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8 Things You Should Consider Before Buying a Business

After slaving away at a desk job for a while, many people tend to realize the lifelong dream they had, to purchase a business of their own. Doing business is no easy task though. It requires extreme dedication and priority over everything else to get a business running successfully. Starting a business is a good way to go, but it takes longer to establish yourself in the market.

For people who do not have the time to build a strong enough customer base, the option to buy a business can be more viable. When they purchase a business though, the buyer must first make sure that they know a few things to dive into this dog eats dog world of competition. A business opportunity may present itself as a blessing but can turn the other way around if not investigated properly.

Here are eight things you should know before you buy a business:

1.    Is buying the best option right now?

When you make the decision to purchase a business, you must be willing to give it your day and night without a question. If your decision is based on something that you like doing but are not ready for the tedious hard work that is to follow, you must reconsider turning it into a hobby rather than a business.

On the other hand, if you have the utmost passion of making money out of something you really want to do; then buying a business is the right idea. You must make sure that you have a plan to take it forward and keep your budget in mind at all times. You don’t want to buy a business that costs you so much that you have no money left to run it.

2.    How will the business run in your absence?

There will be occasions where you will need to be away to tend to either a business opportunity or just take a vacation. Either way, you have to realize the fact that you need someone to handle things while you are gone. For most of the time, when you will be present, you will know how to run your business smoothly, but it is better to have an employee or a relative that can help you out equally on your level. To keep a business running smoothly, you need someone you can trust to keep the ship afloat.

3.    Is your spouse interested?

Like mentioned before, maintaining a business means keeping it as the first priority. You need to be on your feet 24/7 to solve any problem that comes your way. With this, there will be a division between the time you give at home and the time you give to your business. The larger portion of it will be taken by the business. This may have an effect on the relationship between you and your spouse which is why you should have an understanding with them.

4.    Put your investigator hat on

It may be a good business opportunity, but you have to realize that when acquiring a business, you are acquiring everything good and bad that comes with it. So you might want to know everything that has been attached with the business before you buy it. Investigate your seller to know if they have ever been in trouble with the IRS or the government. Check the location, whether the area is zoned for the right purposes. Are there any exclusive rights or right of ways that may prove as a hindrance to business functionality or profits?

Start investigating because when you buy a business, you invest a lot of time and money. You don’t want to be investing more to get out of the mess your seller left behind.

5.    Have you considered all projections?

Before you purchase a business, it is a good move to weigh out all the financial options you have and how the numbers will add up in your favor. You might need help from a business expert or broker to help you figure out the right projections for your profits. Even with a margin of 10-15% in the accuracy of predictions, you can figure out the worst case scenario.

6.    How will you expand?

It’s quite obvious that you have acquired a business so you will want to expand it in the future to gain profits, but are you prepared for it? When buying a business, be sure to ask your seller about their latest projects or products and continue to work from there. You must know what it is that you can advertise the most to maximize your profits. Once you have it in flow, then you can expand by introducing your own products/projects. Don’t scratch everything that your seller has left undone. Continue from it.

7.    Why does the seller want out?

Now this is a question where you most certainly would be given an excuse for an answer. Something like, “Health reasons, retirement or exploring other outcomes.” The real reason is hidden somewhere deep in the seller’s subconscious and the real challenge is getting that answer out. There is a high probability that you won’t be able to get that answer, but you should still try.

8.    Do you have an exit strategy?

Although you were prepared and were absolutely sure you were going to run the business like clockwork, the world is cruel and you never know what unforeseen circumstance may occur while seeking a different business opportunity. Are you prepared with an exit strategy? In business, it always pays off to be prepared for the worst. Whether in financial terms or otherwise, you may have to face a problem now and then. Sometimes, you might be prepared and still would have to seek a way out of this game. In that case, it is always good to have an exit strategy but it must always be the last resort.

Keeping all this mind, get started and find the right opportunity for your new venture. If you are looking for business brokers, don’t forget to contact us at 817-637-1508 for assistance.

Sources

http://www.inc.com/guides/201105/10-questions-to-ask-before-buying-a-business.html

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225090

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225090

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