How do I register for a free buyer account?
All buyer accounts are 100% free. To register click on the "Buyers" tab and select "Buyer Registration" from the sub-header. To register you need to include your full name, email address, phone number, primary region of interest, and you will create a password to access your account.

How do I post a free business wanted ad in the buyer guide?

You must register for a free buyers account in order to post a free business wanted ad. Once you register you will be taken to a  form that allows you to include a listing heading, detailed description, areas of interest, as well as some other features. To protect buyers from being spammed, we only allow active registered sellers and brokers to contact buyers.

How do I subscribe to free automatic email updates?
When signing up for a free buyer account you are subscribing to the monthly eNewsletter update and automatic email updates in the area of your primary interest.
 

How do I subscribe to the free Monthly eNewsletter?
When signing up for a free buyer account you are subscribing to the monthly eNewsletter. If you just wanted to only sign up for the eNewsletter please visit the Monthly Newsletter section of the website and type your email address and click on the "Join" button.
 

Do I need to register to contact sellers?

No! Anyone visiting the website that is interested in a listing for sale or lease can contact sellers by filling our the online inquiry form. You may not solicit listings for your own purposes.

What are the advantages of registering?
Registering is completely free and gives you some helpful tools to help you in the buying process including free automatic listing matches, free business wanted listings, the ability to track listings of interest, and more!

Account Management for Buyers

How do I do I find a restaurant for sale?
You can start from the homepage and use the search tools available to narrow your search type. You can also log into your account before doing searches so you can track your favorite listings.

How do I update my buyer account information?
Login to your account from the "Buyers" tab. Once you are logged in click on "Modify Account Profile," type your new contact information into the fields you want to update, and click the "Update" button.
 

How do I search the website?
Our website has a number of different search functions. The best place to start is on the homepage. If you are looking for a general search you should use the two drop-down select bars to choose the type of business you are looking for and the region you are interested in. If you are looking to narrow your search, visit the "Advanced Search" section of the site where you can narrow your search by region, business type, sale type, price range, square footage, seating capacity, revenue, cash flow, lease amount, as well as keywords in the listing.
 

Listing Database Access

How do I get more information regarding a listing?
To get more information regarding a listing you should start by making an online inquiry which is emailed directly to the listing contact. On each listing there is a form that says "I would like more information" which you should complete with your full name, proper email address, phone number and a message. Below this form you will also find the "Listing Contact" information with the name of the seller or broker and additional contact information. It is recommended that you follow-up all serious inquiries with a phone call if the number is available. Restaurants For Sale Online posts all information the seller or broker wants included on the listing. We will not provide additional information if it is not on the listing.
 

What does the Advanced Search Tool Allow me to do?
If you are looking to narrow your search, visit the "Advanced Search" section of the site where you can narrow your search by region, business type, sale type, price range, square footage, seating capacity, revenue, cash flow, lease amount, as well as keywords in the listing.
 

Why hasn't the seller or broker responded to my inquiry and what can I do to get more information?
There are a number of reasons the seller may not have responded. Make sure you included the exact right email address and phone #. If you are one character off that email or phone call will not get back to you. If you haven't heard back within a reasonable period of time, make a follow-up phone call to make sure they got your inquiry. Often times if a deal is in the works on the listing the seller or broker my not respond because they want you to keep thinking about the listing without knowing that it may not be available in case a deal falls through. This is a psychological part of the buying and selling process. A phone call could help in this situation as well.
 

What is the cost to search the restaurant for sale database?
Searching is 100% free.
 

General Questions for Buyers

How do I make a suggestion to the website?
The best way to make a suggestion to us is to send us an email.
 

How often is the website and database updated?
The database is updated every business day although sometimes there is a delay due to large volume of new listings or database modifications.
 

What kind of financing is available for buyers and owners?
There are a number of financing options for buyers. Restaurants For Sale Online does not handle the financing directly. To get details on the options available please visit the Restaurant Financing section of the website.
 

What is the average asking price of a listing on your site?
Our most recent survey of asking prices for 2007 showed a median price of $240,000 for a restaurant business. Every listing is different based on a variety of factors such as condition of the facility, location, and lease terms. The median survey is conducted excluding listings that include real estate. Real estate values should be factored into the equatioin if it is included with the sale of the business.  
 

Do I need a restaurant broker to complete a transaction?
No. You don't need a broker, however if you are looking for the transaction to actually be handled by a third party because you aren't sure what needs to be done or don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, then it is highly recommended. A qualified third party such as a business broker, commercial real estate agent, transaction attorney, or other third party is recommended. Restaurants For Sale Online is not a broker and does not handle any part of the transaction. Our role is strictly to connect buyers and sellers via online leads generated from marketing efforts.
 

What types of listings do you have on your site?
Our listings include all food service business opportunities. Most of our listings are restaurants, bars or nightclubs. Some other food service opportunities include delis, bakeries, catering companies, juice bars, ice cream and frozen yogurt shops, convenience and liquor stores, and more. Listings are posted by owners, business brokers, and other intermediaries such as lawyers and accountants.

