How do I check if a broker actually has experience selling businesses like mine?

Ask directly for examples: how many businesses in your general industry or size range they've sold recently, and what happened with those deals. A broker with genuine relevant experience should be able to describe the kinds of buyers those businesses attracted and the general shape of how those transactions came together, without needing to disclose confidential details of any specific past client.

Be cautious of vague answers, or claims of broad experience that can't be tied to anything specific when you ask a follow-up question. It's also reasonable to ask for references from past clients — not necessarily ones who bought or sold in your exact industry, but sellers who can speak to how the broker actually worked with them day to day. Industry-specific experience matters because a buyer pool, typical concerns, and even how a business is best presented can differ significantly between, say, a restaurant and a manufacturing business. If a broker's experience doesn't match your industry, that isn't automatically disqualifying, but it's a fair reason to ask more questions before committing. A Treadstone business lawyer reviewing your listing agreement can also flag if the terms look out of step with a broker's actual track record.