First, you need to determine how much the business you are going to sell is worth. This can be figured generally out of the earnings the business makes. Different business deals can render various results, such as up to 10 times the earnings or some multiple of revenues. However, the average made on medium deals can be in the neighborhood of 3 to 5 times, and a larger deal can be up to 10 times the profits. Smaller owner-operated businesses, especially consulting firms, might sell for 1 to 2 times earnings or even less. While not all businesses are the same, it may take time to properly predict the amount.