Answer: The time frame is variable. It could be weeks, it could be years. On average, a small business can expect this range to be 5 -18 months. Numerous factors determine how long it will take to sell your company and some of those factors, like industry demand and economic conditions, are out of your control. What you can do, though, is make sure your company is prepared to be sold. This can not be emphasized enough!!! Buyers will be attracted to companies that are ready to transition so be one of them!

The sale of a business independent of a broker has it advantages, one advantage is NOT the success rate. Several studies have shown that 30% of businesses taken to market by their owners do not sell. This is why it is so important to be well-prepared and well-informed. Exploring this site is a great start to give you a competitive edge.

How do you determine your asking price?

Answer: There are myriad ways to determine your company’s asking price. Some owners base it on what comparable businesses have sold for in the area, others on a price that they were offered for it a few years back. Still, others weigh such factors as the money they have invested, the businesses’ financials, inventory on hand, real estate, etc. and arrive at a suitable price. All these methods have been done. There is no rule book that states the correct or incorrect way to price a business. But some methods are more reliable than others.

We recommend obtaining a certified business valuation. Will it cost money? Yes. Typically anywhere from $500 – $6,000 depending on the amount of detail you request. And it’s worth it!

The best way to understand our belief in business valuations is to put yourself, for a moment, in the position of a buyer. As a buyer, would you prefer to begin negotiations with a seller based on an asking price that was done by an independent party, based on accredited formulas and regulations, and defensible OR one that was based on what the owner thought it was worth. Often, unbeknownst to them, such an estimate includes values placed on their emotional, financial, and time investments over the years.

If you answered “the owners’ value,” you are correct! A buyer would like nothing more than to pick-away at an asking price based on an owners’ subjective opinions. With a business valuation, this advantage is nullified because sellers can defend their asking price, stifle any ridiculous attempts to negotiate and tap the support of the third party evaluator to explain the asking price at any time.

How to prepare for a sale of  businesses?

Answer: Most small business owners are so busy running the day-to-day operations of their company, they have little time to give consideration to the future sale of their business. But time is just what they need to maximize their eventual business sale. In fact, the process of preparing a business for sale should ideally begin three to five years beforehand. Some key things an owner should focus on to make their business as attractive as possible include:

1. Standardize and document all company procedures
2. Investigate transferability of leases and sales/supplier contracts
3. Perform maintenance on company equipment to ensure good operating condition
4. Secure key employees with employment contracts
5. Eliminate non-performing or non-contributing employees from payroll
6. Establish a management team that can operate without the current owner
7. Reduce reliance on one or two large customer for the majority of sales
8. Spruce-up the physical aspects of the business facility
9. Have clean, verifiable financial statements for the past 3-5 years
10. Ensure financial controls are established

How do you get the most $ from the sale of  businesses?

Answer: There are two main areas you can focus on to maximize the value of your business: accounting practices and business operations.

Many businesses are run with the objective of minimizing tax liabilities. Smart move…until you wish to sell the business. Unfortunately, the same techniques and accounting practices that minimize taxes also minimize the value of a business. In order correct for this, speak with your accounting professional about adjusting your accounting practices for the 3-5 year period before you intend to sell.

During this same 3-5 year period, focus on fine-tuning your business operations in those areas that affect your valuation the most. These areas are: pricing, customer service, expenses, inventory, outsourcing and employees.

How can you protect your employees, your business’s future and your client relationships during the sale?

Answer: Managing the confidentiality of your business listing is the number one way to protect the interests of all involved. Rarely does it benefit a seller to advertise to the world that their business is for sale. Instead, focus on two main things to keep your business listing under wraps.

Screen your interested buyers: If an interested party calls to inquire about your business, refrain from disclosing business information too quickly. Instead, take time to screen your buyer before you share. Why do they find your business attractive? What is their previous work and business ownership history? How would they intend on funding a purchase? How involved do they want to be in the daily running of the business?

Enforce a NDA: It is very common for initial conversations with an interested buyer to be vague and fruitless until an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) is signed. So as to waste nobody’s time, once you’ve screened sufficiently, have the buyer sign an NDA. With the signed document in-hand, you can relax a bit knowing your confidentiality is now protected by law. But, make sure your NDA is adequate!
Will your accountant or attorney suffice for managing business negotiations?