Here are some steps you can take to make sure you are working with someone that will guide you through the process of selling your business:

1. Check the broker’s experience and ask specific questions about theit last few successful transactions. Does the broker tend to work with the buyer or seller? What went right and what went wrong during their last similar-sized transaction? Can you talk to his/her last business owner customer as a reference? How long has your broker been selling businesses in the local area on a full-time basis? And don’t just look at the name of the brokerage company – many larger firms are successful based on the work of just a few agents. The rest of the agents tend to wash through an organization in less than a year.

2. Check the broker’s website and marketing collateral. How are their brochure and website? If the broker does not have a website, they are far behind the times. The internet has become the broker’s primary method of finding prospective buyers for your business. Is the site well written, attractive and easy to navigate or is a ‘do-it-yourself’ job? If a brokerage hasn’t invested in a decent website and professional brochures, they will not invest their own ongoing education or the advertising necessary to attract a buyer for your company.

3. Ask about the broker’s membership in professional business sales organizations and his/her state licenses as needed to market businesses for sale. A membership an appropriate local or national professional association means the broker was committed enough to this profession that he/she spent the time and money to maintain his membership. Having a real estate license is required in many states for business brokerage, and although important legally, it does not mean the broker’s focus is the sale of businesses. Do your homework to be sure the broker specializes in business sales and not residential or commercial real estate.

4. Agree on the listing price before you sign the marketing agreement. Your broker should be able to explain the most customary valuation techniques for your industry and have data on comparative sales for your review. A good broker will give you an opinion of value before asking for a marketing agreement.

5. Don’t fall for the ‘broker tricks of the trade’. If a broker tells you he/she has a buyer for your business without first really getting to know your firm, be wary. If a broker tells you he/she can get your asking price or more on after a brief meeting, be skeptical. And if a broker requires any upfront payment, be afraid.

Import and export has made the world a very small place. Nowadays any one can get anything they want, either in shops or over the internet. It is obviously cheaper if you travel and purchase, but you can take benefit of the price difference, only if you decide to purchase in bulk, otherwise it is of no use. At the same time traveling abroad is tiresome and there are language barriers that you have to overcome. People would instead prefer to pay a little more to shop comfortably, and this here the role of exporters and importers come in to play.

Import and export is a business that any one can do. You can even start up an import and export business from your home and enjoy the convenience of flexible work hours. You may have heard that it is difficult to import small quantities, and also about the custom problems. But the fact is that all these information are absolutely wrong!! Yes there are no such difficulties at all. In fact the companies in Hong Kong, China and South Korea will ship you any quantity that you want. Even in the case where a particular company mentions a minimum order, you can order a smaller quantity in the name of sample order! You can order as small a quantity in the name of sample order, and you can also keep re ordering samples. The company will accede to your request as they will be hoping to get a bigger order from you in the future.

Some companies are such that they will ship you small quantities without you having to so through the sample order routine. If you are in this business, then it is a must that you get yourself a computer, almost all the work in this business is done through emails. Also when ever you are corresponding to with them in writing, always use a letter head instead of an ordinary paper; these small things make a lot of difference in creating a good impression. Email means that you can get all the information that you want in jet speed. Via email you can ask for a quotation and they generally send you a Performa invoice that is an invoice in advance. You have to wire the money electronically which can be easily done through your bank.