How does a shop owner get the most money when they sell?
The owners who get the most usually start early: clean numbers, a shop that runs without them every hour, and the building and business priced on their own.
If this sounds like youYou only get to sell once. You want to make sure you don't leave money on the table.
What you can do.
Clean up your numbers
Three years of clear books make buyers more confident.
Make the shop less dependent on you
A manager and steady techs raise what buyers will pay.
Price the building separately
Know what each part is worth so nothing gets lost.
What to watch for.
- Don't cut maintenance on the building right before you sell.
- Keep your best techs. Buyers pay for a team.
- Talk to your CPA about timing before you talk price.
Owner to owner, and it stays private.
Lotus looks at the shop and the building together and tells you how we see each one. We'd rather you understand the number than just hear it.
James StephensonLotus, Massachusetts and Connecticut
Quick answers.
How early should I start?
A year or two ahead is ideal, but it's never too late to get organized.
Do I need a broker to get the best price?
Not always. Some owners sell directly and keep it private.
Thinking about what comes next for your shop or building?
Tell James a little about it. Only James reads it, and the conversation stays private. No pressure, no broker and no mailing list.