Can my print shop’s bindery work be sold as a separate piece?

Start by testing whether the bindery really works on its own. Look at where its work comes from. Is it mostly finishing your own printed jobs, or do outside printers and designers send it work? A buyer will want to see outside customers, because without them, or an agreement for your shop to keep sending work, the bindery has no income of its own.

Check the equipment and the people. Cutters, folders and stitchers are only useful if someone can run them. Ask whether the skilled operators would stay, and whether the equipment is owned or leased. Consider the space too: does the bindery share a building or a lease with the print shop, and can it move?

Think about what the print shop loses. If you sell the bindery, you may need to outsource finishing for your own jobs, which can change your turnaround and costs. Talk to likely buyers early, such as other print shops and finishing outfits. Ask your lawyer and accountant how to divide assets, staff and contracts so the sale of one part does not harm the rest. Keep the books for the bindery clear for the past few periods, with its own sales and costs listed. Buyers cannot judge a piece of a business they cannot see separately.

Key takeaways

• Look at how much work comes from outside customers.
• Check equipment ownership, operators and shared space.
• Weigh what outsourcing finishing would do to your own shop.