What are the most affordable platforms for buying and selling businesses?

Let’s be real—selling or buying a small business shouldn’t cost a small fortune. But on many platforms, that’s exactly what happens. 

Traditional brokers charge sky-high commissions. Online marketplaces tack on hidden fees. And in some cases, you’ll end up paying just to unlock basic information, like whether a business even makes money.

If you’re a first-time buyer or seller, this can be frustrating fast. You're ready to make a serious move—but you’re stuck navigating unclear pricing, vague deliverables, and a whole lot of middlemen.

The good news? You have options. Today’s business buying and selling platforms are evolving. Some are genuinely affordable, and a few—like Baton—go a step further by offering not just lower costs, but better results.

Let’s take a look at the most affordable platforms for buying and selling businesses

out there, what you're actually paying for on each, and how Baton delivers more value without the high price tag.

What Business Buying and Selling Really Costs (Across Most Platforms)

Before we dig into platforms, let’s talk about what fees typically look like in this space—for both sellers and buyers.

For Sellers

If you work with a traditional business broker, expect to pay 8% to 12% of your final sale price in commissions. That’s $80,000 to $120,000 on a $1 million deal. 

Some brokers also charge monthly retainers—non-refundable fees you pay regardless of whether your business sells. Add in marketing costs, listing fees, and exclusive contracts, and things get expensive fast.

Some online platforms appear cheaper but still come with hidden costs. 

Common ones include:

• Paid upgrades to “promote” or “boost” your listing

• Additional fees for professional valuations or financial packaging

• Restrictions on who can contact you unless they’ve paid a premium fee

For Buyers

While buyers usually avoid commissions, costs can creep in elsewhere. 

You might need to:

• Pay to access listings or see full financials

• Use third-party diligence tools because the platform doesn’t provide clean data

• Work with buyer-side brokers who charge a consulting or success fee

In short, a platform that looks free can still cost you—especially in time and lost deal quality.

The Most Affordable Platforms for Buying and Selling a Business

Here’s how the most cost-effective platforms compare—and where Baton stands out.

Baton Market

Baton is built for modern buyers and sellers who want a better experience without the bloated price tag. Instead of unpredictable commissions and retainers, Baton offers transparent, flat-fee pricing that’s roughly one-third the cost of a traditional broker.

Sellers choose from flexible plans:

• Free Tier: Great for exploring interest.

• Lite Tier: Adds expert valuation, listing prep, and buyer outreach.

• Pro Tier: Designed for motivated sellers who want structured buyer outreach, detailed listing support, and guidance throughout the offer stage.

• Premium Tier: Full-service support including strategy, negotiation, and deal facilitation.

What’s included:

• Accurate valuations (within 10% of final sale price)

• Pre-vetted buyer network

• Weekly updates so sellers always know what’s happening

• Standardized financials so buyers can quickly evaluate listings

The result? Faster deals, fewer surprises, and more money in your pocket.

FirstSiteGuide (for Online Businesses)

If you’re selling a content site, app, or small eCommerce store, FirstSiteGuide offers a roundup of platforms like Flippa, Empire Flippers, and others. These tend to charge lower listing fees, and some only collect payment once the deal closes. But the tradeoff is less support—you’re on your own for valuation, financial prep, and negotiating with buyers.

For tech-savvy sellers or buyers comfortable running due diligence themselves, this can work. But if you want structure or high-touch help, be prepared to pay extra.

What the Experts Say: Investopedia and Forbes

These outlets aren’t platforms themselves, but they offer great insight into how the business sales industry operates—and why fees can spiral.

Investopedia breaks down the costs involved in small business sales, including commissions, legal support, and transfer fees.

Forbes calls out a frustrating truth: Many brokers ignore smaller deals entirely. If your business is worth less than $1 million, it may not be worth their time—unless you’re willing to pay premium fees upfront.

That’s exactly why platforms like Baton exist—to support everyday business owners with fair pricing and smart tools that keep deals moving, no matter the size.

Price vs. Value: What Are You Really Paying For?

A $20,000 fee doesn’t sting as much when you walk away with a $600,000 payout and a smooth closing. But if you’re paying $60,000 and still doing most of the legwork? That’s a problem.

Here’s the reality:

• Some “low-cost” marketplaces offer cheap listings, but no buyer vetting or deal support

• Traditional brokers charge big commissions, but not all deliver high-touch service in return

• Baton gives you the best of both—affordable pricing with real support, structure, and strategy

And it’s not just sellers who benefit. Buyers get access to clean financials, credible listings, and a platform designed to streamline every step—from discovery to closing.

Get More, Spend Less With Baton

Buying or selling a business is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll make. And just like any big move, the platform you use can make or break the outcome.

Baton Market was built to solve the biggest pain points in business sales: pricing confusion, slow timelines, and lack of transparency. 

With Baton, you get:

• Expert valuations and guidance

• Transparent pricing with no surprises

• Faster deals (50% faster than the industry average)

• Support that’s actually worth paying for

Want to buy or sell without breaking the bank?

Explore Baton’s pricing and see how smarter business sales start here.