How to Sell a Niche Market Business

Selling an Elevator Contractors Business

It's a misconception that no one is buying elevator contractors businesses these days. Savvy entrepreneurs see elevator contractors business opportunities as a path to short-term profits and long-term growth. There aren't any guarantees, but if you adhere to fundamental business sale concepts, you can likely get a good price for your business.

Market timing is a perennial problem for business sellers.

Eventually, it will the time will come to exit your business. When that happens, your future plans will be dependent on your ability to receive the highest possible sale price for your elevator contractors business.

How to Identify Prospective Buyers

Many sellers don't realize how many prospective buyers there are for their businesses. We frequently see qualified buyers emerge from the seller's network of business and personal acquaintances. In other cases, sellers take a proactive approach to finding likely buyers and contacting them directly. If you aren't generating interest in the general marketplace, consider approaching companies that sell complementary products or are closely situated in your supply chain.

Valuation Methods

The methods for valuing an elevator contractors business vary according to your business model and circumstances. However, there are generally three valuation methods appraisers use to determine your company's worth. While the income method uses anticipated revenues as a value basis, the asset method focuses on the company's capital, real estate and intellectual assets. In many sales, the most accurate valuation comes from the market method which determines value based on the recent sales of similar businesses. A good appraiser will often use multiple valuation methods to arrive at a reasonable estimate. Sellers should take note of the fact that all three valuation methods reward businesses that takes steps to increase assets and income.

Legal Considerations

It's obvious that you're going to need to hire an attorney to finalize the sale of your elevator contractors business. Competent legal counsel ensures that the sale documents are in proper order. Furthermore, a good lawyers provides the counsel necessary to navigate the tax and liability issues that surround a business sale. In some cases, an attorney may also provide assistance in securing long-term leases or vendor contracts to make your elevator contractors business more attractive to buyers. If you don't know an attorney with experience in the business-for-sale market, ask your broker for a referral.

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