What To Look for in a Business Valuation Professional

Buying or selling a business can mean beginning a long-awaited retirement filled with leisure, travel, and adventure or fulfilling an entrepreneurial dream.

Before doing either, it's crucial to have an accurate understanding of the business's value. 

Learn when, why, and how to hire a business appraisal service and what to look for in a business valuation professional.

When You Need a Business Valuation Expert

There are several situations in which you may require the expertise of a business valuation professional:

• Selling a Business: To ensure you receive a fair price for your business, it's vital to have a precise assessment of its worth.
• Buying a Business: When purchasing a business, an accurate valuation helps you avoid overpaying and ensures a sound investment.
• Litigation: A fair and unbiased business valuation is essential in cases of partnership disputes, divorce, or other legal matters.

Key Qualities of a Business Valuation Professional

When hiring a business valuation specialist, be sure to look for the following attributes:

Certification

Look for professionals with credentials such as CBA (Certified Business Appraiser), ASA (Accredited Senior Appraiser), or one of the certifications from other professional organizations such as ABV (Accredited in Business Valuation) or CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst). 

These certifications signify a high level of expertise and adherence to professional standards.

Independence

It's essential to select a valuator who is impartial and free from any conflicts of interest, ensuring the report's credibility.

Experience

A seasoned valuation expert should have a track record in your industry, proving their knowledge of the market and equipment used in your business.

Reputation and Confidentiality

Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge the expert's reputation among their clients. Maintaining confidentiality regarding your plans to sell or buy the business is critical.

Industry Knowledge

Whether the business in question is a metal fabrication shop, a manufacturing plant, or a dry cleaning business, determining the value of your equipment is important. 

A knowledgeable business valuation professional should be well-versed in how the equipment adds value to a company and generates income.

Costs of Hiring a Business Valuation Professional

Business valuation costs can vary widely due to a business’s complexity, the industry, the size of the company, and the level of detail required for the valuation report. 

Oral reports are less formal, do not require extensive documentation, and require less time. They’re generally less expensive than written reports, which include documentation and require more time and effort to produce. 

Costs can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

While the valuation is a factor in litigation, the costs rise with the preparation and documentation necessary and the potential need for expert testimony. 

The cost of litigation-related valuation can soar into the mid-five figures or more. Write out the project's scope and expected deliverables before hiring a valuation professional to ensure both parties agree on costs and timelines.

An accurate valuation is vital when buying or selling a business. The transaction will be less stressful when you know what to look for in a business valuation professional.