepare, prepare

    Checklists for before and after you find a business.

  8. Where to look

    Eight places to find businesses for sale.

  9. What to be careful of

    14 red flags, from inflated profit to GST traps.

  10. Confidentiality

    When you can speak to staff, suppliers and clients.

  11. What is net profit?

    EBIT, EBITDA and add-backs explained.

  12. The perfect business

    Why it doesn't exist, and why buying beats starting from scratch.

PlusWhat happens after you make an offerCommon contract conditions50+ step offer-to-settlement timeline

Signup to our weekly subscription to new listings!