When the day comes to sell your business, it is important that prospective buyers understand why you have made this decision. Having a valid reason why it is time for you to sell can make your business more attractive to prospective buyers. After all, it is only natural that you will have to retire at some point even if the business is thriving. In fact, it is safe to state that buying a successful business from an owner that is retiring is just the kind of the situation that most buyers … [Read more...]
Can I Buy a Business With No Collateral
January 3, 2017 by
At first glance the idea of buying a business with no collateral may seem impossible, but in reality it can be done. Let's examine your options. When it comes to achieving this goal, your greatest assets are an open mind and a commitment to hanging in there despite the odds. The Small Business Association's 7 (a) Program is Your Friend One possible avenue for buying a business with zero collateral is to opt for the SBA's 7 (a) program, which works to incentivize the bank to make a loan to a … [Read more...]
Should You Become a Business Owner?
December 19, 2016 by
While being a business owner may in the end not be for everyone, there is no denying the great rewards that come to business owners. So should you buy a business of your own? Let's take a moment and outline the diverse benefits of owning a business and help you decide whether or not this path is right for you. Do You Want More Control? A key reason that so many business savvy people opt for owning a business is that it offers a high level of control. In particular, business owners are in … [Read more...]
Three Overlooked Areas to Investigate Before Buying
December 7, 2016 by
Before you jump in and buy any business, you'll want to do your due diligence. Buying a business is no time to make assumptions or simply wing it. The only prudent course is to carefully investigate any business before buying, as the consequences of not doing so can in fact be rather dire. Let's take a quick look at the three top overlooked areas to investigate before signing on the dotted line and buying a business. 1. Retirement Plans Many buyers forget all about retirement plans when … [Read more...]
Avoiding Legal Mistakes When Selling Your Business
November 16, 2016 by
A common mistake that many make when preparing to buy or sell a business is to overlook all the various legal issues involved. A legal mistake can bring the entire process to a screeching halt or even worse case cost you a small fortune. For this reason, it is important to carefully evaluate the full slate of relevant legalities. This article will explore some of the key legal points one need to consider long before placing your business on the market. Mistake #1 Neglecting to Have a … [Read more...]
5 Things to Consider When Transferring Your Business to Family Members
November 1, 2016 by
Letting go of a business isn't a process that one should jump into lightly, and that fact holds true even when it comes to your loved ones. Let's take a look at five of the most important factors to consider when selling or transferring a business to a family member. #1 The All-Important Buy-Sell Agreement One of the single most valuable tools available when it comes to selling your business is a buy-sell agreement. Simply stated, this essential document puts everything in writing. In … [Read more...]
How to Ensure Confidentiality During your Sale
October 19, 2016 by
Selling a business is a process that depends upon professionalism and confidentiality. Selecting a business broker who understands the critical role that confidentiality plays is simply a must. Unfortunately, countless sellers have in fact dealt with a situation where a breach in confidentiality has caused a deal to fall apart. A failure to maintain confidentiality can lead to a slew of negative reactions from a range of parties. Everyone from supplies and vendors to creditors could react in … [Read more...]
Can you Understand Your Buyer’s Key Motivations?
October 11, 2016 by
Negotiations can be tricky affairs. One wrong move can undo a tremendous amount of work. In negotiations, it is best to take a moment and think about where the other party is coming from. What are their needs and how best can you meet them? Understanding your buyer's motivation increases the chances of a successful negotiation. What Appeals to Most Buyers? When it comes to selling a business, you likely will not know your buyer personally. This means that you will not know what they value … [Read more...]
Seller Financing
September 27, 2016 by
The majority of business sales include some form of seller financing. Typically, seller financing is when the seller provides a loan to cover part of the purchase price. The rest of the purchase price is covered by the down payment or often other financing sources are used as well. Summed up another way, the seller is essentially acting as a bank for the buyer. When sellers offer financing, it often also helps them achieve a higher final sale price. Sellers who are not open to seller … [Read more...]
The Power of Recurring Revenue
September 20, 2016 by
Buyers and sellers alike love recurring revenue. But what is it exactly that makes it so attractive? Recurring revenue is generally viewed as a very good factor as it indicates positive cash flow, the potential for growth, business success and business stability. Let's take a closer look at how it can benefit you. Show You're in Demand Businesses, including IT companies, are valued higher if they can show recurring revenue, such as monthly subscriptions, SaaS subscriptions, or a transaction … [Read more...]
