What Makes DealCoach Different

Business valuation is one of those topics that should feel straightforward, but rarely does.

Owners usually find themselves staring at two extremes:

• Low-cost automated calculators that produce a number without context.
• High-cost certified valuations designed for compliance, disputes, or IRS-level documentation.

Most owners don’t need either extreme. They need a credible, market-based value anchor they can actually use.

The problem with “cheap and instant” valuation

Automated models can be helpful for learning basic concepts, but they often miss the nuance that drives real pricing. A buyer doesn’t just ask, “What are the earnings?” They ask:

• How reliable are those earnings?
• How transferable is this business?
• How does this compare to what is actually selling in the market right now?

If the inputs are off, the output is off. And in valuation, small errors can become big mistakes.

The problem with “expensive and exact” valuation

Certified valuations absolutely have a place. If you’re dealing with legal disputes, certain tax requirements, or situations where a formal appraisal is required, you may need one.

But for many owner decisions, paying for a certified valuation can be unnecessary. Most owners aren’t looking for courtroom-ready documentation. They’re looking for market reality so they can plan, negotiate, and make smart decisions.

Where DealCoach fits

DealCoach exists because many small business owners needed a better option.

Our approach is built around clarity:

• Get a realistic estimate of fair market value based on today’s market.
• Understand what drives that value (and what holds it back).
• Choose the right next step, whether that’s responding to an offer, preparing for a sale, or increasing value over time.

Two ways to get clarity: EOV and BAMA

Estimate of Value (EOV)

An Estimate of Value (EOV) identifies the fair market value for your company and provides an accurate estimate of what a qualified buyer would pay for your business.

It’s useful for internal planning, business sales, and obtaining lender financing. It is not designed to meet valuation requirements for legal disputes or IRS audits.

Business and Market Analysis (BAMA)

A Business and Market Analysis (BAMA) includes the benefits of the EOV, plus a salability assessment and industry benchmarking.

Think of BAMA as a business “scorecard.” It answers two questions owners care about most:

• How much would I get if I sold?
• How can I increase that number?

What “different” looks like in practice

1) Built for real owner decisions

DealCoach is designed to help you make practical choices: pricing a sale correctly, planning for retirement, updating a buy-sell agreement, protecting your family, and monitoring the market.

2) Market-based and grounded in what buyers pay

We focus on what a qualified buyer would likely pay in today’s market, not a theoretical number that falls apart under scrutiny.

3) A path forward, not just a number

Owners don’t just want a value. They want to know what to do next. That’s why BAMA is especially useful for owners who want to grow value before they sell.

4) The right tool for the right moment

If you need a certified valuation for formal legal or tax requirements, that is a different tool for a different job.

If you need market clarity you can act on, EOV or BAMA is often the better fit.

FAQ

Does DealCoach replace a business broker or M&A advisor?

DealCoach helps you understand value and prepare for better decisions. If you sell, many owners work with an experienced advisor or broker for the sale process. Valuation is often the first smart step.

Is an EOV “accurate” if it’s not certified?

An EOV is designed to be a credible, market-based estimate of what a qualified buyer would pay. It’s built for decision-making, not legal compliance.

What if I want to increase value before I sell?

That’s exactly what BAMA is for. It adds benchmarking and a salability assessment so you can focus on the improvements that matter most.

I received an unsolicited offer. What now?

Get an independent valuation first so you can respond with clarity. If you want a simple playbook, read: The Hidden Cost of “Yes”.

About the Author

Dan Hansher

Dan Hansher is a Co-Founder of DealCoach & an Investment Banking Associate at Cornerstone Business Services, specializing in Main Street and Lower Middle Market M&A advisory. With 100+ business valuations completed and extensive marketing leadership experience, he brings a rare combination of financial analysis and operational expertise. Dan has led major brand integrations, including a $2B acquisition, driven digital transformation initiatives, and developed brand positioning strategies across multiple industries. He helps business owners understand what drives value and prepares them for successful exits. Dan holds an MBA from UW-Whitewater and specializes in translating complex financial concepts into clear, actionable strategy.