Buy a Business

Have you considered being your own boss? Creating your own financial independence? Making your own dreams a reality? You're not alone. Owning your own business is the "American dream." However, the reality is buying a business is a serious financial and personal commitment that requires an understanding of what makes a business successful. All too often, new owners jump blindly into a business venture, only to be overwhelmed by the tremendous workload of starting a business from the ground up. A government survey shows that 60% of new businesses fail within the first three years. An existing, established business that is purchased by a new owner shows a lower failure rate.

Are You an Entrepreneur?
Traits that typically characterize an entrepreneur are:

• An entrepreneur is very independent.

• An entrepreneur is a visionary.

• An entrepreneur accepts higher risks.

Why Buy an Existing Business?
From understanding the reasons an ongoing business can provide positive cash flow to the inner workings of new owner financing, Sunbelt of Seattle Business Brokers can make your dreams reality. With the right negotiations, a business can actually pay for itself. Let Sunbelt of Seattle Business Brokers show you how buying a business can offer you:

• Established systems - Established systems minimize the chances for failure. From sales and marketing, accounting, purchasing and inventory control to production and payroll systems - all have a proven track record.  Some changes are likely to be made by a new owner, but the buyer of an existing business has a leg up on a start-up competitor.

• Trained employees - Experienced, skilled and loyal employees are the backbone of any successful business.  It takes time to build this kind of a team, and the buyer of an existing business starts with the team in place.  

• Established customer base and reputation - When you buy an existing business, you are buying an established customer base that is loyal to the business and will remain even when the owner sells.  The seller will work with you after the sale to help preserve this important base of customers. 

• Existing licenses and permits - An existing business comes with all the licenses and permits necessary.  These can often be difficult to obtain, and it almost always takes more time than originally estimated.

• Actual operating results, rather than projected results - An existing business has a market position that is measured by its sales level and profitability.  A start-up is only a "best guess" of what a new business may look like.  The established sales and profitability make it more likely that favorable financing will be available in a sale transaction. 

• Immediate cash flow from the ongoing business activities - Most start-ups fail because the business owner did not have sufficient working capital to fund the business during the initial months and even years it may take to get the business profitable.  By buying an existing business, positive cash flow is immediately available to the new owner.

• Return on investment in one year - It is often possible to buy an existing business with a down payment that can be earned back in one year!  Where else can you get this kind of return on investment?

• Training provided by the Seller - Sellers have a lot invested in their businesses besides money.  They have invested a good part of their working life and are proud of their accomplishments.  They want you to succeed, particularly if seller financing is involved in the sale.

• Financing provided by the Seller - Sellers almost always provide some level of financing in the sale of their businesses.  This demonstrates to the buyer that the seller has confidence that the business will generate enough cash flow to provide the buyer with a decent living and service the debt.

Get Started
Buying a business is a major decision. It will affect you financially and change your lifestyle.

How you live your life is shaped and influenced by how you earn your living. If you have decided that now is the time to consider buying a business, we can provide you with the professional assistance necessary for a smooth and successful transaction. Search our business for sale listings for a business to buy or contact us to find the right business for you.