Q1 2009 Business Valuations in Norfolk-VA-NC, NC

According to statistics issued by BizBuySell.com, Norfolk-VA-NC business-for-sale listings in had a median asking price of $0.

That compares to a median ask price of $0 in . Norfolk-VA-NC, NC business values are showing stability even in this tough economic environment.

To be clear, this is the median asking price for a business. If you want to buy a business, you may be able to buy a Norfolk-VA-NC company for much less. However, some Norfolk-VA-NC businesses may be selling for much more.

Another thing to remember is that this is the asking price for a Norfolk-VA-NC business. When a business owner lists a business for sale, they typically set a price that ends up being more than the eventual sale price. A sale-to-ask ratio typically might be between 0.85 and 0.90, but of course it varies considerably. Based on this metric, a business initially priced at $225,000 might sell for between $191,250 and $202,500.

Number of Norfolk-VA-NC Businesses for Sale in the Dataset

The study data comprised listings in the metro area. Many of the businesses in the dataset are outside of Norfolk-VA-NC, but they are nearby and so are likely representative of Norfolk-VA-NC business valuations.

One year ago, in , the BizBuySell.com dataset for Norfolk-VA-NC spanned listings. In a market where you would think fewer business owners would be selling, it's a bit surprising to see the same number of Norfolk-VA-NC business-for-sale listings.

Q1 2009 Revenue Multiples In Norfolk-VA-NC, NC

In the metro area, small businesses will usually sell for 0.00 times the selling company's revenues. That was the mean revenue multiple for in this metro area.

In other words, a business that has revenues of $200,000 might list for $0. Keep in mind that this is just an average for revenue multiples in Norfolk-VA-NC and surrounding communities. Some companies will have higher revenue multiples and others will have lower revenue multiples.

According to BizBuySell.com, the median revenues for its business-for-sale listings was $0 in .

To put this in perspective, the revenue multiple was 0.00 and the median revenue for listed businesses was $0.

Q1 2009 Cash Flow Multiples In Norfolk-VA-NC, NC

Cash flow multiples are another common way to value a business.

For , the average cash flow multiple for listed businesses in the metro area was 0.00.

So, a business with cash flows of $150,000 might have an asking price of $0. That's only if the firm complies with the local average. Actual cash flow multiples are based on business specifics.

If you are interested in what cash flows are for a business in Norfolk-VA-NC, BizBuySell.com reports that the median cash flow for Norfolk-VA-NC area businesses was $0 in . In , cash flow multiples clocked in at 0.00 and the median cash flow was $0.

Things to Consider When Selling a Business in Norfolk-VA-NC, NC

Don't assume that the price you initially negotiate with a buyer will stay the same all the way to closing. During due diligence, the buyer may find some blemishes on the businesses that lead them to lower their offer. This is a natural part of the process and should be expected. This helpful business selling tip comes from Domenic Rinaldi, managing partner of Chicagoland Sunbelt, a leading business brokerage firm.

Business Valuations for Norfolk-VA-NC, NC Businesses

If you are contemplating buying a business or selling a business and would like to look at comparables in the area, we suggest you try the BizBuySell.com Business Valuation Tool. You can modify the dataset that creates business valuation estimates to meet your specific criteria. As a bonus, access to the tool is very affordable -- less than $100.

More Information on BizBuySell.com's Quarterly Reports

The BizBuySell Insight Report is published every quarter. If you find these trends interesting, take a moment to visit BizBuySell.com Insights Report for more information.

Members of the media who are looking for subject matter experts on selling a business, buying a business, valuing a business and other related topics should contact Frank Krolicki of PR firm Walker Sands Communications at 312-546-4127. Frank can facilitate interviews with key executives at both BizBuySell.com and Chicagoland Sunbelt.

Historical Data for Norfolk-VA-NC, NC Business Valuations

If you are interested in trends in business-for-sale asking prices, here are the median asking prices for companies in the metro area for the last 9 quarters.

Here is how median revenue multiples are changing in the Norfolk-VA-NC area, based on BizBuySell.com's quarterly reports.

Here is how cash flow multiples are trending in the Norfolk-VA-NC area, based on BizBuySell.com's quarterly reports.