Sell a Business Tips

Selling a Soda Fountain Shops Business

Maybe you're counting on your soda fountain shops business to be a stepping stone to your next big business venture. Maybe it's your retirement fund. Either way, you need to maximize the price it gets in the business-for-sale marketplace.

Today's soda fountain shops business buyers tend to be more skeptical than most about the nation's economic outlook.

Soda Fountain Shop

If you're ready to move on, now is the right time to sell your soda fountain shops business.

Pros & Cons of a Sale to an Employee

Employee sales have pros and cons. A faithful employee may have the motivation and ability to continue to operate the business. Since the worker already knows the ins and outs of the business, due diligence should be a breeze, not to mention the fact that you won't have to wait months or years for the right buyer to emerge on the open marketplace. Yet most employees lack the means to buy their employer's business at or near the asking price. A seller-financed deal may be necessary unless the employee has significant assets or investor backing.

Laying the Groundwork

A successful soda fountain shops business sale begins with careful planning. Although you are convinced your business has value in the marketplace, the planning process establishes a framework for communicating its value to prospective buyers. A first-rate business broker can give your business an edge by facilitating the preparation process and orienting your presentation toward today's buyers. At a minimum, you'll want to position your business to receive the highest possible sale price, prepare a packet for prospective buyers and perform an initial appraisal before you put your soda fountain shops business on the market.

Benefits of Third-Party Assistance

Rarely, if ever, do owners sell a soda fountain shops business without outside assistance. Brokers can be an important resource for your sale, especially if you are unfamiliar with the business-for-sale marketplace. Additionally, you may want to hire professionals for legal, valuation and other functions before you put your business on the market. The early recruitment of external resources reduces your risk and results in a more predictable final outcome.

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