Sell a Business Tips

Selling a Souvenir and Novelty Shops Business

It's a misconception that no one is buying souvenir and novelty shops businesses these days. Savvy entrepreneurs see souvenir and novelty shops 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.

Most business sellers are interested in disposing of their businesses as quickly as possible. But that's not how a souvenir and novelty shops business sale works.

If your exit strategy involves selling a souvenir and novelty shops business these days, sellers need to make a strong case for buyers to purchase at or near the asking price.

Average Preparation Time

There are no effective shortcuts for selling a souvenir and novelty shops business. Since buyers prefer to see evidence of future cash flow, you'll want to to strategically lock in cash flows and increase profits before you list the business. Next, the business will need to be documented in professional financial statements and manuals that facilitate the ownership transition. Since all of this takes time and effort, a souvenir and novelty shops business can rarely be ready for the marketplace in less than six months. A more likely scenario is that it will take more than a year to create the conditions necessary to receive the maximum sale price.

Adjusting Expectations

Every business seller dreams of a fast sale and a fat payday. However, no one told the marketplace about your expectations. The outcome of your sale will be determined by market forces - not by your personal circumstances or desires. Despite your best efforts, you need to prepare yourself for the possibility of receiving less than you expected from the sale of your souvenir and novelty shops business. If buyers don't seem to be willing to meet your expectations, consult with your broker to modify your strategy and market approach.

Buyer Concessions

Sellers aren't the only ones who can make concessions in a business sale. In many instances, sellers can request buyer concessions. Although this scenario frequently plays out around seller financed deals, it's possible to push for a higher sales price or other form of compensation if you agree to mentor the buyer for a specified period of time. Like seller concessions, buyer concessions should be addressed during negotiations, before the preparation of a Letter of Intent.

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