Business brokers can be compensated in several ways, including hourly rates, retainer fees, or success fees paid upon closing a transaction. Some brokers may also structure fees based on milestones, such as completing an information memorandum or signing the heads of terms.

In the U.S., standard brokerage fees for the sale of a business or asset under $10 million typically start at 10% up to a target price, increasing to 12% beyond that. Success fees often include a minimum payment—commonly $50,000—and clients may also be asked to cover an initial research and preparation fee, usually around 1% of revenue. This tiered structure ensures brokers are incentivized to secure the best possible outcome while providing flexibility in how services are billed.