buying a business Tagged Articles

Selling a Small Business in a Down Economy:

How is the market? Is This a Good Time to Sell?

Are You Buying a Business or a Job?

It’s amazing what a difference it makes to ask yourself the question “Do I want to buy a business or a job” when preparing to buy a business. To make sure you understand what I mean, let me briefly explain. Let’s say you are looking to get into the business of ...

Buying a Business- Prepare Yourself

So you have decided that you would like to run your own show and buying an existing business versus starting from scratch is the way to go. This is a very wise decision if you have not been involved in a start-up before. The question then is: Are you ready? The following steps need to be taken in order and looked at very seriously. This is just the beginning but it is necessary to be in the right position to make what will be a very big, life changing move.

Choosing to Buy a Business

Buying a business can be a complicated process. This is not at all like buying a house. You must be mentally prepared and committed to purchasing a business before you even bother looking. A plan must be made to fit your business objectives. When the right opportunity comes up, it is best to move swiftly, which can only be done if well prepared. There are a few main reasons to buy a business versus starting scratch. There are also pitfalls, skills and general points to know about before taking this leap. This article will give you that knowledge and allow you to make the most out of your decision to purchase a business.

Closing the Deal on Buying a Business

What really happens when you have a purchase price in mind for a business you have thoroughly studied? Well, the question to ask first is, did you actually prepare yourself to be a business buyer, a business owner and to make an offer? If you have not read my articles entitled Choosing to Buy a Business, Buying a Business- Prepare Yourself and Finding a Business to Buy and Determining an Offer Price, please do so first or you will be missing a few large pieces to the puzzle. Once you have a business in your crosshairs and you have determined an optimal purchase price for that business, the excitement really begins. The following steps will take you through the buying process from making an offer to taking over the business.

Finding a Business to Buy and Determining an Offer Price

So, what is really involved when finding a business to purchase and how complicated could it be? I’d like to say the answer to this question is “it’s very simple”, but since it really isn’t, I won’t insult your intelligence. If you have not bought or sold a business before, this process will come as a shock to you if you are looking to compare it to house hunting. In this process, you will be highly analytical and the Seller will be highly emotional. This is their baby that they have built on their own, or like you are attempting to do, have bought from someone else and made it their life. Hopefully I can help prepare you for the general process steps that will occur. To make sure you are ready for the information in this article, please read my other article that precedes this one entitled Buying a Business- Prepare Yourself.

Funds for Buying a Business

Where will you find the funds for buying a business? Well, there are a variety of ways financing the buying of an existing business can be done, but only a few are even worth pursuing. Keep in mind that knowing how you will fund a business purchase should be on the top of your list of things to do while preparing for this new venture. If you have anything less than $25,000 in liquid assets available to use for a down payment, you will have a very hard time taking on a business worth buying. You would be better suited trying to start from scratch in a low entry cost industry such as a service or consulting business.

Quick Tips on Buying a Business

Many people think that buying, or even starting, a business is purely based on being in an industry that you love. Although that’s a very good idea to start with, it won’t pay the bills. Below are a few simple things to think about while making your strategy for buying a business. These thoughts will be the key to being a good business buyer and subsequently a good business owner.

Risks of Buying a Small Business Without Help

Make no mistake; buying a business is no small task. That goes for huge entities to small businesses alike. Certain things like the amount of time it takes to complete the entire purchase as well as the price is much larger in a large or medium business versus small but, other things are much more intense with a small business purchase. One of those intense things is the...

Tips on Buying a Business- What Can You Afford?

What can you afford when it comes to buying a business? Let's do a reality check here. Unless you have some incredible experience at a top level in an industry and some kind of solid personal collateral to back you up, forget those that say you can buy a business with no money. It's not true even is you get Seller financing or bank financing. Somebody is putting up the money and your history is what gets you those people who will agree to back you. And if none of your money is involved then these are mid-market to large business transactions that require loads of experience to be considered. So unless you have that kind of experience and people to back you up with their money, you need to take a reality check and think about what you can afford. This article is a sneak peek at that thought process.

