When they wish to become their own bosses, many people choose to build a business from the ground up. However, benefits come with buying an existing business. The following are a few of the benefits an entrepreneur will see if they choose this route.
More Financing Options
Many lenders refuse to fund a startup business, as they worry the business will fail and they will lose money. However, when a person is looking to invest in businesses that are for sale, lenders will often work with them, providing the funds needed for the purchase. While the entrepreneur will need to have a down payment, which can be rather large, they likely won’t need to turn to venture capitalists or put up personal capital to make their dream a reality.
Market Testing
When purchasing an existing business, the buyer won’t need to test the market to see how the product or service will be received. The prior owner has done this, and existing customers will typically continue to support the organization following the ownership change. However, a person should never rely on the word of the current business owner when it comes to knowing the popularity of the product or service. They must do their own due diligence to know whether the business is a good buy.
Customer Base
In addition to testing the market, the current owner has an established customer base that will transfer to the new owner upon completion of the sale. People are already familiar with the brand and its offerings, and customers have come to trust the business. Think about it like a sporting match. Buying an existing business is like coming into the match at halftime with a significant lead and taking over to win the game.
A Ready-Made Mentor
A seller wants to see the new owner achieve success, as they don’t want their name associated with a failing business. People may not realize the business has changed ownership, and any problems that arise reflect poorly on the former owner when this is the case. To avoid this, many sellers will continue to mentor the person who purchases the business from them. They are there to offer guidance and training. They may even assist with financing to ensure the transfer of ownership is a success.
Infrastructure
One of the most challenging things a new business owner might encounter is finding a facility for their venture. If they manage to do so, they then need to build the infrastructure. This location and infrastructure can mean the difference between success and failure. When buying a business, the new owner often finds the location and infrastructure will transfer to them as part of the sale, including digital assets. They have an advantage over those who are starting a business from the ground up.
Turnkey Operation
An existing business comes with many benefits. The buyer will find they don’t need to purchase inventory or hire employees, as these assets often come as part of the sale. There will be no need to train employees, as they have been fulfilling these roles for the previous owner. Furthermore, suppliers are already in place.
Buying an existing business comes with some risk, but that risk is less than what is seen when a person starts a business from scratch. It all comes down to due diligence. An entrepreneur needs to ensure they know what they get as part of the sale. When they do so, the odds of success increase greatly.
