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Selling a Computer and Software Store

The sale of a computer and software store can be a difficult and trying process. But with a few tips, you can keep your shirt and your sanity in the sale of your business.

You won't find any magic formulas for selling a computer and software store, especially while the market is struggling to overcome the perceptions created by a down economy.

Success is a factor of preparation, execution and a keen eye for the market. As a business seller, you need to go into the process with the mental goal of presenting your business in the best possible light.

Working with Appraisers

An experienced appraiser is part and parcel of a successful computer and software store sale. Leading industry appraisers equip sellers with a value gauge that can be accessed during negotiations. If you're disappointed with the appraiser's estimate of your company's worth, you have the option of seeking a second opinion. However, it's more often the case that you will need to adjust your expectations of your business's value to buyers.

When to End Negotiations

If the devil is in the details, the negotiation stage of a computer and software store sale is the devil's playground. Yet eventually many negotiations reach a stage where further discussion is pointless. A lull in negotiations may be part of the buyer's strategy. Then again, it may be a sign that the search for common ground is a lost cause. If you are adequately prepared, you'll know what your bottom line is -- and if the buyer is unwilling to meet your bottom line requirements or if negotiations are stalled, it's time to step back from the negotiating table and re-evaluate your options.

Preparing for What's Next

What will happen if your computer and software store is a success? many sellers find themselves ill-equipped to handle life after their business and fail to understand that their future plans can influence the sale process. For example, seller financing can be an extremely valuable concession, especially in the current economy. But if you need all of the proceeds of the sale upfront, seller financing is off the table and you'll need to find a different way to make your computer and software store attractive to buyers.

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