How do I sell a fireplace and hearth store?

A hearth store has pieces a buyer cannot see on a financial statement: dealer relationships, a crew that knows how to install, and a book of jobs in progress. Your task as a seller is to make those pieces easy to inspect and easy to hand over. The sale of a pool or hot tub dealer has its own rhythm, which this page on selling a pool and hot tub store covers.

Speak with your manufacturers early

Your dealer agreements may say that a manufacturer must approve a new owner. Read them first, then decide when to raise the sale with each brand. Many sellers do it before listing, so a buyer is not left guessing. Your lawyer can tell you what your agreements require and what you may say to suppliers before a deal is signed.

Choose the timing with the season in mind

Your busiest weeks probably come in the fall, when customers want installs finished before cold weather. A buyer will want to see that season in your records, and may want to take over before it starts. Talk it through with your accountant, so the closing date suits both the books and the calendar.

Sort display stock, records and people

Make a clear list of what is on the showroom floor, what is saleable stock and what belongs to a supplier on loan. BDC’s advice on finding the right buyer is a good place to start. Collect install records and note every open warranty job. Then talk to your installers, honestly and early, about what the change will mean for them.