Advice on Niche Market Exit Planning

Selling a Trademark Agents and Consultants Business

Business-for-sale markets are susceptible to a variety of influences. As you know, the trademark agents and consultants business industry has seen more than its share of fluctuations in business values. Sellers have adapted their strategies to accommodate changing market realities, incorporating a handful of proven techniques for selling a trademark agents and consultants business in the current economic environment.

Business-for-sale markets are less dependent on economic conditions than most sellers think they are.

If your exit strategy involves selling a trademark agents and consultants business in this environment, business sellers may need to apply a combination of incentives and techniques.

Identifying Serious Buyers

Unfortunately, many of the prospects you will encounter aren't serious buyers. As a seller, it's important to separate the tire kickers from the serious buyers as soon as possible. Each tire kicker is an investment of time and energy that could be poured into finding a more qualified prospect. Your business broker can offer insights about how to quickly spot tire kickers. As a rule, they limit the amount of information that is provided in the initial stages of an engagement, waiting to reveal the juiciest details of the business until the prospect has been thoroughly vetted. Smart sellers may require prospects to provide background and financial information fairly early in the process as a way of verifying the financial capacity to close the deal.

Family Issues

You're ready to sell your trademark agents and consultants business, but is your family prepared for the transition? Unfortunately, families often experience turmoil during a sale even when the primary owner is convinced it's the right decision. The sale of the business will likely result in new family dynamics. Subsequently, selling a trademark agents and consultants business has to include ample communication and shared decision-making.

The Best Person to Sell Your Trademark Agents & Consultants Business

An unassisted business sale is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, no one knows your business better than you do. When it comes to earnings potential, asset condition, and other considerations, you are the world's leading expert on your company. However, your close connection to your company can also be a drawback. Business owners are subjective and biased about their company's true worth. At a minimum, conduct an independent appraisal of the trademark agents and consultants business to gain an objective sense of fair market value.

Share this article


Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs

Lists of Venture Capital and Private Equity Firms

Franchise Opportunities

Contributors

Business Glossary