Your first step is to look for expert guidance. When a business broker is involved in the sale, he or she will channel the process to keep the transaction within safely silent bounds. Screening potential buyers is one of the most important benefits a business broker can providefor you. By screening prospects,the business broker will contribute to confidentiality by limiting the exposure of the businessto the most promising buyers instead of the merely curious time-wasters. The businessbroker, as an intermediary, is an ideal position to do just that.
Brokers place advertising andpost listings that contain non-specific descriptions of the business.
After screening prospective buyers and assessing the degree of interest and financial qualification, the business broker will also require prospects to sign a strictly-worded confidentialityagreement. However, even with the most careful handling, rumors are unavoidable. The wise sellerwill expect questions from the curious and will be ready with answers. No matter how close-mouthed sellers choose to be with the community at large, they mightconsiderbeing open with their own employees. This is the group most likely to sense what's happening, and sharing the news with workers can sometimes be a positive move.