Exit Planning Advice By Market

Selling an Asian Goods Business

Business-for-sale markets are susceptible to a variety of influences. As you know, the Asian goods business market has been exceptionally volatile. Many sellers have exited their companies under less-than-ideal circumstances. Yet it's still possible to achieve personal and professional goals when selling an Asian goods business in the current economic environment.

You won't find any magic formulas for selling an Asian goods business, especially while the market is struggling to overcome the perceptions created by a down economy.

The good news is that ambitious entrepreneurs continue to see Asian goods businesses as a smart business investment -- and the market is rewarding owners who are willing to invest time and energy in their sale.

When to End Negotiations

Negotiations have a way of dragging on forever. But sooner or later, someone needs to bring negotiations to a close. Unfortunately, that responsibility often falls on the seller. In an Asian goods business sale, a stalled negotiation can be an indication that the deal is dead. At this point in the process, an awareness of negotiation parameters really pays off. If the buyer is unwilling to accept your minimum demands, it's time to end negotiations and move on to the next prospect.

What About Market Conditions?

Today's Asian goods business sellers face an intimidating economic landscape. So far, government intervention and promises that the economy is slowly recovering haven't been enough to alleviate many entrepreneur's fears. However, many business sellers don't realize that a full economic rebound can have devastating consequences, particularly if sellers who have waited to list their businesses suddenly create a glut in the business-for-sale marketplace. The simple truth is that the economy shouldn't dictate whether or not now is the right time to sell an Asian goods business. Your individual circumstances and personal goals are more influential factors in determining when it's time to put your business on the market.

Signs You're in Over Your Head

The Asian goods business-for-sale marketplace is a mixed bag of brokered sales and solo efforts. Although there are exceptions, solo sales typically take longer and are less productive than brokered sales. If you decide to go solo and your business has been on the market for more than six months without a single buyer inquiry, it's time to hire a professional business broker. Likewise, if buyers seem to express interest but quickly exit when you quote the asking price, it's a sign that your Asian goods business is priced out of the market. The remedy is professional brokerage or a consultation with more experienced sellers.

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