Business Exits By Industry

Selling a Coupon Services Business

Is the economy still a little shaky for a business sale? Sure it is. Yet coupon services businesses haven't heard the news and are reporting steady action on the business-for-sale market.

We hear it all the time: "I'm waiting until the economy recovers to list my business."

Despite the conventional wisdom, we believe current economic conditions are right for selling a coupon services business. We'll tell you what you need to know to achieve a successful sale outcome

Brokerage Benefits

A good broker can offer several benefits to business sellers. Right out of the gate, brokers know how to help their clients properly prepare their businesses for a sale. More importantly, brokers have the ability to identify serious buyers and maintain confidentiality throughout the sale process. Typical brokerage rates (a.k.a. success fees) run 10% of the final price - an expense that is usually recouped through a higher sales price and less time on the market.

Workforce Concerns

As a business owner, you want to keep you employees informed about your plans; as a seller it's in your best interest to keep your employees in the dark for as long as possible. You're concerned about confidentiality, and rightfully so. However, the longer the selling process drags on, the more likely it is that rumors will begin to circulate throughout your workforce. So at some point you will have to resign yourself to the idea of telling some or all of your employees that you have listed the coupon services business on the market. Maintain a positive tone in your conversations and answer your employees questions as completely as you can without jeopardizing the sale.

Realistic Expectations

Objectivity is a rare commodity in a business sale. Your estimate of your company's worth is probably skewed by your emotions and your close, personal connection to the business. In our experience, the most successful sales are ones in which the seller has made an intentional effort to remain objective and set realistic expectations. A business broker can be a valuable resource in right-sizing your expectations and preparing you for market realities.

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