Selling your retail business is a big move. Congrats on getting to this stage. Whether you’re gearing up for retirement, chasing a new opportunity, or just ready for a fresh chapter, letting go of your shop can feel like a mix of liberation and overwhelm.

That’s where Sherpa steps in. Our mission is to put the power in your hands so you can sell your business with confidence, clarity, and control without paying tens of thousands in commission to someone who barely knows your business.

Here’s how to do it like a pro.

Step 1: Get Clear on Why You're Selling

Before listing your business, pause. Ask yourself: Why now?

Buyers will ask too, and your answer matters. Whether it’s lifestyle change, health, relocation, or just time for something new, clarity builds trust. Even if your business has hit a rough patch, honesty paired with a vision for its future potential can still win buyers over.

Pro tip: If your shop’s struggling, talk about untapped potential. That’s what savvy buyers look for.

Step 2: Tidy Up Financially and Physically

You wouldn’t try to sell a messy house, right? The same goes for your business. Clean, organise, and fix what’s broken.

Patch up that peeling paint.
Sort out your profit and loss accounts.
Settle debts where possible.
Lock in supplier agreements or repeat contracts.

And don’t forget your digital storefront. Make sure your Google reviews, social profiles, and website are looking sharp.

Step 3: Know What It's Worth

This is where many sellers get stuck, or worse, guess.

At Sherpa, we make valuation simple. Our AI powered appraisal tool crunches your numbers, applies real world sales data, and gives you a smart, defensible range based on EBITDA multiples, asset values, and industry comps.

No spreadsheets. No guesswork. Just clarity.

Step 4: Decide What You’re Selling

Is it just the business? Or does it include:

Stock or inventory?
Equipment and POS systems?
Fit out or furniture?
Leasehold, freehold or neither?
IP, social accounts, and customer database?

The clearer you are, the smoother the negotiation. Think of it like packing a suitcase. Buyers want to know exactly what they’re getting.

Step 5: Build a Marketing Profile That Sells Without Sounding Salesy

Your business ad is your handshake to the world. It should be:

Clear, not fluffy.
Honest, but optimistic.
Easy to read, even for non-retail people.

Sherpa’s advert builder makes this dead simple. Just answer a few smart prompts and your listing will look polished, professional, and ready to publish on Sherpa and on more than eight external platforms too.

Step 6: Decide DIY or With Help

You’ve got two options.

Option 1: Go Solo with Sherpa

List your business across the best eight business sales sites, manage enquiries, and negotiate with buyers, all through your dashboard. No commission. Just a flat or low fee listing model. You're in full control, and our AI and guides are with you every step of the way.

Option 2: Call in Backup

Prefer to have a broker manage it? Expect a broker to charge at least $4,000 plus GST upfront and commission up to 8 percent. Be sure to check what the minimum success fee is on sale. Some brokers charge as much as $30,000 although $15,000 is the norm. We can connect you with an award winning, good value brokerage should you wish.

Step 7: Close the Deal and Plan What’s Next

Once you’ve found the right buyer and agreed on the terms, it’s time to pop the champagne or at least draft the contracts.

We’ll guide you through:

Offer management.
Legal templates.
Transfer processes.
Handover guides.

And we’ll prompt you to think ahead. Will you reinvest the funds? Retire early? Start another venture?

Final Thoughts

Selling your retail business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Sherpa, it’s transparent, data driven, and designed to keep you in the driver’s seat.

Whether you're in Sydney or Subiaco, Brisbane or Ballarat, we've helped hundreds of owners just like you get their business sold without losing time, money, or control.

Want to see what your retail business is worth?

Start Your Free Appraisal.