--- title: "Business Sales Marquette MI | Dawn Florio" description: "Buy or sell a business in Marquette County. Confidential valuations and expert transaction guidance." lang: en json-ld: | { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "RealEstateAgent", "name": "Dawn Florio Real Estate", "description": "Your trusted real estate expert in Marquette County, MI. Brokered by RE/MAX 1st Realty.", "url": "https://startmynewbeginning.com", "telephone": "+1-906-360-0796", "email": "Dawn@Remax906.com", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "2854 Venture Drive", "addressLocality": "Marquette", "addressRegion": "MI", "postalCode": "49855", "addressCountry": "US" }, "openingHours": "Mo-Fr 09:00-16:30", "priceRange": "$$", "areaServed": { "@type": "City", "name": "Marquette County, Michigan" } } --- [906-360-0796 ](tel:906-360-0796)[Dawn@Remax906.com ](mailto:Dawn@Remax906.com) Brokered by RE/MAX 1st Realty [![Dawn Florio Real Estate logo](/assets/dfr-logo-white-DK1Kg6lF.avif)](/) [Home](/)[Listings](/Listings-Marquette-MI)[About](/About-Marquette-MI)[Services](/Services-Marquette-MI) [BuyerHUB](/BuyerHub-Marquette-MI) [SellerHUB](/SellerHub-Marquette-MI) [Contact](/Contact-Marquette-MI) # Business Sales Expert guidance for buying or selling an existing business in the Upper Peninsula [Confidential Consultation](/Contact-Marquette-MI) ## The Business Sale Process A structured approach to ensure a successful transaction 1 ### Valuation Determine fair market value based on financials and market conditions 2 ### Confidentiality Discrete marketing to protect your business and employees 3 ### Buyer Screening Qualify serious buyers with financial capability 4 ### Negotiation Skilled negotiation to maximize value and terms ## Business Valuation Methods Understanding how businesses are valued helps set realistic expectations #### Asset-Based Value of tangible assets minus liabilities. Best for asset-heavy businesses or liquidation scenarios. #### Income-Based Based on earnings (SDE or EBITDA) multiplied by industry factor. Most common for profitable small businesses. #### Market Comparison What similar businesses sold for. Useful when comparable sales data exists. #### Pro Tip: SDE vs EBITDA Small businesses typically use Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE): net profit plus owner salary and perks. Larger businesses use EBITDA. Properly calculating and presenting these figures is crucial. Buyers and lenders scrutinize these numbers closely. ## UP Business Types & Typical Multiples Business Type Examples Typical Multiple Retail Stores Gift shops, sporting goods, specialty retail 1.5-2.5x SDE Restaurants/Bars Cafes, full-service, bars, food trucks 1.5-3x SDE Service Businesses Landscaping, cleaning, home services 2-3x SDE Professional Services Accounting, insurance, consulting 2-4x SDE Tourism/Recreation Tours, rentals, outfitters 2-3.5x SDE \*SDE = Seller's Discretionary Earnings. Multiples vary based on business specifics, market conditions, and buyer financing. ### For Business Buyers - Business opportunity identification - Financial analysis and due diligence - Valuation assessment - Negotiation representation - Transaction coordination - Transition planning support ### For Business Sellers - Business valuation - Confidential marketing - Buyer qualification - Offer negotiation - Due diligence management - Closing coordination ## Transition Planning A smooth transition protects the business value you worked so hard to build 1 #### Pre-Closing (30-60 days) - Employee introductions - Customer relationship handoffs - Vendor account transitions - Training schedule creation 2 #### Transition Period (30-90 days) - Daily operations training - Customer introductions - Supplier meetings - System and process documentation 3 #### Post-Transition - Consulting availability (if agreed) - Non-compete period begins - Final payment milestones - Relationship maintenance ### Confidentiality is Paramount Dawn understands the sensitive nature of business sales. All inquiries and transactions are handled with the utmost discretion to protect your employees, customers, and business reputation. Buyers sign NDAs before receiving any identifying information about your business. ### Common Seller Mistakes - • Telling employees or customers too early - • Not preparing financials properly - • Overpricing based on emotion, not data - • Neglecting the business during the sale process - • Not planning for life after the sale ## Business Sales FAQs #### How long does it take to sell a business? Most small businesses take 6-12 months to sell. Factors affecting timeline include asking price, business performance, industry, and financing availability. Well-prepared businesses with clean financials sell faster. #### What documents do I need to sell my business? At minimum: 3 years of tax returns, profit & loss statements, asset list, lease agreements, and any contracts (employees, vendors, customers). Dawn helps you organize everything buyers and lenders will request. #### Should I tell my employees I am selling? Generally no, not until a sale is imminent or you have specific concerns. Employee uncertainty can hurt business performance and leak to customers or competitors. Dawn structures deals to protect your team. #### How are business sales typically financed? Often a combination: buyer down payment (10-30%), SBA loan (most common for small businesses), and seller financing (10-30%). Sellers who offer financing often get higher prices and faster sales. ## Ready to Buy or Sell a Business? Let's have a confidential conversation about your goals. [Schedule Consultation](/Contact-Marquette-MI) ![Dawn Florio Real Estate](/assets/dfr-logo-white-DK1Kg6lF.avif) ★ 2025 UP Realtor of the Year Your trusted real estate partner in Marquette County. Specializing in new beginnings and empowering clients through education. [](https://www.facebook.com/dawnfloriorealtor)[](https://www.instagram.com/dawnfloriorealtor/)[](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-florio-67524265) ## Quick Links - [About Dawn](/About-Marquette-MI) - [BuyerHUB](/BuyerHub-Marquette-MI) - [Property Search](/BuyerHub-Marquette-MI/Property-Search) - [SellerHUB](/SellerHub-Marquette-MI) - [What's Your Home Worth?](/SellerHub-Marquette-MI/Home-Value) - [All Services](/Services-Marquette-MI) - [Community](/Community-Marquette-MI) - [Contact](/Contact-Marquette-MI) ## Services - [Commercial Real Estate](/Services-Marquette-MI/Commercial) - [Luxury Properties](/Services-Marquette-MI/Luxury) - [Waterfront Homes](/Services-Marquette-MI/Waterfront) - [Real Estate Consulting](/Services-Marquette-MI/Consulting) ## Contact - [906-360-0796 ](tel:906-360-0796) - [Dawn@Remax906.com ](mailto:Dawn@Remax906.com) - 2854 Venture Drive Marquette, MI 49855 © 2026 Dawn Florio Real Estate. All rights reserved. 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