Business Valuation Services Explained: What to Expect From Start to Finish

At some point, most business owners find themselves asking a big question: What is my business really worth? The answer is rarely simple, but it can be essential. A business valuation may be needed to buy out a partner, prepare for a divorce settlement, plan for succession, address estate matters, or set the stage for selling a company.

Yet many people quickly realize that not all business valuation firms operate the same way. Timelines stretch on for months, fees can spiral out of control without warning, and the process often feels impersonal. At Sun Business Valuations, we believe it doesn’t have to be that way. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve developed a process that is transparent, timely, and, above all, tailored to each client’s goals.

Let’s take a look at what to expect, whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or have formally engaged our team.

Your First Conversation

We start every relationship with a complimentary consultation. This is an exploratory call, usually by phone or Zoom, where we take the time to learn about your company and the reason you’re seeking a valuation. Some clients are facing an urgent deadline; others are simply gathering information for long-term planning. Whatever your situation, we want to understand your objectives from the very beginning.

During this call, we will outline the business valuation process and its expected duration. Most importantly, we provide a fixed-fee quote immediately. Many valuation firms rely on open-ended fee structures, where retainers are applied against hourly rates, resulting in a final bill that is far higher than expected. Our approach is different. With decades of experience, we understand what’s required to deliver a thorough and credible report. That allows us to commit to a flat fee that covers the entire engagement. There are no hidden charges and no surprises later.

Within minutes of the consultation, you receive a detailed proposal that summarizes everything we discussed and confirms the quote. Clients tell us this clarity gives them confidence from the very start.

Moving Ahead: Onboarding Made Simple

Once you decide to proceed, the onboarding process begins right away. We will send you an organized list of the documents we need, so you know exactly what to gather. This information request is clear and specific—there’s no need to scramble through notes from our call.

At the same time, we provide an invoice for the first half of the fixed fee, with the balance due when the work is complete. We also introduce you to your onboarding coordinator, who will guide you through the process and answer questions along the way. One of the things that consistently sets us apart is responsiveness. At Sun, when you call, you reach a person. Clients don’t wait days or weeks for replies; they hear back immediately or shortly after, and that level of service continues throughout the engagement.

The Intake Interview

The next step is a detailed interview with one of our senior professionals. This conversation is where the business valuation moves beyond numbers. Of course, financial performance is important, but numbers alone don’t capture the essence of a business. Owners know their companies are unique — whether because of an exceptional team, outstanding service, or a reputation built over decades — and those qualitative factors matter too.

We invest the time to confirm your valuation objectives and gain insight into the nuances of your business. We often say valuation is as much an art as it is a science. There are usually several ways to arrive at a value, and the right approach depends on the context. By combining a deep understanding of your business with proven methodologies, we ensure the business valuation reflects both the specific business factors and addresses your valuation objectives.

Report Delivery and Review

Once the intake interview is complete, the clock starts. Our typical turnaround time is two to three weeks, far faster than the industry norm of several months. In fact, there have been situations where a client faced an urgent deadline, and we were able to deliver a valuation within just a few business days.

We begin by preparing a draft report, which we review with you in detail. This collaborative step allows us to answer questions, address concerns, and make adjustments so that the report fully serves its purpose. After that discussion, we finalize the business valuation and deliver the report.

For many clients, this is a moment of clarity. They now have an independent, well-supported view of their company’s worth, created by analysts who are nationally certified and backed by decades of experience.

Ongoing Support

Our commitment doesn’t end once the report is delivered. In fact, it’s common for clients to return months later with follow-up questions, often prompted by their attorneys, accountants, or financial planners. Unlike many firms that treat this as additional billable work, we consider it part of the engagement. Whether it’s a quick clarification for a tax return or a detailed discussion with another professional on your team, we’re there to help. Some clients even reach out a year later, and we’re just as responsive then as we were on day one.

What Sets Sun Apart

Business owners often ask what they should look for when choosing a business valuation firm. The truth is, there is a wide range of experiences in this industry. A valuation is not a commodity service, and the firm you choose can make all the difference.

At Sun Business Valuations, three qualities stand out again and again. The first is clarity around cost. We provide a fixed fee at the very beginning, and that fee covers everything—including follow-up support. The second is speed and responsiveness. With a typical turnaround of just two to three weeks and immediate access to live professionals, clients never feel left in the dark. The third is a personalized, thoughtful approach. Every valuation is tailored to the client’s objectives, striking a balance between rigorous analysis and an understanding of what makes each business unique.

This combination of expertise, service, and commitment is why owners across industries have trusted us with thousands of business valuations over the past two decades.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or are ready to move forward, the first step is simple: schedule a free consultation. In a single conversation, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the process, the cost, and the timeline—and you’ll see how Sun Business Valuations can help you achieve your goals.