What is the buyers guide section?

The buyers guide section includes listings posted for free buy buyers ads. Active sellers and brokers have access to contact buyers that have posted these ads.

What is the Restaurants For Sale Guide section?
The Restaurants For Sale Guide section is an easy way to quickly search all listings for sale by region.
 

What is the franchise guide section?
The franchise guide section includes opportunities for new franchise locations. If you are looking to start from scratch, you can make inquiries to existing franchise operations if you are interested in being affiliated or starting a new location.
 

How do I remove myself from receiving matching listing emails?
Removing yourself from "matching listings" is as simple as a click. At the bottom of each email click on the "unsubscribe" link. If for some reason the link does not work for you, please email us and you should be removed within one business day.
 

Is Restaurants For Sale Online a brokerage?
No. Restaurants For Sale Online is not a brokerage. We have no stake in the sale of any business listed on this site other than we hope to provide quality leads to sellers. We receive no commission from any business sold. We simply act as a marketing tool by bringing buyers and sellers together. If you are interested in working with a broker, please check out the business brokers directory to find specialists in restaurant related opportunities.
 

How do I remove myself from receiving the monthly eNewsletter?
Removing yourself from "matching listings" is as simple as a click. At the bottom of each email click on the "unsubscribe" link.
 

I can't find a restaurant I'm interested in, what else can I do?
If you are interested in buying a restaurant and you can't find one that looks right for you on our site, we recommend signing up for "matching listings" in your region of interest. You can also contact a local broker that specializes in restaurants that may have some ideas for you.

 

Seller Answers
 

Registration for Sellers
 

Account Management for Sellers

How do I make a changes to my listings and account?
Visit the Restaurant Seller Center by clicking on the "Sellers" tab. Login to your account using the email address and password you created during your registration. Click on "Account Manager" to make changes to your account. Click on  "Listing Manager" to make changes to your listings.
 

How do I retrieve my password to access my account?

In order to retrieve your password, visit the "Sellers" tab and click on the "Forgot Your Password" Link in the login area. This will take you to a new screen. Type in your email address that you used for your account and click the "send now" button. Check your email box to recover your account password.

Listing Management For Sellers

How do I make changes to my listing?
Visit the Restaurant Seller Center by clicking on the "Sellers" tab. Login to your account using the email address and password you created during your registration. Click on  "Listing Manager" sub-header link or the "Manage and view your Current Listings" link.  Click on the "Edit" link next to the listing you want to see the listing form. Make necessary changes and submit the form. Changes should take effect immediately.
 

How do I upgrade my listing?
Visit the Restaurant Seller Center by clicking on the "Sellers" tab. Login to your account using the email address and password you created during your registration. Click on  "Listing Manager" sub-header link or the "Manage and view your Current Listings" link.  Click on "Upgrade" link next to the listing you want to upgrade. Decide which type of upgrade you want and click on the appropriate "click here to upgrade" link. Upgrades are processed within 2 business days and are subject to payment approval.

How do I upload photos/images to my listing?
You can upload up to 6 photos/images to your listing. Visit the Restaurant Seller Center by clicking on the "Sellers" tab. Login to your account using the email address and password you created during your registration. Click on  "Listing Manager" sub-header link or the "Manage and view your Current Listings" link.  Click on the "Manage Pictures" link next to the listing you want to add or manage images. Click on the "Browse" button to browse through your hard drive documents to find the appropriate file and select "open" when you located the file. You can include a description by completing the "Image Title" field. Click the "Upload" button to complete the upload.

How do I view statistics on my listing views?

Visit the Restaurant Seller Center by clicking on the "Sellers" tab. Login to your account using the email address and password you created during your registration. Click on "View Full  Manager" sub-header link or the "Manage and view your Current Listings" link.  Click on the "Stats" link next to the listing you want to view stats for.
 

How do I view email inquiries on my listing?
Visit the Restaurant Seller Center by clicking on the "Sellers" tab. Login to your account using the email address and password you created during your registration. Click on "Listing Manager" sub-header link or the "Manage and view your Current Listings" link.  Click on the "Inquiries" link next to the listing you want to view inquiries for. Inquiries should also be sent to your email on file. Please check your SPAM folder if you are not receiving inquiries in your inbox. You can change settings in your email box to make sure all emails come through.
 

How do I increase the response to my listing?
One way to increase response is to try and upgrade your listing to a Featured or Spotlight listing if you currently are utilizing the standard option. To do this, visit the Restaurant Seller Center by clicking on the "Sellers" tab. Login to your account using the email address and password you created during your registration. Click on  "Listing Manager" sub-header link or the "Manage and view your Current Listings" link.  Click on "Upgrade" link next to the listing you want to upgrade. Decide which type of upgrade you want and click on the appropriate "click here to upgrade" link. Upgrades are processed within 2 business days and are subject to payment approval. You can also try changing your listing to include more details that will draw a potential buyer in. If the sale is not confidential try adding pictures to get better response.

