Advice on Niche Market Exit Planning

Selling a Tree Services Equipment and Supplies Business

Your tree services equipment and supplies business is a tangible reminder of the passion and dedication you've invested in your entrepreneurial career. But the hard work isn't done yet. Before you can make a graceful exit, you will have to invest yourself in your business sale.

In any economy, there is a right way and a wrong way to sell a business.

Fortunately for sellers, forward-thinking entrepreneurs continue to be attracted to tree services equipment and supplies businesses that exhibit strong financials and potential for future growth.

How to Skillfully Address Buyer Concerns

Buyers can present challenges, especially during the due diligence stage. The questions tree services equipment and supplies business ask during due diligence are designed to alleviate their concerns about the business and should be promptly addressed by the seller. To protect yourself, don't offer an answer until you are sure the information you are providing is 100% accurate. However, at some point due diligence has to end and the sale must proceed to closing. Consult with your broker to determine when it's time to draw the line and push the buyer toward a final commitment.

Realistic Expectations

Emotions run high during the sale of a tree services equipment and supplies business. Your estimate of your company's worth is probably skewed by your emotions and your close, personal connection to the business. It is difficult for many owners to accept the cold, hard facts about their company's worth, but objectivity is the name of the game in a successful tree services equipment and supplies business sale. Many sellers create a negotiation team to minimize the effect of their personal emotions on negotiations. More importantly, this team can perform a reality check on your expectations for the sale.

Broker vs. No Broker

When selling a tree services equipment and supplies business, you have two choices: Hire a broker to facilitate the sale or perform the sale unassisted. Business brokers typically charge a 10% "success fee" when they sell a business, but they also handle many of the hassles that are associated with selling a tree services equipment and supplies business. You can also expect to receive a higher sales price for your business in a broker-assisted deal.

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