What is Soft Offer?

The Short Answer

A non-binding offer for a business, usually made early in the sales process.

Soft Offer explained simply

A Soft Offer is like testing the waters. It’s a preliminary offer to buy a business. It’s not legally binding. It lets a buyer show interest without full commitment. It usually comes after a first look at the business financials. It helps both sides see if they are close on price and terms. It also helps the buyer get more detailed information.

Real-World Example

The Coffee Shop Soft Offer

A buyer is interested in a coffee shop. They review the basic financials. They send a Soft Offer for $200,000. This offer states it’s subject to a full review of books and records. The seller accepts the Soft Offer. This allows the buyer to start due diligence. If due diligence goes well, a formal, binding offer will follow.

Why this matters

Soft Offers save time. They help buyers and sellers quickly see if a deal is possible. It avoids deep dives into due diligence if the price expectations are too far apart. It sets the stage for a serious negotiation.

LM
Luis MerchanBusiness

A Soft Offer is a good way to start a conversation. It shows you are serious, but it also protects you. You can walk away if the numbers don’t add up later.

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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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