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Sell your Business Quickly
We've all experienced the hope and anticipation that comes with putting our businesses (and homes) on the market.
The process of coming to the decision to "sell up" can be a long and often painful one, and once made – we just want to get on with it!
The problem is, that it's not that easy.
Agents promise the earth and charge a fortune!
Buyers - when they can be bothered to actually turn up - ask lots of questions, peer into every corner of your property, make disparaging remarks about your taste in furnishings or business acumen and often don’t have the good manners to get back to you.
So, for all this trouble you want to do as much as you can to sell quickly and get a decent price for it.
The trouble with many estate agents, is that they may be very good at selling properties,
But you’re selling so much more than just another property – you’re selling a dream! – you’re selling a home, a business and a lifestyle. So your bog standard “property description” is just not good enough!
The key to achieving a quick sale at the best possible price, is as with many things, down to planning, a little effort and applying a few common sense rules
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1st impressions DO count!
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Ensure the property itself is in good order with any outstanding renovations or maintenance completed.
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Ensure the property is in good decorative condition.
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Ensure the grounds and entrances to the establishment are tidy and attractively laid out, with all unnecessary debris removed.
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Ensure all signage is up to date, clean and clearly identifiable.
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When showing prospective buyers around, guest accommodation or public areas should be well presented and ready for use.
· Your advert - it may sound obvious, but the marketing of your business is crucial in generating interest from prospective buyers.
The person potentially buying your business will be looking at many other businesses - yours will need to stand out from the crowd, if you are going to capture their attention and get them to take the next step of coming to view your property!
Establish what the "features" are that make your property special.
Each feature of a product usually has a unique customer benefit and benefits are your key selling tools Note: Features are technical descriptions, whereas Benefits show the way a buyer’s life becomes easier or better for having purchased from you. ·
- You need to demonstrate why they should buy your business!
What makes your business special? Why should yours be better than someone else’s?
Is it the location, the business potential, are they walking into a “ready to go” business, is it easy to fill?
All these points will make a difference when it come down to gaining the buyers interest.
- Consider creating a dedicated a web page for selling your property.
Your adverts and agent can refer enquiries to it and you can use it to highlight all the features and benefits of your business to help attract a prospective buyer.
There are many free web pages out there Google have a free website package that very easy to use and which will give you a URL to use for your property advertising.
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Consider supplementary or alternative marketing - such as specialist websites and publications like oursource.
Not only are you increasing your chances of selling quicker, but even with a standard sole agent contract, if you sell it yourself – YOU keep the profits!
- Finally - Don’t rely on an agent to do all the work. If you choose to use an agent, remember - you may be paying them considerable amounts of money, but at the end of the day it is your hotel, guesthouse etc that is for sale. Your contribution will make the difference between a quick sale and slow one!
If you are thinking of selling and haven't already - check out the OurSource property marketing service.
© Oursource Ltd. May 2007