Exit Planning Advice By Market

Selling an Auto Inspection Equipment and Supplies Business

Most businesses are susceptible to economic conditions and auto inspection equipment and supplies businesses are no exception. But in some cases, a down economy can actually improve saleability. To increase your company's sale price, you'll need to perform adequate preparations, positioning it to the catch the eye of profit-minded buyers.

Business sellers are notorious for second-guessing themselves about the right time to put their companies up for sale.

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.

Preparing for What's Next

What will happen if your auto inspection equipment and supplies business is a success? Although next steps may seem inconsequential, they actually play an important role in shaping the structure of the sale of your auto inspection equipment and supplies business. In today's market, many buyers expect seller financing - a concession that might not be a possibility for sellers whose next step requires the entire proceeds at the time of the sale.

Working with a Professional Accountant

Accountants come into play at several stages of the sale process. From a seller perspective, an accountant can offer personal financial assistance, especially when it comes to handling the disposition of sale proceeds. Brokers often advise their clients to have an accountant perform an audit of the business prior to sale. With seller financing becoming common, professional accountants are playing a more central role in negotiations and buyer qualification.

Preparing Your Employees

As a business owner, you want to keep you employees informed about your plans; as a seller it's in your best interest to keep your employees in the dark for as long as possible. On the one hand, confidentiality is critical for a successful auto inspection equipment and supplies business sale. However, the longer the selling process drags on, the more likely it is that rumors will begin to circulate throughout your workforce. Consider informing your key employees first, followed by the rest of your workforce later in the process. Maintain a positive tone in your conversations and answer your employees questions as completely as you can without jeopardizing the sale.

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