Business guides

Buying a small business?

Before you trust the seller story, turn it into assumptions you can test. Compare claimed performance against realistic sales, costs and payback.

Try the Café simulator →
Seller case versus conservative buyer caseScenario test
Purchase price and working capital recoveryPayback
Lease, staffing, supplier and customer risksRisk register

FAQ

Common questions

What should I verify before buying a business?

Verify sales records, expenses, lease terms, staff obligations, equipment condition, supplier terms, licences, tax position and owner dependence.

How can a free simulation help?

It turns seller claims into explicit assumptions and shows whether profit, payback and break-even still make sense under conservative cases.

Which business type should I choose?

Use the starting point closest to the business you are reviewing, then adjust the assumptions to match the seller information.

Does this replace professional due diligence?

No. Use it to prepare better questions for accountants, lawyers, brokers and industry advisers.

Disclaimer: smallbizsim.com provides indicative planning estimates only. It is not financial, legal, tax or investment advice. Verify assumptions with qualified advisers before making decisions.