How do I sell a countertop fabrication business?

A buyer of a countertop fabricator is buying machines, stock, a crew and a flow of work. Each should be easy to see on paper before a buyer visits. The more you can show, the fewer surprises appear late in the process, and surprises are what usually slow a sale or reopen the terms you agreed.

Document the equipment

List every saw, CNC machine, polisher and vehicle with its age, service history and any repairs you have put off. Gather the manuals, service invoices and any lease or loan papers. Buyers and their lenders often want to see equipment in running order, so complete small repairs first. Be clear about which items are owned outright and which are financed.

Plan the slab inventory

Decide how slab on hand will be handled at closing. A common approach is to count it together with the buyer and set aside slab already tied to open jobs; the purchase agreement says how the rest is priced or adjusted. Keep supplier invoices and accounts in order. Tell your lawyer early so the purchase agreement describes inventory clearly.

Show the customers, crew and open work

Prepare a plain summary of dealer and builder accounts and how long they have sent work. A buyer will worry if one customer or one person, often you, holds the relationship. Introduce key fabricators and templaters at the right moment, and discuss how they will stay. List open jobs, remakes and warranty callbacks so the buyer sees the full picture. Tidy statements help as well; see cleaning up financial records.