How do I find a small engine repair business for sale?

Some small engine repair shops are owned by one mechanic who may prefer a quiet sale. A search works best when you use several channels at once and are ready to move when a shop appears. The auto side of this is covered in how to find an auto repair shop for sale.

Where these shops come up

Start with business listing sites and search for mower, chainsaw and outdoor power equipment repair. Then widen out. Ask parts suppliers whether an owner-mechanic is thinking of retiring. Equipment dealers with service bays may consider selling the service side or the whole dealership. Ask the people who deliver parts to local shops.

Tell brokers and dealers what you want

A short note to brokers in your area, saying the type of shop, the region you can work in and the size of purchase you can finance, goes a long way. Ask whom a broker acts for, and treat what they send as a starting point for your own checking. Some brand service networks also know which authorized shops may change hands, so ask them.

Timing the search

Repair demand peaks in the busy season, so ask whether the owner would rather talk in the quiet months, when the owner has time and the books for the last busy season are complete. Ask early how the sale would be timed so you are not taking over just as the rush begins.

What a first listing review should cover

• Whether the sale includes the real estate or only the business, and what the lease says.
• Work orders by month, so you can see the seasonal pattern.
• Parts stock, including anything old that will not sell.
• Who does the repair work, and whether they plan to stay.