What to expect

A straightforward process with no pressure attached.

Many business owners put off getting an appraisal because they are worried it commits them to something. It does not. The appraisal is just a conversation, and everything said stays between us.

You get in touch

Fill in the form or call directly. Joel personally responds to every enquiry, usually within one business day.

Initial conversation

A phone call or in-person meeting to understand your business, your goals, and your timeline. Around thirty minutes. No pressure, no pitch.

Review your financials

You share recent financials, typically the last three years of accounts and year to date profit and loss. Everything provided is treated in strict confidence.

Appraisal presented to you

A realistic price range, an assessment of what drives value in your business, and honest advice on whether now is the right time to sell or whether changes could improve the outcome first.

Prefer to call or email directly?

021 229 8070
joelcostello@barkerbusiness.co.nz

Request your free appraisal

Usually responded to within one business day. Everything is confidential.

By submitting this form you agree to being contacted by Joel Costello regarding your enquiry.

Message received

Joel will be in contact personally within one business day. Everything you have shared is completely confidential.

No catch

Why is the appraisal genuinely free?

There is no hidden fee and no obligation. Business brokers in New Zealand work on a commission basis, which means the appraisal is part of the service. If the sale goes ahead, commission is earned at settlement. If it does not, nothing is owed.

Many owners who come for an appraisal are months or even years away from being ready to sell. That is completely fine. The appraisal is useful regardless of timing. It tells you where your business sits today and what you can do to improve the outcome before going to market.

There is no pressure to list, and no contract to sign at the appraisal stage. It is simply a useful conversation.

Completely confidential

Nothing discussed in the appraisal process is shared with anyone. Your business is not listed or advertised until you approve every detail.

No obligation to proceed

An appraisal is not a listing agreement. You can take the information away and decide in your own time whether selling is the right move.

Useful at any stage

Whether you are selling now, in two years, or just curious, an appraisal gives you information that helps you make better decisions about your business.

Common questions

About the appraisal process

Yes, completely. There is no fee, no catch, and no obligation to proceed. Business brokers work on commission, which means the appraisal is part of the service. If the sale goes ahead and settles, commission is earned.
For the initial conversation, you do not need anything formally prepared, though an understanding of your profit and asset values is helpful. The more detailed appraisal typically requires the last three years of financial accounts, including profit and loss statements, a current balance sheet, and year to date profit and loss statements. If you use an accountant, they can usually provide these quickly. Everything shared is treated in strict confidence.
No. The appraisal process is entirely confidential. Nothing is advertised or shared publicly. If you decide to proceed with a sale, all marketing materials are reviewed and approved by you before anything goes out, and all buyer enquiries are handled under strict confidentiality agreements.
Absolutely. Many of the most successful sales start with an appraisal conversation two or three years before the owner is ready to sell. It helps identify what drives value, what could be improved, and what to focus on in the meantime. Coming to market well-prepared consistently results in a better outcome.
A formal business valuation is a structured legal document produced by a registered valuer, typically required for court proceedings, relationship property settlements, or specific financing purposes. It follows strict methodologies and carries legal weight. A business appraisal, by contrast, is a practical market assessment of what your business is likely to sell for based on current buyer demand, comparable sales, and your financials. It is what you need if you are considering selling. Most business owners looking for a "business valuation" are actually looking for what an appraisal provides: a clear, informed view of what their business is worth in the current market.
The initial conversation takes around thirty minutes, either by phone or in person. Following that, financials are reviewed and a written appraisal is prepared and presented, typically within a few days. The whole process from first contact to receiving a written appraisal usually takes one to two weeks.

Not ready to fill in a form?

Call or email directly for a no-pressure conversation. There is no commitment involved in making contact.

Call 021 229 8070 Send an email