Red Flags to Consider When Deciding to Buy a Business
You don’t have to start a business from scratch. If you have enough money to buy an existing business, you should do it. You already have a built-in customer advantage. The company has a name and you don’t have to spend a lot on advertising. There’s also a business plan to follow. You can change it, but it doesn’t have to be drastic. However, not all businesses for sale are worth buying. You must consider potential red flags and run away from terrible choices. Here are the signs.
You’re not dealing with an honest owner
Before you buy a business, you ask questions first. You don’t want to put faith into a company you know nothing about. You talk with the owner and ask questions about every detail. The other party must be willing to entertain your questions and wait until you feel satisfied with the response. If you’re not getting the right answers or they’re inconsistent, you must run away from it. You can’t buy a business from a dishonest owner. You will feel disappointed with the results. You will also uncover more lies as you begin running the company.
The company has failing equipment
Another reason for buying an existing business is it already has the equipment needed to get the job done. Whether you’re in the food or manufacturing business, the availability of the equipment makes the job easier. However, if there are problems, you don’t want to buy the business. You will purchase the replacements and spend more. It’s like starting from scratch and it might also waste time.
The financial records don’t match
You understand that businesses for sale might not always be in their best shape financially. You buy it because you believe there’s hope things will get better. Of course, it will only happen if you can assess where it is and decide how to move forward. If there are issues with the financial records, you might have a hard time picking up the pieces. You will also realize the business is in a bigger hole than what the owner presents it to be. You can’t be a part of that mess.
The brand is damaged
While it’s possible to rebrand and turn things around, it can be costly and time-consuming. The reason why you want to purchase a business is you don’t have to spend too much on marketing. If you have to spend a lot to clean up the company’s name, it can be exhausting. If the business was involved in a major scandal that lost people’s trust, stay away from it.
The point is you must be cautious with your decision. You’re going to invest a significant amount of money to be the owner of the business. You don’t want to lose more because you made the wrong decision. You would rather start from scratch than buy a business with all these red flags.
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://www.startupdonut.co.uk/sites/default/files/buyingabusiness_384226600.jpg
2nd image from https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing/financing-buying-an-existing-business
