Have you heard about the record sales in small businesses over the past two years? If so, you may be wondering how you can sell your liquor store successfully in this competitive marketplace.
Every day we take calls from clients looking for tips on how to find the right buyers and maximize profit from the sale of a small business. Often these small business owners are ready to move on to another stage of life. Some are considering a different business opportunity, but want to sell first. Most still care deeply about their employees, their customers and the businesses they’ve built through years of hard work. Still, they are ready for something new and the historically high levels of business sales indicate that there’s no better time.
Over the years, we have talked with hundreds of small business owners about the true value of the business and most simply don’t know the correct asking price for listing. That’s why we provide a free, no obligation Opinion of Value. If the numbers sound good to you and you’re ready to move forward, then we start a conversation about your goals.
We uncover your reasons for selling the business and listen to understand your goals. Then we help you focus on how to make your business most attractive to potential buyers.
Our services are paid on a performance basis. Unlike many other brokerages, we do not charge anything for our consultations. We get paid when the business sells. It’s one way we ensure a win-win scenario for our clients.
As the Mid-South’s largest intermediary firm, we understand: Your business must stand out from the rest. Here’s how to ensure your business is ready for a smooth transition and successful transaction once it’s time to sell:
Maintain and Organize Your Records
Nothing halts a potential sale faster than sloppy paperwork. Make sure yours is complete and up to date. Keep any records related to the store up to date and accurate. Strong books are a significant indicator that store is both worth what you are asking and well run. Make sure bank records, profit and loss sheets and your personal tax returns are neat, accessible and organized. Without these, a buyer may offer far less than the value of your business.
Include a client list and information on inventory, lease agreements, supplies, and equipment. These are all essential pieces of paperwork for a potential buyer to review during due diligence.
You would never buy a home without an appraisal and a home inspection, right? Similarly, an interested buyer needs documentation that your business is in healthy financial condition.
Keep Focused On Your Business
One of the first steps to take when selling a liquor store is to view the store with fresh eyes. Does it look appealing? Is it neat, well-maintained and easy to navigate inside? You’ll want to address both the interior and exterior so it’s appealing for buyers.
Keep focused on the daily operations of your company during this time too. It’s more important than ever to have a strong team of dependable employees. Consider if there are any changes to your inventory or liquor selections that could enhance overall profits. Not only will you benefit, but your store will be more attractive to buyers if it reflects the current trends and interests of consumers.
List Your Liquor Store
Selling your liquor store may take longer than you think. That’s why using a business broker eases the frustration many owners feel when tackling it themselves.
An experienced business broker knows how to value your business, find buyers and handle negotiations. They help you sell your business the right way to the right buyer. This lets you keep your focus on running the business. In this arrangement, employees and customers feel stable and secure during the transition – increasing your overall profitability. Plus, our confidential, proven marketing plan gets your business in front of a larger pool of buyers.
Our team at Alliant is here to help you identify the priorities of your sale and guide the process of negotiations. Sellers may think their business is worth more than it is, but few buyers will overpay for a business. Let us handle these negotiations for you based on your goals and objectives and a business valuation.
If you’re considering selling your liquor in the coming months, contact us today to talk to an expert and discover we can help keep the process streamlined and simple.