Smart Seller Exit Planning Strategies

Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Seller’s preparation makes smooth due diligence

Understanding the seller’s true Net income A deeper understanding of which seller expenses can be added back to the bottom line realistically. The prospective buyer of an auto repair shop for sale in California noticed, while conducting Due Diligence noticed that an office assistant was listed on the payroll. But he'd visited the business as a customer and had never seen anyone working in the office. When inquiring about this, he learned that a "salary" of $1,500 per month was being paid to the seller's sister-in-law, and that she was listed as an office assistant, but didn't actually work at the company. That's an "add-back" and it should be included with net income the seller said.

Looking at your business through the eyes of the Buyer Ideas to de-personalize your business and make it more desirable to Buyers. Many sellers feel that their business should reflect their own personal touch and in some ways that may be good HOWEVER not when you are selling your business. There are many sellers who over “customize” their business making it too much about them as business owners for a buyer to see themselves in the business. Buyers often have concern that the business is dependent on the seller and when you are trying to sell your business this will work against you.