Exit Planning Advice By Market

Selling an Air Conditioning Rental and Leasing Business

Over the past few years, the air conditioning rental and leasing business industry has seen more than its share of fluctuations in business values. Many sellers have exited their companies under less-than-ideal circumstances. Yet it's still possible to achieve personal and professional goals when selling an air conditioning rental and leasing business during challenging economic times.

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

Too often air conditioning rental and leasing business owners fail to receive fair market value for their businesses. With the right strategy, your sale doesn't have to end that way.

Broker vs. No Broker

When selling an air conditioning rental and leasing 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 an air conditioning rental and leasing business. A highly skilled broker can compensate for his commission by selling your business for a significantly higher price than you could achieve on your own. But whether you use a broker or not, you may want to list your air conditioning rental and leasing business on BizBuySell.com and other popular online business-for-sale listing sites.

Sale Preparations for Your Air Conditioning Rental & Leasing Business

First-time business sellers sometimes don't realize that the success or failure of their sale is determined before it hits the market. Profitable air conditioning rental and leasing business sales begin with a comprehensive strategy that incorporates planning, preparation and market positioning. Even though it may take years to adequately position your air conditioning rental and leasing business, the amount of preparation you perform will have direct correlation on asking and sale prices. It is especially helpful if your financial reports can demonstrate a multiyear growth trend for potential buyers.

Equipment and Inventory Concerns

During due diligence, the buyer will undoubtedly conduct his own appraisal of your air conditioning rental and leasing business's physical assets. Most sellers, however, conduct a pre-sale appraisal to gain an accurate gauge of asset value prior to negotiations. Without an accurate assessment of asset values it's impossible to intelligently negotiate on 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 air conditioning rental and leasing business.

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