How do I add a video to my listing?


 

General Seller Questions For Owners and Sellers

How do I value the business and put an asking price to it?
Two valuation models used in the industry are the gross sale and cash flow multiple models. Based on a sample of over 3000 listings taken from our website we have pretty good evidence that these multiples are widely used. Keep in mind that these are just rules of thumb and vary widely depending on the variables of the restaurant.

Gross sale multiple: 40%-60% of yearly gross sales. Keep in mind that listed price does not generally reflect actual selling price. Business brokers will usually suggest a multiple closer to 50% depending on the businesses marketability. 

         Example:
         Assumption 1: $300,000 yearly gross sales
         Assumption 2: 50% gross sale multiple
         $300,000 x 50% = $150,000 Asking Price

Cash flow multiple: The cash flow multiple is utilized generally when a business has substantial profitablity. The cash flow multiple ranges from 150% to 350% of the yearly cash flow.

         Example:
         Assumption 1: $100,000 yearly cash flow
         Assumption 2: 250% cash flow multiple
        $100,000 x 250% = $250,000 asking price

How much traffic does your site get?
Restaurants For Sale Online has regularly generated between 2,500 to 5,000 visitors daily and between 800,000 and 1.1 million page views each month.

How do buyers find your website?
To maximize exposure to our sellers and brokers Restaurants For Sale Online constantly monitors positioning in search engines and portals. For over 10 years sites owned by Restaurants For Sale Online have naturally ranked in top positions in Google, Yahoo, AOL, AltaVista, MSN, and other major search engines for relevant key phrases. As of August 2009 Restaurants For Sale Online ranking in Google, Yahoo, MSN Live, ASK and AOL for "restaurants for sale" is #1. In addition to our search engine rankings we also market ourselves throughout the industry. Over the years we have advertised with Nation's Restaurant News, the National Restaurant Association SmartBrief, The New York Times, Restaurant Report, Restaurant Hospitality Magazine, Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine, Restaurant Business Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, and in various other online media and publications.

Can I list a new restaurant opportunity?
The short answer is YES! People seem to have a few definitions for this term. If you are selling a newly built restaurant sign-up as a seller and list in the standard for sale database. If you are looking to sell a franchise concept for a non-existing location please email us about advertising options in our franchise opportunity directory. Existing franchise locations can also list as a standard seller would. g
 

Brokers, Intermediaries, and Advisors

How do I signup to advertise on your site?
Register in the Restaurant Brokers Center by clicking on the "Brokers" tab and clicking on the "Sign-Up Now" button next to the account level preference.  Details on each of the options is available in the respective sections.

What are the costs of advertising ?
Broker accounts have pricing which is dependent on the number of listings you maintain. All accounts have a one time setup fee of $50. Additionally when you sign up you will be charged for your first month in accordance to the level you sign up for. You will be billed automatically monthly until you cancel your account.
Level 1: Broker accounts which maintain 1-5 listings - $29.95/month.
Level 2: Broker accounts which maintain 6-10 listings - $39.95/month
Level 3: Broker accounts which maintain 11-20 listings - $49.95/month
Level 4: Broker accounts which maintain 21-30 listings - $59.95/month
Level 5 and up: click here for all options

How effective is Restaurants For Sale Online?
Based on the seller and broker exit survey completed by our users, between 60% and 70% of listings actually sell.

How can I list multiple listings and is there a savings?
Broker accounts have pricing which is dependent on the number of listings you maintain. All accounts have a one time setup fee of $50. Additionally when you sign up you will be charged for your first month in accordance to the level you sign up for. You will be billed automatically monthly until you cancel your account.
Level 1: Broker accounts which maintain 1-5 listings - $29.95/month.
Level 2: Broker accounts which maintain 6-10 listings - $39.95/month
Level 3: Broker accounts which maintain 11-20 listings - $49.95/month
Level 4: Broker accounts which maintain 21-30 listings - $59.95/month
Level 5 and up: click here for all options

How do I get a listing on the homepage?
Upgrade a listing to a Spotlight listing to get on the homepage. To do this, visit the Restaurant Broker Center by clicking on the "Brokers" tab. Login to your account using the email address and password you created during your registration. Click on  "Listing Manager" sub-header link or the "Manage and view your Current Listings" link.  Click on "Upgrade" link next to the listing you want to upgrade. Decide which type of upgrade you want and click on the appropriate "click here to upgrade" link. Upgrades are processed within 2 business days and are subject to additional payment approval.

How do I reactivate my account if I've listed with the site before?
To do this, visit the Restaurant Broker Center by clicking on the "Brokers" tab. Login to your account using the email address and password you created during your original registration. You will be taken to a billing update page where you must provide payment information. After providing this you will be immediately taken to your account however our payment verification may take up to 1 business day. Accounts which are renewed that are more than 90 days inactive will be subject to the $50 registration fee new accounts incur.