Sell a Business for the Best Price

Selling a Private Investigators Business

Business sellers have diverse personal and professional goals for the sale of their companies. But no matter what you expect from the sale of your private investigators business, it's in your best interest to maximize the sales price through the application of proven sales techniques.

It's a fact: Successful business sales take time.

Yet what many sellers don't appreciate is that a down economy can present the perfect opportunity to sell a private investigators business.

Adjusting Expectations

If you're smart, you entered your private investigators business with a set of assumptions about what it would achieve. But it's highly unlikely that the sale will meet all of your expectations, especially if your initial estimates were created without the benefit of a solid appraisal or market knowledge. Surprises are inevitable, so to minimize the disappointment you will need to prioritize the outcomes you require from the sale. If buyers don't seem to be willing to meet your expectations, consult with your broker to modify your strategy and market approach.

Seller Concessions

Seller concessions are becoming more commonplace in business-for-sale transactions. The most common seller concession is seller financing. Capital is scarce, causing new entrepreneurs to rely on sellers to finance at least part of the purchase price. If you are unwilling or unable to offer financing, be prepared to offer other types of concessions to close the deal.

Sale Preparations for Your Private Investigators Business

Like it or not, a good business sale takes time. Attractive private investigators business sales begin with a comprehensive strategy that incorporates planning, preparation and market positioning. Even though it may take years to adequately position your private investigators business, the amount of preparation you perform will have direct correlation on asking and sale prices. But your efforts to improve your company's position and profitability will only be effective if you invest similar effort into the preparation of accurate financial statements for buyers.

Share this article


Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs

Lists of Venture Capital and Private Equity Firms

Franchise Opportunities

Contributors

Business Glossary