Listed my HVAC company about 6 weeks ago. Since then I've gotten maybe 15 "inquiries" and exactly one was a real buyer. The rest are brokers wanting to "help me get top dollar," overseas call centers, and one guy who asked if I'd finance 100% with no down payment. Is this normal? Did I pick the wrong platform or is this just how it goes?
Listing Issues
Why am I getting so many junk inquiries on my listing?
Normal. Very normal. Unfortunately.
The finance 100% guy is probably just fishing for a steal. Ignore. But the broker calls — those will never stop. Some of them scrape listings and cold call every week. I had one call me three times about the same business before he realized I was the seller, not a buyer.
what platform? some of the big ones basically sell your contact info to lead-gen folks.
It's one of the bigger marketplaces. I'd rather not name it while the listing is live. But yeah, the volume of broker spam is wild. I've started just asking them for their buyer list before I even talk. Most haang up.
That's the move. "Send me your buyer's LOI and proof of funds" filters out 90%.
Eh, careful with that. I asked a broker for proof of funds once and he got super offended and blasted me on a local business Facebook group. Some of these guys have thin skin. But honestly, if they can't handle that question they're not bringing you a real buyer anyway.
Wait until you get the "I have a client who is very interested but I need you to sign this exclusive representation agreement first" email. That's a fun one.
15 inquiries in 6 weeks is honestly low if you're on a national platform. The junk ratio is usually worse. You're probably fine.
tbh the finance guy mgiht not be total junk. seller financing is a real thing in HVAC, especially if you have a solid service contract book. just not 100% with zero down lol
This is why I just use a business broker. Yeah they take a cut but they absorb all the tire-kickers for you. I don't have the patience to field nonsense calls while running a company.