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How long does it take to sell a business?

By bbpadmin | January 10, 2012

It generally takes, on average, between five to eight months to sell most businesses. Keep in mind that an average is just that. Some businesses will take longer to sell, while others will sell in a shorter period of time. The sooner you have all the information needed to begin the marketing process, the shorter…

Do I need an attorney?

By bbpadmin | January 10, 2012

It may be advisable to have an attorney review the legal documents. It is important, however, that the attorney you hire is familiar with the process of buying a business and has the time available to handle the paperwork on a timely basis. If the attorney does not have experience in handling businesses for sale,…

Why should I go to a business broker?

By bbpadmin | January 10, 2012

A professional business broker can be helpful in many ways. They can provide you with a selection of different and, in many cases, unique businesses, including many that you would not be able to find on your own. Approximately 90 percent of those who buy businesses end up with something completely different from the business…

What happens when I find a business I want to buy?

By bbpadmin | January 10, 2012

When you find a business, the business broker will be able to answer many of your questions immediately or will research them for you. Once you get your preliminary questions answered, the typical next step is for the broker to prepare an offer based on the price and terms you feel are appropriate. This offer…

What does it take to be successful?

By bbpadmin | January 10, 2012

Certainly, you need adequate capital to buy a business and to make the improvements you want, along with maintaining some reserves in case things start off slowly. You need to be willing to work hard and, in many cases, to put in long hours. Unfortunately, many of today’s buyers are not willing to do what…

What should I Look for?

By bbpadmin | January 10, 2012

Obviously, you want to consider only those businesses that you would feel comfortable owning and operating. “Pride of Ownership” is an important ingredient for success. You also want to consider only those businesses that you can afford with the cash you have available. In addition, the business you buy must be able to supply you…

How are businesses priced?

By bbpadmin | January 10, 2012

Generally, at the outset, a prospective seller will ask the business broker what he or she thinks the business will sell for. The business broker usually explains that a review of the financial information will be necessary before a price, or a range of prices, can be suggested for the business. Most sellers have some…

What is the real reason people go into business for themselves?

By bbpadmin | January 10, 2012

There have been many surveys taken in an attempt to answer this question. Most surveys reveal the same responses, in almost the same identical order of priority. Here are the results of a typical survey, listed in order of importance: 1. To do my own thing, control my own destiny. 2. Don’t want to work…

Why should I buy a business rather than start one?

By bbpadmin | January 10, 2012

An existing business has a track record. The failure rate in small business is largely in the start-up phase. The existing business has demonstrated that there is a need for that product or service in a particular locale. Financial records are available along with other information on the business. Most sellers will stay and train…