BizBuySell is the largest US marketplace for buying and selling small businesses: restaurants, service companies, retail shops, franchises, ecommerce and more. It’s owned by CoStar Group, which also runs LoopNet. Owners and brokers list businesses, and buyers search by industry, location and price. For side hustlers, it’s a place to buy an existing business rather than start from zero.
At a glance
| What it is | A US marketplace for small businesses and franchises |
| How you earn | Buying an existing business, or selling yours |
| Seller cost | Paid listing plans; no success fee |
| Buyer cost | Free to search; optional paid tools |
| Who it’s for | Aspiring owners, small business sellers and brokers |
| Where it works | Mainly USA |
How it works
Sellers, or brokers on their behalf, create listings with asking price, revenue, cash flow and a description. Buyers search, save listings and contact sellers or brokers. Deals happen off the platform: due diligence, financing, legal work and closing are handled by the parties and their advisors.
Costs
Owners selling on their own pay for a listing plan; BizBuySell doesn’t take a success fee. Third-party reviews quote listing plans of roughly $75 to $200 a month on three to twelve-month terms, often bundled with a valuation report. Check the current plans on BizBuySell before you list. Many sellers use a business broker instead, who pays for listings and earns a commission on the sale.
Market data
BizBuySell publishes a quarterly Insight Report, which is one of the best public sources on US small business sales. In 2025, it reported 9,586 transactions, with a median sale price of $350,000 and businesses selling at about 94% of asking price on average. Service businesses have led recent quarters. These numbers help buyers and sellers set realistic expectations.
Buying a business as a side hustle
Buying a business can be faster than building one, but it’s a big commitment. Many buyers look for businesses that can run with a manager, such as service companies, vending routes or online businesses. Financing often involves SBA loans, seller financing or a mix. Check tax returns, bank statements, leases, staff and customer concentration before you commit.
Due diligence
Get an accountant to review the books and a lawyer to check contracts and leases. Ask why the owner is selling, and verify cash flow rather than trusting “adjusted” figures. Visit in person when possible. Make sure licences, permits and key relationships can transfer.
Getting started
Set your budget and target industries, then save searches and alerts. Talk to brokers in your area, who often know about deals before they’re listed. If selling, gather three years of financials and get a valuation before setting your price.
Using a broker vs listing yourself
Listing on your own saves the broker’s commission but puts all the work on you: screening buyers, answering questions, sharing financials under NDA and managing negotiations. A broker handles those steps and often has buyers waiting. For simple, small businesses, a direct listing can work. For larger or more complex ones, a broker usually earns their fee.
Franchises and asset sales
BizBuySell also lists franchises for sale and asset sales, where you buy equipment, inventory or a location rather than a running business. Franchises come with a system and support, but also fees and rules. Asset sales are cheaper but riskier, since you’re starting the business yourself.
Owen’s take
BizBuySell is where most US small business deals start. It’s not a quick side hustle, but buying a small, steady business can build real income. Treat every listing as a claim to verify, and lean on professionals for the money and the paperwork.
Who it suits
It suits buyers with capital or financing who want to own a real business, and owners ready to sell. It suits less well anyone looking for cheap online projects or quick flips.
Similar options
- LoopNet is CoStar’s marketplace for commercial real estate.
- Flippa lists online businesses at smaller price points.
- Acquire.com focuses on SaaS and startups.
- Quiet Light brokers established online businesses.
More options are in Business Marketplaces.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest US small business audience
- No success fee for owners who list
- Useful public market data
Cons
- Listings aren’t verified
- Deals and diligence happen off-platform
- Mostly US businesses
FAQ
How much does it cost to list on BizBuySell?
Owners pay a listing plan, with no success fee. Third-party reviews quote roughly $75 to $200 a month.
Is BizBuySell free for buyers?
Searching is free. Some extra tools are paid.
Who owns BizBuySell?
CoStar Group, which also owns LoopNet.
What is the median small business sale price?
BizBuySell reported a median of $350,000 for 2025.
Can I buy an online business on BizBuySell?
Yes, though most listings are traditional local businesses.