Common Sense Tips on Buying a Business and Selling a Business

The articles discusses concepts business owners should consider in the purchase of a business .

"Top Ten Questions about Selling a Small Business"

Answers to our most frequently asked questions about selling a small business.

Selling a Small Business in a Down Economy:

How is the market? Is This a Good Time to Sell?

What do I need to consider when setting up in business or buying a business

Have you ever considered buying a business or are you in the process of buying a business? Or perhaps you are considering or have thought about setting up your own business from scratch. If the answer to any of these questions is yes then you will recognise how difficult and daunting this process might be and this article is directed at those people in an attempt to help with the decisions. If you buy an existing business you know for a fact that a market exists for the product or service that it sells… When you buy a business most of the hard work has been done for you… My final consideration in this article is in terms of assets at a discount…

When buying a business you can ask for vendor finance

When you buy a business you don’t always have all the funds necessary to complete the purchase and in today’s economic climate, with banking finance being more difficult to come by, vendor finance might be the only way the business gets sold. Vendor finance might be the best option for you as a buyer, but also for the vendor in that this will make sure the deal happens.

What do I need to know when I am buying a Business?

The articles provide insights as to some of the values that legendary investor Warren Buffett places on purchasing a busines

Improve chances of success when buying or selling a business

Business owners and buyers chances of success appear to be about 2% if acting on their own without proper preparation or education. Chances of success improve with level of preparation and understanding buyers and sellers have of the unique environment surrounding private company sales. § Business owners and buyers do not understand how to buy or sell a business and we had to show them how § Rate of success increased in direct proportion to the preparation and guidance we provided both buyer and seller § Successful brokers/intermediaries are educators first and salespeople second § Buying a business does not follow the usual buying/selling protocol § The process of Buying/selling a business is unique yet straight forward

Money to Buy a Business

When buying a business, the suppliers, customer base and equipment is already in place. Thus it is cheaper, more safe and much faster to buy a good business rather than to start one. While there is no honeymoon period involved beyond a “under new ownership” sign, the headaches that come with opening up the business are nonexistent. Established businesses have proven revenue and cash flow even if it is not as desirable as the new owner would like. This basically shows that there is room for improvement, while a business that has a good cash flow practically sells itself in a lot of ways. Banks and investors recognize these factors and know that it is much safer for them to put money into an established business as compared to a start-up business.

Buying a Business Without the Emotion

This article deals with how fear can keep us from making the right decision and how to overcome the fear.

Invest in a Booming Business Online

Investing in your own booming business nowadays is easier than it's ever been. There are hundreds of opportunities both online and off for buying a business, you have just got to find the right one to suit you.

Buying a Business – what should you be looking for?

Buying a business seems to be an easy way to enter the business world. However, it can be hazardous if you do not know your way around the financial figures or legal aspects. Remember, buy only where you have skill to manage and develop the business.

Buying a Business and Using the Right Professionals

A major misconception in the marketplace from many buyers is that buying a business is a similar process to purchasing real estate. This is not an accurate assessment though. One of the key aspects to purchasing a company is to do a thorough evaluation of the opportunity and to properly evaluate the business for sale by using professional advisors.

Buying a business in Toronto GTA, Ontario

The purchase of a business in the Greater Toronto Area is not an easy task. This article sheds some light on the business purchase process and explains some of the intricacies of buying a business in the Toronto Metropolitan Area.

Whether you want to Buy a Business or Sell Your Business - Let me ask you, have you ever wondered how to value a business?

Have you ever wondered how to value a business? Business valuation methods vary depending on whom you ask. Many business brokers use the common multiple method. For those who are searching for a business to buy or business owners looking to sell their business, valuing a business can be somewhat confusing. To gain a better understanding how business brokers value a business, I have provided an example. See why there is so much confusion and how you can overcome it yourself.

Questions to ask yourself when selecting a business

If you're thinking about starting your own business, there are a few points you have to ponder before you can even start the process.

What to look for when buying a Business?

