How do I pass my specialty grocery’s buyer relationships to my son?

Your buying relationships are partly goodwill: the rep who sets aside a rare cheese, the importer who calls you first, the farm that delivers on a handshake. Your son cannot inherit that by reading a list, so begin with introductions. Take him along to each important supplier, tell them plainly what is changing and what is not, and let them see that you stand behind him.

Next, share the work. Have him take part in ordering for a season, first beside you and then on his own while you review. Keep a simple sheet for each supplier: contact, products, usual order, terms, delivery habits and the quirks that save trouble. Note which relationships are fragile, such as a small producer who works only with you.

Then plan the step back. Agree on dates when he takes over specific accounts, and what decisions still come to you. Expect a few mistakes and a few supplier tests of his resolve. Finally, ask your lawyer and accountant how the family transfer itself should be structured, since that is separate from the relationships. If you mean your regular customers rather than suppliers, the same steps apply: personal introductions, shared work and a staged step back.

Key takeaways

• Introduce him to every key supplier in person, starting with the most important.
• Write a short sheet for each supplier covering terms, habits and quirks.
• Move accounts across in stages, with agreed dates.
• Get professional advice on structuring the family transfer.