What is Broker's Opinion of Value (BOV)?

The Short Answer

A Broker's Opinion of Value (BOV) is an informal estimate of a business's worth, provided by a business broker.

Broker's Opinion of Value (BOV) explained simply

A Broker's Opinion of Value (BOV) is what it sounds like: a broker's take on what your business might sell for. It's not a formal appraisal. Think of it as an educated guess. Brokers use their experience with similar businesses and current market trends to come up with a number. It's a starting point, not a guarantee.

Real-World Example

The Coffee Shop BOV

Let's say a broker looks at a coffee shop. They know similar coffee shops in the area sold for 3 times their annual profit. The coffee shop makes $100,000 in profit a year. The broker might give a BOV of $300,000. This is a quick estimate based on market multiples.

Why this matters

A BOV helps you get a quick idea of your business's value without paying for a full appraisal. It's useful for initial planning. It helps you decide if selling now makes sense. It also helps set realistic expectations for a sale price.

LM
Luis MerchanBusiness

A BOV is a good starting point, but it's not a substitute for a detailed valuation. Use it to guide your initial thoughts, but always get a more formal valuation before making big decisions.

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About Venturu

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We started Venturu because we believe buying or selling a local business should be simpler and more trustworthy. We're building the go-to marketplace that connects sellers, buyers, and expert brokers, providing free core tools to ensure a smoother, more successful experience for everyone involved.

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