| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple / straightforward | $2,400–$3,000 |
| Standard complexity | $4,266–$6,933 |
| Complex / contested | $6,134–$9,967 |
| High-stakes litigation | $10,000+ |
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| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online calculator | $0 (rough estimate) |
| Broker opinion | $0–$2,000 |
| Certified valuation (CVA) | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Full appraisal (ABV/ASA) | $5,000–$25,000 |
Most small businesses sell for 2–4x SDE (Seller's Discretionary Earnings). A business making $150,000 SDE is worth roughly $300,000–$600,000. Professional valuations are required for IRS purposes, divorce, partner buyouts, and SBA loans. BizBuySell publishes free quarterly transaction data showing actual sale prices by industry — a solid starting point before paying for a formal valuation. Ask about package deals, bundled pricing, and loyalty discounts — many providers offer meaningful savings of 10-20% when you combine services or commit to ongoing work. Payment plans and financing options are increasingly available for larger expenses, often with promotional 0% interest periods for qualified buyers. Getting at least three quotes from different providers ensures you find the best combination of price, quality, and service for your specific situation and needs.
Business Valuation costs are driven primarily by complexity and whether the matter is contested. Simple, uncontested matters with clear documentation can often be handled at flat-fee rates. Once disputes arise, costs shift to hourly billing and become much harder to predict.
Geography matters more than most people realize. Attorney rates in New York or San Francisco can be 2–3 times higher than in smaller markets for the same type of work. If your matter does not require a local attorney, hiring outside a major metro can save substantially without sacrificing quality.