Sell a Business Tips

Selling a Stoneware Retail Business

Despite the pessimistic mood of many sellers, your stoneware retail business can be a high value acquisition target for ambitious entrepreneurs -- even in today's tough economy.

In a down economy, many stoneware retail business sellers wait to list their businesses until they see signs that the economy has rebounded, making it difficult to accurately evaluate the number of stoneware retail businesses that are actually for sale.

If your exit strategy involves selling a stoneware retail business now, sellers need to make a strong case for buyers to purchase at or near the asking price.

Leveraging Industry Connections

Today's stoneware retail business buyers can be found in a variety of locations. To advertise your sale to the widest possible audience, consider a listing on BizBuySell.com or other top online business-for-sale listing sites. For more targeted lead generation, consider tapping into your network of industry contacts. Time and time again, successful stoneware retail business sales emerge from relationships within the industry. The challenge is to leverage industry connections while keeping knowledge of the sale hidden from your competitors. Use good sense in restricting the flow of information within the industry and focusing your efforts toward trusted industry allies.

Preparing Family Members

Many sellers embarked on their stoneware retail 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 stoneware retail business has to include ample communication and shared decision-making.

Preparing Your Employees

Business sellers face a dilemma when it comes to their employees. You're concerned about confidentiality, and rightfully so. However, the longer the selling process drags on, the more likely it is that rumors will begin to circulate throughout your workforce. When that happens, it's best to have a frank conversation with your team rather than allowing rumors to circulate through the organization. Maintain a positive tone in your conversations and answer your employees questions as completely as you can without jeopardizing the sale.

Share this article


Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs

Lists of Venture Capital and Private Equity Firms

Franchise Opportunities

Contributors

Business Glossary