Businesses that have a sound business and financial model are likely to flourish and grow as the economic activity picks up. This may be the perfect time for investors and entrepreneurs with good credit and access to investment funds to benefit by buying these successful businesses at a relatively lower price. But before you jump in and invest your hard earned savings into your dream business, you may want to conduct a thorough due diligence to make sure the business is right for you.

Managing Your Expectations Of The Business When Buying a Company

If you are a business buyer looking to acquire a small business, it is important to temper your expectations of the business your are considering.

BUYING A BUSINESS Legal Aspects and Considerations

This article highlights key legal issues surrounding the purchase of a business.

Mission Impossible Buying a Great Business!

Remember the good old TV series Mission Impossible, the team who always got their man, well you can get your man too or, should I say business. It's similar to selling your house where location, location, location is the mantra but in the case of buying a business it's planning, planning, and planning. Yes, it's possible to find a pretty good business, but you're going to expend a lot of sweat, blood and tears in the process. So, before accepting the challenge, have a clear plan of action before embarking on this mission. As with all journeys, you'll need a comprehensive roadmap. It's no use waking up one Monday morning and saying to your self, Oh! I think I'll try and find my dream business today. This is a recipe for barrels of frustration and nothing to show for it, except a depleted bank balance...

What to Avoid in Home based Business?

Just like any investment, home based business may experience challenges that need to be addressed and risks that should be managed. Since there is no accurate method to choose the perfect home based opportunity, it does not mean that we have to surmise everything and play a guessing game.

5 Mistakes to Avoid in Home based Business

Just like any investment, home based business may experience challenges that need to be addressed and risks that should be managed. Since there is no accurate method to choose the perfect home based opportunity, it does not mean that we have to surmise everything and play a guessing game. For a certainty, there are guidelines that can be helpful in preventing unnecessary pitfalls and financial losses. Here are some guidelines to have successful home based business.

Top tips on starting up as a franchisee

Have you ever considered setting up as a franchisee? It could be the answer for you if you want the freedom of being your own boss, but also the security of working within some sort of established framework. Here are some tips on what to consider before you take the plunge.

Should You Buy a Business or Get a MBA?

Those who have recently graduated from college or in the process of completing their degrees, specifically those who are majoring in business, find it hard to choose between two contrasting options: to stay in school and get a MBA - Master's of Business Administration - or go out into the real world and start a business. To make an informed decision on this matter, there are four factors that one needs to consider: money, time, estimated return on investment and the current market condition. Those people who choose to get a masters degree do...

Buying An Existing Business Part V of IX

This is the V Part of a IX Part series of articles discussing the buying of an existing, small business. In this article we offer suggestions and sources the buyer might employ to finance the purchase of a small, existing business.

How to overcome the fear of owning a business?

It’s a mixed feeling - both scary and exciting to own a business, especially when you are a first time business owner. The fear of failing can be overwhelming and in most cases prevents an individual from buying a business. However two things can help you overcome the fear and they are knowledge and self confidence. Sounds simple? It is simple. By the time you finish reading this article, you will know how to obtain the right information, ask the right questions, and how to think like an entrepreneur. All these actions will give you the self confidence you need to become a business owner.

This is the best time to invest in yourself and buy a business

Every day we all wake up to more negative news about the economy and the state of the financial market. We turn on the news to listen to the so called experts telling us what to do with our investments. Here is a thought that I would like everyone to consider " Invest in yourself by buying a business". I am not talking about just any business, but more specifically a Franchise business.

Websites, domains and UK tax

UK tax and accounting rules are very sketchy in the area of domain names and website costs. This article gives you insight into how to get the tax deduction for your costs.

Valuing Goodwill: A Pig-in-a-Poke?

This article discusses what goodwill is, how it is valued and gives an example of how it is applied in a certain case.

To “Buy” or to “Start”, that’s the $64,000 Question?

There’s no question that buying a going concern can have many advantages. If the company has a well-defined marketplace, an established business offers a sound platform to expand and further grow the business. It will have employees, customers, processes, a business model, cash flow, and inertia all in place. Further, it is easier to borrow from a bank when your company has a history and everything is a matter of record.

