What is your business worth, privately?
Most main-street businesses sell on a multiple of Seller's Discretionary Earnings. The multiple varies by sector, growth, customer concentration, and whether real estate is included. This tool gives you a directionally accurate range — useful for deciding whether to take a meeting, not for setting a list price.
Estimate
SDE = Net income + owner salary + owner benefits + interest + depreciation + non-recurring expenses. If you're unsure, use a back-of-envelope: profit shown on tax return + your salary.
Three levers that move your number significantly.
Owner-independence.
A business that runs without the owner trades 0.5–1.0x higher than one that requires the owner in the building daily. If you're the brand, the relationship, and the operations, buyers discount.
Customer concentration.
If 30%+ of revenue comes from one customer, expect a multiple haircut. Diversified revenue streams trade closer to the top of the range.
Lease structure.
5+ years remaining on a fair-market lease is normal. Month-to-month, expiring soon, or above-market rent — all reduce buyer interest and the achievable multiple.