For sellers
Questions we hear
from every seller.
Answered honestly, without the broker spin.
Confidentiality
Will my employees, suppliers, or competitors find out I'm selling?
Only if you want them to. Every listing has a confidential mode — turn it on and your business name and exact address are hidden from public view. Buyers see only the industry, neighborhood, and financial summary. Nothing more is revealed until you personally approve a specific buyer and choose to reach out.
Do I have to sign an NDA before buyers can see my details?
Not through us — we handle it differently. In confidential mode, your identity is protected by the platform itself. When you decide a buyer looks right, you initiate contact. That conversation is yours to manage from there, and you can ask for an NDA before sharing anything further. We don't force a one-size-fits-all NDA process.
What if I change my mind and want to take my listing down?
You can unpublish or delete your listing at any time, no questions asked. There's no lock-in, no cancellation fee, and no broker contract to extricate yourself from.
Cost
What does it cost to list my business?
Nothing. Listing is completely free. We don't charge a monthly fee, a listing fee, or an upfront retainer.
How does Five Ten Exchange make money?
We suggest 1% at close — no minimum, no contracts, no upfront fees. Think of it less like a commission and more like a thank-you: if we helped you find the right person to carry your business forward, pay what feels right for that. A traditional broker charges 10–12% plus an upfront retainer. We make nothing unless your deal closes, and we trust you to do right by the community.
Is the valuation tool really free?
Yes. The valuation tool — including the written valuation report — is free to use, no listing required. Run it as many times as you want. It uses real industry multiples from Damodaran's 2026 data and a Bay Area market premium. It won't replace a formal appraisal for closing purposes, but it'll give you a grounded starting point.
The Process
What happens after I list?
Qualified buyers browse listings and can express interest by 'liking' yours. When a buyer engages, you receive their full profile — budget, background, timeline, and why they want to buy a business like yours. You decide who's worth talking to. If the fit looks right, you reach out. We don't push introductions on you.
Do I have to have my financials perfectly organized to list?
No. You'll need to share the basics — asking price, annual revenue, and earnings (SDE) if you know them. You don't need audited financials to get started. Buyers understand that small business books aren't always pristine, and serious buyers will work with you through due diligence.
How long does it take to find a buyer?
Honestly, it varies. A well-priced business with a clear story and a seller who responds promptly can generate interest within days. A business that's hard to value or in a niche category takes longer. What we can tell you is that the off-market deals that happen through Five Ten Exchange tend to move faster than broker-listed ones — because both sides are motivated and the process isn't bogged down in broker intermediation.
Do you help with the actual closing — the legal and financial side?
We don't do legal or escrow work ourselves, but we can point you to East Bay attorneys and escrow companies who specialize in small business transactions. The SBA 7(a) loan process, which many of our buyers use, also has its own timeline — we'll walk you through what to expect.
The Buyers
Who are the buyers on Five Ten Exchange?
Mostly East Bay residents — former tech workers, career-changers, experienced operators, and first-time buyers who want to own something real in a community they care about. We're explicitly not a platform for chains, out-of-town buyers, or roll-up investors. Every buyer builds a profile with their background, budget, timeline, and what they're looking for — you see all of it before you decide whether to engage.
How do I know buyers are financially qualified?
Buyers share their budget range and funding approach in their profile. Many have SBA loan pre-qualification or existing capital. You'll see this before you respond to anyone. We can't verify every buyer's bank account, but the profile system filters out tire-kickers — serious buyers put real information in.
What if the right buyer isn't on the platform yet?
Reach out to us directly. We actively work to bring qualified buyers to specific listings — especially for businesses that are a strong fit for the East Bay community. If we think we know someone, we'll make the introduction.
Getting Started
I'm not sure I'm ready to sell — can I just explore?
Absolutely. Run the valuation tool, get a sense of what your business is worth, and don't list until you're ready. Or list confidentially as a way to test the market without committing. A lot of sellers use the platform to understand their options before making any decisions.
I'd rather talk to a person before listing. Is that possible?
Yes — and we'd encourage it. Email steve@fivetenexchange.com and we'll set up a call. No pitch, no pressure. Just a conversation about your situation and whether Five Ten Exchange makes sense for you.
Still have questions?
Just email Steve.
No sales process. No automated sequence. A real conversation about your specific situation.