Acquiring an Existing Business…a Sound Strategy

Many people aspire to be an entrepreneur, but starting up a business is not for the faint hearted. On the other hand, buying an existing business, rather than starting one from scratch, can be a sound strategy to achieve this dream.

For Sale by Owner …Tips for Potential Buyers

The “for sale by owner” approach to selling valuable property is less commonly used for sale of commercial real estate and businesses than it is even used for residential real estate. From the buyer’s point of view, this usually would be more risky than buying a business when the seller is represented by a business broker.

Should you buy or start a business?

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, there are always two options open to you – starting your own business or buying a business that’s already in existence. Each of these options has its pros and cons and it’s important for you to consider these before you make your final decision.

What you Need to Know when Buying a Business

Once you are aware of the benefits and risks associated with buying a business, and have found a business that matches your strengths and interests, you must then do a thorough examination of the operation.

Buy A Business That You Will Love

It is possible to buy a company that will provide you not only income, but also satisfaction and purpose in life. Here are some of the keys to buying a business that you will love!

Career Planning for Baby Boomers -- Starting, Buying or Selling a Business

If you are planning to continue working after retirement, or a change of track while you are employed, starting or buying a business may be just the thing for you. Or, if you already have a small or mid-sized business, you might consider selling it for a profit, or to switch fields.

Do You Follow Marked Trails or Bushwhack Through the Bush?

Your Style Can Predict Whether Franchise Ownership is Right For You If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own business, you’re not alone. The desire for the autonomy and financial security that being your own boss can provide has never been more prevalent than it is today. There are many reasons for this but a main one would have to be that as big business gets bigger, the value of the individual employee is diminished and people are fed up with being disposable. Owning a business is a great way for a woman to take charge of her future.

What to Look for in an Online Business

Before diving and in and making a financial commitment to an online business, make sure you know what to look for to avoid investing in an online business which is doomed to fail.

Buying A Business - Spousal/Partner Buy-In Is a Must!

So many of our clients are displaced executives. They've worked all their lives at a job within a career. It provided security for their families and, hopefully, a sense of accomplishment for themselves. But now it's changed. There are no jobs. You are deeply considering your own business. Don't assume you can just start a search. Here are some thoughts on why and how your spouse or significant others' buy-in to your dream isn't just significant but it is drop dead critical!

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is the fastest growing field of study in tertiary education in North America and Europe - Gary brings the question to people in regards to starting of buying a business.

Discovering the Business Moat is a key to selling or buying a business.

Every quality business has a “Moat”. And when a business is for sell it is crucial that a business seller and a business buyer discover exactly what the business moat IS and how deep it IS. The Business Moat is the reason why the business has survived over the years and why it is reasonable to expect that you will survive the next several years. This exercise is designed to help you think through your business and discover the “Business Moat Characteristics”. Many Buyers and Seller’s do not even know that they existed prior to us asking the question. Therefore, we are going to ask you in ways that we hope will help you think about your business differently. “In business, I look for economic castles protected by unbreachable ‘moats’.” -Warren Buffett

Finding Purpose behind buying a business.

The Why behind starting or buying a new business is the most important question you can ask. Why? Because your customer will ask. I have seen over and over a successful business fail after a buyer has bought it. The primary reason it failed is the business lost it's purpose. It's why? The WHY? of your business can't be Money $$$$ it must have a deeper purpose to help mankind in someway or it will be a short lived business. Nothing sustaining.

Stock Market Volatility and the Impact on Small/Medium Size Business Owners and Buyers

Recent stock market activity has created a sense of uneasiness among small to medium, size business owners attempting to sell their business and has also created a greater awareness of risk among those seeking to acquire such businesses. A down market does not necessarily preclude business sales - volatility, however, as we have witnessed during August 2011, instills an element of uncertainty that can adversely influence the confidence of buyers that have been seeking business ownership and its correlative fulfillment of the American Dream.

Buying a Franchise – The Right Decision?

There are thousands of franchise opportunties but buyera must be very selective and perform a high level of due diligence to increase the liklihood of success. This article addresses the advantages of owning a franchise as well as the potential pitfalls of franchise ownership.

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