That cold call from a buyer might seem flattering, but responding without professional guidance could cost you significantly.
If you’re a business owner, chances are you’ve received an email or phone call from someone expressing interest in buying your company. Whether it’s from an individual or a private equity firm, it can be flattering. It’s also a sign to proceed carefully. Before you pick up the phone or hit reply, consider these critical factors:
1. Not All Buyers Are Equal. Most Are “Fishing”
The sender is unlikely to be your best buyer. Many are fishing for a response, trying to gather information. Others are sending out thousands of automated emails using AI tools and call centers. In fact, we know of one private equity group with a 15-person phone bank doing nothing all day but dialing business owners asking if they want to sell. Chances are, dozens of local owners have received the same pitch.
Understanding this reality leads to the next crucial mistake to avoid:
2. Don’t Negotiate With Just One Buyer
If you engage directly with a single buyer, you lose both leverage and valuable market information. Of course, they’ll claim to give you the best price – but you have no way to verify this unless other buyers are competing for your company. The best move is to save all incoming inquiries in one place and consult with a professional M&A advisor like TREP. A well-run, competitive process can spark a bidding war that maximizes your final price.
This raises an important question: where do the serious buyers actually come from?
3. The Buyer Pool Is Bigger Than You Think But Process Is Key
One of the biggest surprises for our clients is just how many strong buyers exist beyond those who call or email out of the blue. In 9 out of 10 cases, the market has more interested and suitable buyers than you’d expect. The best results come from a structured, confidential process run by an experienced M&A advisor who knows how to reach and qualify the right buyers and maximize your outcome.
However, even with a larger buyer pool, direct engagement poses significant risks:
4. Protect Your Confidentiality and Value
Responding directly to buyer inquiries can unintentionally reveal sensitive information. This can weaken your negotiating position and even affect your business if word gets out that “you’re for sale.” An advisor helps shield your identity and ensures information is only shared with serious, screened parties after confidentiality is established.
Beyond confidentiality concerns, there’s also the practical matter of your time:
5. Avoid Wasting Time and Energy
Many inbound inquiries come from buyers who lack financing, experience, or follow-through – or are just seeking free market intelligence. Engaging individually with every inquirer can drain your time and distract you from running your business. By retaining an M&A advisory firm, you screen out the “tire kickers” and focus on qualified buyers.
These challenges highlight why professional guidance isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
Why Contact TREP First?
At TREP, we help owners take control of the sale process. We bring deep market knowledge, an active network of buyers, and a proven track record of getting you the best deal. Don’t settle for the first unsolicited inquiry at the top of your inbox. Instead, put yourself in the driver’s seat.
The next time an unsolicited buyer contacts you, remember: your response in those first 24 hours can make or break your negotiating position. Contact TREP first for a confidential discussion on your goals, and let us show you how a professional process creates competition and delivers true value
