Business Startups versus Existing Business Acquisitions
Buying an exisiting business can be safer than starting your own business from scratch. Business startups unfortunately have an 80% to 90% failure rate--most have closed their doors within 5 years. If you buy an existing business, you'll have dramatically improved your chances of succes. Acquiring an existing business will give you an 80% to 90% chance of succes. Most of our businesses for sale have passed the crucial 5 year mark. The owners have run their business successfully for many years, fed and educated their children, and enjoyed guaranteed job security.
Why would someone want to sell a successful business? There are many human reasons for people wanting to sell a successful business. It usually falls within the following categories: Retirement, illness, relocation, burnout, etc. Sunbelt will always let you know the reason someone wants to sell.
Imagine yourself at the helm of your own business. You are captain of the ship. Can you take an already successful business and find ways to improve it? Can your motivation and enthusiasm help build annual revenue?
Please read the all of the information on this page, then click the button at the very bottom to see our business listings. We are sure that we have something that you'll like.
2) Immediate cash flow- Wouldn't it be great to step into a business that's already returning a nice cash flow to the owner every month? With a great attitude and motivation, do you think you could increase the cash flow even more?
3) Trained employees in place- Most of our businesses for sale come with well-trained employees already in place. Many have been doing this for years and are experts at what they do. As a new owner, this commodity is invaluable, especially if you don't know much about the business yet.
4) Established suppliers and credit- Instead of having to prove yourself and your abilty to others in order to get accounts set up, you already have them.
5) Established customers and referral business- The acquisition will have an established customer base, an asset that can take years to build.
6) Existing licenses and permits- Licenses can be difficult to obtain. You won't have to worry about this as we'll simply transfer everything into your name.
7) Training by the seller- Don't know much about the business you're buying? It's okay, this is a learning process. The seller will stay around as long as you need them to. They'll show you the ropes of the business, introduce you to everybody, and make sure its a smooth transition (especially if they are financing your purchase!).
8) The availability of owner financing- Most owners would like all cash for their business. In the real world, most people don't have that much cash to invest in a business. You'd be hard-pressed to find a bank to loan you the money. Banks don't have any security in a business. If the new owner were to run the business into the ground, the banker couldn't take it over and run it. They'd have to sell it for whatever they could get for it and take a loss. It is for this reason that you'll likely utilize some owner financing. Many owners will finance the business for you with a reasonable down payment. We can work out the terms of the financing between you and the owner--something that is acceptable and advantageous to the both of you.
NOTE: Remember, ultimately the success or failure of the business is the owner's responsibility, and there is no "right" business, so buyers must be flexible.
