Sell your company

Selling a small business is a complex venture that involves several considerations. It can require that you enlist a broker, engage your accountant and an attorney as you proceed. There are several factors that determine the price of your business. It may depend on the reason for the sale, the timing of the sale, the strength of the business compared to similar businesses and the structure of the business.

Why sell your business?

There could be a number of reasons:

Start with a business valuation

A business valuation is the process of assessing the total economic value of a business and its assets. During this process, all aspects of a business are evaluated to determine the current worth of your business. The valuation process takes place for a variety of reasons, but the most important: determining a good indication of the sale value. Some of the most important factors in most valuation models that drive value are: future growth and profit potential. Some owners consider selling the business when it is not profitable, but this can make it harder to attract buyers. Consider the business's ability to sell, its readiness, and your timing. Make sure you do not price your business too high or too low. The document will bring credibility to the asking price and can serve as a gauge for your listing price. Here you can order a business valuation.

Prepare your business prior to a sale to make your business more attractive

Many business owners prepare to sell their companies too late. Starting too late means limited possibilities of increasing the value of your company. Prepare for the sale as early as possible, preferably a year or two ahead of time. The preparation will help you to improve your financial records, business structure, and customer base to make the business more profitable. These improvements will also ease the transition for the buyer and keep the business running smoothly.

These are a few examples of important factors that can increase value

Summary

Make sure your business is in the shape it needs to be in to be sold, and the timing of the sale. Preparing for the sale at least a year or more in advance is critical, as it gives you time to improve your financial records, customer base, and other factors that can make the business more successful. Determine the value of your business so that you can price it appropriately. Make a decision as to whether you should use a business broker, or negotiate the sale yourself. Organize your financial statements and tax returns dating back a few years and go over all the details with an accountant. Finding the right buyer could take several years. Once a good buyer is found, there are a series of financial screenings and other steps that need to be taken to keep the process moving.