Independent business broker
Run your own broking practice from home, helping local owners sell their businesses and finding buyers.
- A$3k-15k
- Full-time
- From home
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
You help owners value, market and sell small businesses such as cafes, trade firms and shops. You find and screen buyers, manage confidentiality, and guide both sides through negotiation to completion.
Your first three steps
- Contact your state or territory licensing body to find out what licence or registration a business broker or agent needs where you live
- Pick a niche or area you know, such as hospitality or trades, and speak to a few local accountants who refer sellers
- Set up your ABN, insurance, a simple website and a standard agency agreement reviewed by a solicitor
Who pays
Business owners who want to sell, usually small and medium owners ready to retire, relocate or move on.
How it makes money
A success-based commission on the sale price, sometimes with a smaller upfront fee for valuation or marketing. Sales can take many months to complete, so income is lumpy.
Skills that help
- Negotiating and building trust
- Reading basic financial statements
- Marketing and writing listings
- Discretion with confidential information
Watch out for
- Licensing rules differ by state and territory, and business sales often need a real estate or business agent licence, so check before you take any listing
- Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and rules on holding client money in a trust account
- Long and uncertain sale times, so keep enough savings to cover months without a commission
- Council approval for running a business from home, and keeping client documents secure
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: independent business broker
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a business broking practice?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your insurance, marketing and home office setup. Keep some savings aside too, as sales can take months to complete.
How much can an independent business broker earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many businesses you list and sell. Sale times can be long and uncertain, so income may arrive unevenly.
Do I need a licence to sell businesses in Australia?
Licensing rules differ by state and territory, and business sales often need a real estate or business agent licence, so check before taking any listing. Also check professional indemnity, public liability and trust account rules for client money.
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