Exit Planning Tips

Selling a Horseback Riding Business

Owning a horseback riding business hasn't always been a bed of roses, but it's been worth the effort. The next step is to position your business for the demands of the business-for-sale marketplace.

These days, the small and medium-sized business market is more confusing than ever before. Although there are plenty of entrepreneurs who want to buy a horseback riding business, capital restrictions are holding them back.

Too often horseback riding business owners cave under the pressure and settle for a lower sales price than they should. Smart sellers know the value of their companies are prepared to identify buyers who are willing to pay top dollar.

Advantages of Hiring a Broker

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.

Before You Sell

There is a lot of work that needs to be done before you're ready to sell your horseback riding business. Perhaps the most important pre-sale consideration is to right-size your expectations to the realities of the market. Once your expectations are in the ballpark, you can move on to making your business presentable to prospective buyers.

Equipment and Inventory Concerns

It's incumbent on buyers to commission their own appraisal of your horseback riding business's physical assets. Your appraisal should occur before you put your business on the market. A professional appraisal is a necessity because it gives you the information you need to negotiate a sale price. During your appraisal process, you should also note the condition of your assets. Cost-effective repairs can then be made before your list your horseback riding business.

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