Homestretch guides
Getting your business ready to sell
Working capital: what a buyer expects you to leave in the businessWhy buyers need a normal level of working capital at closing, what that means for your inventory, receivables and cash, and how to avoid a standoff late in the deal.Why lenders shrink offers on small businesses, and what to fix firstMost buyers borrow to buy. Here is what lenders look at, why offers get cut late in the process, and what you can do a year ahead.Selling a construction or trades business: what changes your priceHow buyers look at contractors and trades companies: backlog, owner dependence, job-cost records and licenses. What to fix before you sell.Selling a healthcare or medical practice: what buyers look atWhat buyers check in a medical practice: payer mix, billing records, compliance, clinicians and patients. Plus why you need a healthcare attorney.Selling a home or commercial services business: what changes your priceSelling an HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, cleaning or similar service business? Learn how contracts, technicians and routes affect what buyers will pay.Selling a manufacturing business: what changes your priceHow buyers look at small manufacturers: customer concentration, equipment, skilled labor and cost accounting. What to fix before you sell.Selling a professional services firm: what changes your priceSelling an accounting, engineering, consulting or similar firm? See how client loyalty, recurring work and transition terms shape what a buyer will pay.Selling a restaurant or hospitality business: what buyers look atWhat buyers check before buying a restaurant or hospitality business: lease, who runs it, sales records, licenses, costs, equipment and reviews.Selling a retail or e-commerce business: what buyers look atHow buyers judge a store or online shop: channel and supplier dependence, inventory and returns, and who owns the brand and customer list.Selling a technology or software business: what changes the priceWhat buyers look at when you sell a software or tech business: recurring revenue, code ownership, key people and contracts. Plain-English prep steps.Selling a transportation or logistics business: what changes your priceSelling a trucking, delivery or logistics company? See how drivers, insurance history, customers and equipment affect what a buyer will pay.Selling a wholesale or distribution business: what changes your priceHow buyers look at distributors: supplier agreements, inventory, working capital and large accounts. What to fix before you sell a wholesale business.Seven things a buyer will ask in the first callThe questions serious buyers ask before they look at anything else, and how to prepare short, honest answers ahead of time.What is my business worth? How buyers actually decideHow buyers price a small business: owner earnings, add-backs, and the multiple. Plain-English, with a worked example and what moves the number.Why focus raises what a buyer will pay for your businessTrying to do everything for everyone quietly lowers the value of a business. Here is how lack of focus shows up, and how to fix it before you sell.