8 Factors to Consider Before Buying Existing Businesses

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(Newswire.net — September 30, 2020) — There are over 30 million small businesses in the United States, employing nearly 60 million people. Yet starting a new business is not for everyone: with many of them failing in their first year.

What about buying existing businesses, then? Why not save or get a loan and buy a profitable business? In some cases, this is a phenomenal approach to take.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at the reality of buying a business and what you need to know about it. Ready to learn more? Then read on!

1. Know Your Budget

The last thing that you want to do is buy a business then find that you can’t afford the running costs. Create a budget for buying where you pool your assets, cash, loans, and any other money that you have. 

This is your budget: you mustn’t spend more than this. You should do your research on the company and learn about its profits and running costs. Are you going to be able to make enough money to pay your salary on top of the employees’? 

Before you buy a business make sure that it’s going to make you money rather than make you lose it. 

2. Create a Team to Help You

Buying a business isn’t like buying a car. There is a lot of legal paperwork involved in it and you need to make sure that you’re equipped to handle it all. 

Create a team that can help you, no matter the type of business. We’d recommend hiring an attorney and accountant at least. These people can help you deal with the transaction as well as create cash flow projections and handle tax matters.

Having the right people on your side will make buying a business much easier. Assemble your team before you put any money down.

3. Learn About the History of the Company

When buying an existing business, we would recommend that you learn everything there is to know about the business. You need to know it like the back of your hand.

When you’re eyeing up businesses for sale, you shouldn’t buy one without knowing anything about it.

Look into the company and find out how long it’s been in business and how it’s been run over the years. Has its business model been forced to change in recent years? If so, why?

Understanding what’s worked well in the past, as well as what’s failed, is vital information.

4. Learn About the Customers

Knowing about the business’ customer base is imperative.

You should learn all there is to know about the business’ customers and why they come to the business. Who are its biggest customers and how much of the revenue do they provide? Will they still be there if you take over the business?

Take a look at the relationship that the company has with its customers and consider whether you should or shouldn’t change it. 

You will also need to consider how you’ll attract new customers. What sort of marketing and sales strategies will you utilize? 

Knowing all of this in advance will help you preserve the business’ existing customers as well as attract new ones. 

5. Understand Why the Business Is for Sale

While the vast majority of businesses that are for sale are on offer for legitimate reasons, you still need to do your research. Is the current owner hoping to sell off a failing business? Are there debts that you will be taking on?

Do your due diligence and make sure that the business isn’t a wreck. 

You should also consider why you’re buying the business. Is this the right choice for you? Why are you interested in buying existing businesses?

Make sure that both you and the seller are here for the right reasons.

6. Is This the Right Time?

You should consider whether this is the right time for you to buy an existing business. Will you be able to make it turn a profit? 

How is the economy faring and is the economic climate friendly to small businesses? We have discussed here how cyber attacks on small businesses. One of the most important parts of business is timing: buying a business at the wrong time could be ruinous.7. What Will You Receive When You Buy the Business?

When buying the business, what will you get in return for your money? It’s worth asking the current owner to outline what the inventory looks like and whether it’s part of the deal or not.

You should also find out which of the business’ assets will be sold. For instance, does the current owner also own the premises and will they be included in the deal? If the owner rents the current premises, will you be able to broker a deal with the current landlord or will you have to move?

Details in deals are all-important: you need to know exactly what you’re getting for your money.

8. Does the Business Have a Good Reputation?

Changing a business’ reputation is very difficult. If it is well-known as a poor business to work with, you’ll be inheriting this poor reputation. 

Look at customer reviews, any complaints that have been made to the Better Business Bureau, and general online sentiment regarding the business. Are you buying a business that’s loved or hated?

Is Buying Existing Businesses for You?

Buying existing businesses can be very lucrative, so long as you consider the points that we’ve outlined in this article. Do your due diligence and ensure that you know all you need to know about the business before you buy it.

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