Business Exits By Industry

Selling a Commuter and Public Transportation Business

The decision to sell your commuter and public transportation business isn't something that should be taken lightly, especially these days. If a business exit is on the horizon, you'll want to check out our suggestions for staying ahead of the market.

These days, the small and medium-sized business market is more confusing than ever before. There are lots of buyers who want to own a commuter and public transportation business, but have limited capital to get their foot in the door.

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 commuter and public transportation business.

Dealing with Your Emotions

Coping with the emotions of a business sale can be difficult, even under the best of circumstances. You probably have good reasons for selling your commuter and public transportation business now, but that doesn't make the emotions you will experience any easier. Instead of feeling guilty about your emotions, take the time to process them with a mentor or friend. At the same time, it's helpful to consult with people who can help limit the influence of your emotions on negotiations and other aspects of the sale process.

Sweetening the Deal

Today's commuter and public transportation business buyers expect sellers to offer concessions to persuade them to close the deal. Concessions can consist of non-cash as well as cash incentives. When you've reached your limit on price, consider offering non-cash concessions to encourage a commitment from the buyer. If you aren't familiar with typical commuter and public transportation business concessions, consult with a professional to learn how you can build incentives into your deal.

When the Sale Goes Off-Course

Many commuter and public transportation business are tempted to save brokerage fees by selling their businesses on their own. Although there are exceptions, solo sales typically take longer and are less productive than brokered sales. As a rule, no business should sit on the market for more than six months without attracting the interest of at least a handful of qualified buyers. When buyers fail to exhibit substantive interest, it could indicate unrealistic pricing or an inferior selling strategy. If that occurs, it's time to bring in the professionals to get your sale back on track.

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