How do I sell a vacuum and sewing machine store?

A shop that sells vacuums and sewing machines has several businesses under one roof, and a buyer will want to see each of them clearly. Your preparation is mostly about making what you built easy to understand. Some of it takes months, such as supplier conversations, so start early. Ask a lawyer and an accountant to help before you speak to buyers.

Suppliers and your records

Most dealers sell under brand agreements. Ask each supplier what they would need to see from a new owner, and whether the authorisation continues. Do it in confidence and before a buyer is deep into the process, because a buyer will ask. A supplier who knows the buyer is a good fit can also be a quiet source of introductions.

Show the income in parts

Set out sales of new machines, repair work, and the repeat purchases of bags, filters, belts and parts. Keep the records clean enough to show repeat and repair income separately from one-off sales. Prepare a list of service customers, with what they own and when they last came in, and check that you may share it. Count demo and trade-in machines honestly, with their condition.

Plan the handover

If you are the technician, a buyer will want to know how your skills pass on. Be ready to describe how long you could stay, what you would teach, and which jobs only you do. Write down the workflows that live in your head, such as how you diagnose, order parts and book repairs. If you use a broker, ask whom they act for and how they handle confidentiality. The sewing dealership checklist shows what buyers will ask.