Niche Exit Planning Strategies
Selling a Die Cut Printing Business
Many business leaders say that now isn't the time to try to sell a die cut printing business. At Gaebler, we think it's a great time to sell a die cut printing business. Here's why . . ..
It takes dedication to sell a die cut printing business under the best of circumstances. In the current market, you'll need to redouble your efforts and get serious about convincing prospects that your company is a good investment.
If your exit strategy involves selling a die cut printing business in this environment, you need to apply the right combination of preparation, strategy and common sense.
Brokerage Benefits
A good broker can offer several benefits to business sellers. First, business brokers are in tune with the realities of the market and are skilled at helping owners make their businesses attractive to premium buyers. More importantly, brokers have the ability to identify serious buyers and maintain confidentiality throughout the sale process. Typical brokerage rates (a.k.a. success fees) run 10% of the final price - an expense that is usually recouped through a higher sales price and less time on the market.
Dealing with Tire Kickers
Many prospective buyers will have a strong desire to acquire your die cut printing business. The bad news is that they will lack the financial capacity to close the deal. As a seller, it's important to separate the tire kickers from the serious buyers as soon as possible. Each tire kicker is an investment of time and energy that could be poured into finding a more qualified prospect. Good business brokers are adept at separating serious buyers from the rest of the pack. As a rule, they limit the amount of information that is provided in the initial stages of an engagement, waiting to reveal the juiciest details of the business until the prospect has been thoroughly vetted. Smart sellers may require prospects to provide background and financial information fairly early in the process as a way of verifying the financial capacity to close the deal.
Family Issues
Many sellers embarked on their die cut printing business sale without adequately considering the impact it will have on their families. Unfortunately, families often experience turmoil during a sale even when the primary owner is convinced it's the right decision. As a seller, you need to be sensitive to your family's feelings about the sale and make an effort to keep them informed about the process. To keep the family intact, the sale of a die cut printing business has to include ample communication and shared decision-making.
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