Pretty sure this is a scam

Yes, this happened to me when I started with SCORE. I think it is difficult for retired executives to listen to a small business’s dysfunction. They cannot fix everything, so they prefer to make one point and get off the phone.

SCORE is serious about tracking their mentors’ performance, and the way their survey is worded, a mentor succeeds if they help you in one way. I think they also have a KPI for scheduling a 2nd meeting after a 1st.

Also, they are pretty old. When people get old, they either go full Zen or their anger is the only thing keeping them alive!

I pursued a purchase but didn’t ultimately do the transaction. Biz BuySell connects you with brokers. The brokers set up a call with you and the business owner. So it really varies. The website doesn’t do anything to guarantee or standardize your process.

Looking at the CIM helps a lot. Also the business descriptions on Biz BuySell are vague. You’ll want to talk with the current owner about the business.

These websites are a great way to do competitor research if you pose as a buyer, read the CIM, and then don’t buy.