Business broker with an established brokerage

Join an existing brokerage as a commission-based agent and use its brand, listings and training to start selling businesses.

Two people shaking hands over documents during a company sale agreement.
Startup costA$1.5k to A$6k
Monthly revenueA$1.5k to A$7.5k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

You work under an established brokerage or network, handling your own clients while using its brand, listing platform, buyer database and agreements. It is a lower-risk way to learn the trade.

Your first three steps

  1. Check with your state or territory licensing body what licence or registration you need to work as a business broker agent
  2. Interview two or three brokerages and compare commission splits, fees, training and who supplies leads
  3. Complete any required course or licence application and start building a list of local accountants and advisers who may refer sellers
Who pays

Business owners selling their businesses, who pay through the brokerage, which shares the commission with you.

How it makes money

A share of the commission on each completed sale. Some brokerages also charge desk, licence or marketing fees, so check the split carefully.

Skills that help
  • Sales and negotiation
  • Comfort talking to owners about money
  • Following up leads consistently
  • Organised paperwork
Watch out for
  • Licensing requirements vary by state and territory, so confirm them before you start working on listings
  • Contract terms with the brokerage, including commission split, fees and what happens to your clients if you leave
  • Whether you are an employee or a contractor, and what insurance and super you need to arrange yourself
  • Income can take months to arrive because sales take time to complete

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: business broker with an established brokerage

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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start as a business broker agent?

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the brokerage's fees, your insurance and your own equipment. Check the contract terms, including fees and the commission split.

How much can a business broker agent earn?

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many sales you complete and your commission split. Income can take months to arrive because sales take time to complete.

What should I check before joining a brokerage?

Licensing requirements vary by state and territory, so confirm them before working on listings. Also check your contract with the brokerage, whether you are an employee or contractor, and what insurance and super you must arrange yourself.

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