Online Resources for Small Businesses for Sale

Help for Small Businesses for Sale

Those who have all kinds of businesses for sale are often faced with a myriad of emotions and decisions. Often the decision to sell alone is stressful and marks a turning point in your life. Finding the right way to market your listings online can make a big difference in how much profit you ultimately make net of the sale; the amount of time it takes; and your general feelings about the transaction. Learn from many other entrepreneurs who have had similar opportunities in recent years. Today’s business owners don’t want to rely solely on local business brokers and newspaper ads.

In most cases, your business is like a baby that you created or bought and nurtured. For this reason, it is important to find the ideal buyer candidate to take over these operations. Online business listings for sale are today’s tool of choice for attracting potential buyers, but not just any business listing will do. It’s important to find listing services that are comprehensive, reliable, and reach the most potential potential buyers. You must be able to provide the ability to substantiate income statements that are current and relevant. Your business listing deserves the respect of being professionally sold and accurately represented.

Business owners should do this:

• Use only established online businesses for sale listing sites and related networks. They are very cost-effective, easy to use, and highly targeted to the people and potential buyers you need to reach.
• Business owners and sellers should be prepared with accurate supporting documentation. Make sure all your documents are up to date and that your location is physically in good condition. This will increase your attractiveness to potential buyers.
• Be realistic when pricing your business opportunity for sale. The markup will delay the sale and deter potential buyers. Undervaluing it will end up hurting you, the seller!
• Consider whether you want to deal directly with potential buyers or whether you prefer the anonymity and confidentiality of using a professional business broker. Some businesses for sale may need to be handled by a third party to protect the bottom line of the business.
• Be sure to carefully select the perfect broker and buyer to fit the business you’ve built by pre-qualifying potential buyers before you start serious negotiations. Owners should not mess around with “tire kickers”.

Small business owners should avoid this:

The business owner has many things to consider. Be sure to avoid the pitfalls of many owners who have not thought through the effects of the information they post on their listings.

• Never put a “For Sale” sign on your front door or in front of your business. He yells at his customers “take your business elsewhere, we won’t be around for long.” Smart homeowners need to be discreet.
• Don’t post listings with identifying information for the same reasons you don’t want to put a sign outside.
• Don’t be fooled by sellers who leave a note on your door that says “We represent clients looking for small businesses for sale.” They do not do it! They are looking to be your local broker. They limit where you can advertise your big opportunity and take a big chunk of your sale.
• Don’t show how eager you are to get rid of your company, even if that is the situation. This will give buyers the upper hand in the negotiation. Small businesses for sale get the best selling price when they are doing well, have cash flow, and the owner is not in a hurry to sell.

By putting these pros and cons to work in your marketing plan, you are sure to enjoy a successful sale that meets your expectations in every way. Investors, owners and buyers can now easily find and determine the viability of various business opportunities in a way they couldn’t before by listing small businesses for sale and related opportunities on reputable online networks and services.