Show Notes
Think a million-dollar online business is out of reach? The real barrier isn’t the price—it’s everything you don’t see coming before you even sign. In this solo episode, Jaryd Krause pulls back the curtain on the part of buying a 7-figure business that almost nobody talks about—the real costs, the real timelines, the real competition, and the parts of the process that can quietly wreck your deal long before you ever get to the closing table. Most people assume a $1M acquisition is simple math: Find the business, put down the deposit, sign some papers, done. But behind every one of those deals are fees, structures, advisors, lenders, deadlines, and expectations that—if you’re not prepared—will eat your budget and your sanity alive. Here’s what Jaryd gets into: 📌 The actual line-item expenses of buying a 7-figure business (legal, advisors, due diligence, escrow, lender fees—yes, all of it) 📌Why doing a smaller deal doesn’t necessarily make anything easier and why some “cheap” deals cost more in mistakes 📌How the right deal structure can turn upfront costs into credits that reduce what you owe at closing 📌 The role of buyer-side advisors —what they charge, what they’re worth, and when you shouldn’t hire one 📌 The hidden criteria lenders use to judge your deal that most buyers don’t even know they’re being evaluated on 📌 Why timelines are never linear and competition is always sharper at the top 📌 The mindset traps that sabotage buyers and how patience becomes the most profitable strategy you have
Jaryd doesn’t dress it up. He walks you through the real picture—what it costs, what’s negotiable, what’s risky, and what will give you an edge when everyone else is rushing and guessing. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can actually afford a million-dollar acquisition, consider this your roadmap—and your reality check. 🎧 Plug in. This one will change the way you look at buying a business.
Episode Highlights 01:15 – Differences between sub-$500K deals vs seven-figure acquisitions 02:24 – Key costs when buying a seven-figure business 04:52 – Why do you need a specialized M&A lawyer? 07:13 – How to structure legal packages for letters of intent, asset purchase agreements, and contract due diligence 16:56 – Why larger businesses can be easier to acquire despite higher costs, and how cash flow impacts returns 19:22 – How long it can take to close a seven-figure business deal and factors affecting timing 21:40 – Cash vs. financed deals: the impact on negotiation power and deal structure 23:55 – Setting realistic expectations and why compounding small wins builds confidence in acquisitions 26:17 – Why do you need to work with experts?
Key Takeaways ➥ Legal fees for M&A lawyers usually run 1–2% of the deal, and using an experienced online business acquisition lawyer is essential. ➥ Finance broker fees range from $5K–$10K, with SBA or lender fees around 3.5–3.75% of the financed amount, often rolled into the loan. ➥ Buyer-side advisors (3–8% of deal size) can review due diligence, advise on deal structure, negotiate, and sometimes source pre-vetted businesses. ➥ Due diligence packages ($5K–$40K) and escrow (~1% of acquisition) are key costs, but many upfront fees can be credited toward your deposit. ➥ With smart planning, many upfront costs—legal, advisor, and broker fees—can be credited toward your deposit, allowing acquisition with just 10% cash down. ➥ The larger the business, the more leverage you have, and the more stable the cash flow. Entry costs scale, but ROI potential often increases with size. ➥ Acquisition timelines vary widely—sometimes months, years—depending on market availability, acquisition criteria, and competition. Patience is key. ➥ Set realistic expectations. Overly ambitious goals or standards can harm mindset and decision-making. Compounding small wins builds confidence and sustainable success.
Resource Links ➥ Connect with Jaryd here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarydkrause
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