How do I find a paint store for sale?

Paint stores rarely advertise widely. Many change hands quietly, through the brand that supplies them or through the contractors who shop there. A buyer who searches only on public listings will see a few, and some will not be what they seem. A few more routes are worth working at the same time.

Start with the brand representatives

The representative for a paint brand often hears first when a dealer is thinking about leaving. Introduce yourself, explain what you are looking for and ask how the brand handles a new owner. Not every representative will share names, but even a general conversation tells you which brands are open to new dealers in your area.

Use contractor and trade networks

Painters, property managers and trade suppliers know which counters are busy and which owners are tired. Ask for introductions rather than cold calls. A word from a contractor who has bought from the store for years goes a long way with a seller who wants the right person to take over.

Read listings carefully

Search terms like “paint business” bring back painting contractors as well as retail stores, and the two are very different purchases. Check whether a listing describes a counter with stock and dealer rights, or a crew with vehicles and jobs. Our page on what to check before buying a paint store lists what to ask once you have a match.

Ask whom a broker acts for

A broker may act for the seller, for the buyer or for both. Ask that plainly, and ask what information you will receive and when. Brokers are useful introductions to businesses you would not otherwise see.