Interested in finding a small business for sale San Diego? There are small businesses for sale, you just need to know where to look. Instead of starting your own from scratch look to see what’s available first so you don’t miss out on an opportunity to open your doors with a base of customers and equipment.
Find a small business for sale San Diego! Here’s how:
- Websites
- Ask LinkedIn Connections
- Post In Association Groups
The past year we’ve had friends and clients purchase small businesses in cities they didn’t live in. If you are looking for a medical practice there are always people wanting to retire. These 3 ways to find businesses for sale will help you start your research.
1. Websites
Bizbuysell is a great resource with all the information for industries, listing types, price range and other filters to help you fish through all available options. If nothing else, it can help to organize your thoughts enough to get you thinking in the direction you should be thinking when you’re considering buying into a business. This is especially helpful if you’re more of a novice when it comes to this kind of thing.
Here are a couple of examples of the kind of breakdown you’ll find while searching.
Onto the information from BizBuySell. One of their listings includes the following information.
Turn-Key & Recurring Revenue Supplemental Income Business:
Quick side note: Turnkey is such a turn-ON type word. I like the idea of everything being set-up and systems already being in ‘go’ mode. This appeals to me, personally.
The location will be listed in addition to what the seller is seeking, explanation of the service(s), location information, additional business requirements, and other pertinent information. This particular business they have listed mentions the following: ‘With a dedicated customer base and solid reputation, the Company continues to attract new customers while maintaining its reputation with existing ones.’
There will be contact info provided for these listings if you are interested enough to move forward.
I’d say this is pretty straight-forward and makes things simple enough; in the beginning at least. I can feel the collective nod from business owners that are reading. But, really, I like how this website breaks things down and provides the necessary and preliminary information in an organized way.
One issue I think we’re all aware of these days is the effect on businesses all over the world due to the shutdowns related to Covid. This is definitely something to consider. Here’s another listing of a business listed on this same site that has not been adversely affected during this time. Here’s another listing from BizBuySell:
Coin/Card Laundry, Semi-Absentee Run, Good Cash Flow:
One thing about this particular listing you’ll have noticed is that it lists as a semi-absentee-run business. This is also a major and important factor to consider. How involved do you want to have to be while running your new business? Here’s the breakdown of information.
The post mentions that it’s a great opportunity for an ‘absentee owner’ that has seen consistent cash flow even through the last year’s challenges. I say any business that can last through a pandemic is going to the top of my list.
This particular post also mentions specialized equipment and lease information that will be important to consider during your search. Just by casually browsing the site you’ll find yourself more equipped and able to ask the right questions.
Another thing to know is that these businesses will likely have you sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), in order to protect themselves from any potential wrongdoing or fraudulent activity. This is not generally something you should be worried about, but I always say read everything, including the fine print, before you sign your name. You should always have a full understanding of anything you sign. That’s just plain good advice all the way around.
Curious about the fitness level of your current business?
Time to take our Business MRI quiz to find out.
2. Ask LinkedIn Connections
Calling all connections!! This is when it’s great if you have a ready list of long-time connections you can call upon to help you in your search. However, even if that’s not the case, it’s not impossible. Here are a few ways to go with LinkedIn.
Write a post
Why not be direct about your intentions and write a post? Wouldn’t it be better if we did that on a regular basis across all-things-life? I think so. Of course, you’ll need to know the specifics of what you’re looking for. What kind of business are you wanting to buy?
While being completely vague will not be helpful, you also don’t want to give away too much information. Nobody needs to know how much you’re willing to pay for anything. Ever. This will not be a good jumping-off place when you arrive at the negotiation table. However, you need to give enough information for people to be able to point you in the right direction.
So, be very careful to do your homework prior to posting anything on LinkedIn or anywhere else for that matter. It would be great if you have some colleagues or associates with whom you’re able to brainstorm. This way when you’ve come to the point that you’re ready to post an initial acquisition request.
Do a search
This will also work best when you know specifically what type of business you’re looking to acquire. I know this seems obvious. But, I also know that when there are countless thoughts and pieces of information running around in your mind, it can be difficult to remember to stick to the basics.
During your search, you will likely run across different advocate groups. Take some time to browse through the information and join a group if it resonates with you. It will likely be helpful in making your search easier and more smooth. It may also prove as a great way to network.
I’d also recommend at least looking into using a business broker. There are many options for this. They will generally have a team of qualified and knowledgeable business brokers experienced with many different industries. Transworld Business Advisors is a great example of one such brokerage company.
Send a connection request and note to people that live in San Diego in your industry
I like this option because you really only have to write a template note one time with all the standard and specific information for the business you’re interested in purchasing.
You can customize it for the specific people and businesses you’re targeting each time you send a note to a new person. TheMuse says, ‘the key is making it explicitly clear the kind of relationship you’re seeking.’ They have a great article on ten templates you can use for connecting with people on LinkedIn. Another vote for being direct!
Follow the above link to see the options they’ve listed for different situations, but for this one, I’d recommend the following approach.
Dear _____________,
My name is ____________________ , and I’ve noticed you own the type of business I’m interested in acquiring. I’d like to purchase this business by ________ (date). If this sounds like an option you’d be interested in exploring, I can be reached ______________ (contact info).
If anyone you know is interested in selling this type of business, please feel free to pass my information along to them.
I appreciate your time!
Sincerely,
____________________
If there are other businesses or additional information you can include, feel free to do that. Just remember not to give too much information. Some cards are best kept at your chest so they can be used strategically.
You may not want to be so wham-bam-thank-you-mame in your approach. That’s okay too. You can ask to connect in the following way.
Dear _____________,
My name is ____________________ , and I’ve noticed you own the type of business I’m interested in eventually acquiring. While I’m still in the process of researching possibilities, I’d like to connect with people who are also in _________________ (type of business).
I appreciate your time!
Sincerely,
_____________________
Here’s a short video showing you how to do a LinkedIn 1st and 2nd connection search for the city in which you are looking to buy a business.
3. Post In Association Groups
Like most things in life, it really comes down to who you know and having to put your feelers out there. Smallbiztrends offers ‘The Really Big List of Small Business Associations’. Find one or two that suit you and see if it seems like a good fit for you to post there.
Again, it’s important to be prepared and know as specifically as possible what it is you’re going for. Otherwise, you’re just confusing people and they won’t know how to direct you.
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