If you want to purchase a business, it can be helpful to have someone on your side to help you find businesses that are for sale. The job of a business broker is to help people who are interested in owning a business purchase a business from someone who wants to sell their business. A business broker, like those at Sacramento Business Sales, allows you to purchase an existing business, instead of starting one from scratch.
When it comes to finding a business broker to work with, you want to look for a few specific things. You want to look for a broker wither experience and accreditation, who knows the industry you are interested in purchasing a business in, and who you trust.
Thing #1: Experience & Accreditation
The first thing you need to do is look for a business broker who has experience and accreditations. Only a handful of states actually require business brokers to have a license, which is why it is important to look for business brokers who have gone through a formal route and achieved accreditations in the industry. Accreditations show you that broker took the time to learn and master their craft, and that they have the educational experience necessary to help you find a business.
One accreditation you should look for is from the International Business Broker Association, which offers a certified business intermediary accreditation. The second is from M & A Source Accreditation, which offers the Mergers and Acquisitions Master Intermediary designation.
On top of formal education, you want to look for a broker who has experience and who can tell you about different businesses they have sold and that have done well under new ownership.
Thing #2: Industry Experience
The second thing you want to look for is a broker with experience in the industry you want to purchase a business in. You want to work with someone who understands the industry you want to get into, as they are more likely to find you a business that you can do well with. For example, what makes a successful restaurant is really different than what makes a successful roofing company. Working with someone who understands the different financial demands and criteria for success for the industry you are interested in investing in can really help you find a successful business.
Thing #3: Trust
Finally, you are working with this person to find a business that you can own. You are getting ready to make a really serious investment. You need to find someone that you feel comfortable working with and that you trust. Listen to your gut feeling, and work with someone who you trust.
When it comes to working with a business broker, you want to find someone who has experience and professional accreditations, who has relevant industry experience, and who you feel like you can trust.