How do I sell a mobile dog grooming business?

A mobile grooming business is a van, a set of routes and a group of clients who know one face. Buyers will look at all three. The van is easy to inspect. The routes and the clients take more explaining, and they are where you can help a buyer the most. Here is what to get in order before you start talking to anyone.

Document the van and its fit-out

Gather service and repair records, the history of the grooming equipment inside, and details of the water, power and heating systems. Note what is built in and what could be removed. A buyer, and any lender, will want an independent inspection, so make the van available. Be honest about its age and any known problems.

Show the routes and bookings

Create a simple map of where clients live and how your week is laid out. Show how regular bookings are, how far ahead clients book, and how much driving each day involves. A tight route and a full book tell a buyer the business is organized. A scattered one tells them there is room to improve, which is also useful to know.

Plan the handover of clients

If you are the only groomer, clients are used to you. Offer a period of working alongside the buyer, introducing them to regular clients and sharing notes on each pet. Agree how long you will stay and what you will do. Ask your lawyer how to protect the client relationship in the sale agreement.

Van with or without the client book

Some owners sell the van alone and some sell the whole business. These are different sales with different paperwork, so be clear about which you are offering. For the salon version of this question, read how to sell a dog grooming business.