What should I check before buying a tack and saddlery shop?

A tack shop is a specialist retailer, and much of its value to customers is knowledge. Customers may value someone who can fit a saddle properly and who knows their horse. That makes the people and the stock more important than the shelves. Use the points below as a starting list, and ask for documents rather than relying on what you are told.

Saddle stock and consignment

Saddles are expensive to hold and can sit for a long time. Ask for a stock list showing each saddle, its brand, its age and when it was bought. Separate what the shop owns from what customers have left on consignment, since consigned items belong to someone else. Agree how unsold and older stock will be treated before closing, and how it will be counted.

Brand authorizations

Many shops sell major brands as authorized dealers. Ask which brands matter most, and whether the supplier will approve you as the new owner on the same terms. Some will want to meet you first. A shop that loses a leading brand may change quickly, so ask the supplier directly rather than assume. The lines carried also tell you about the customers.

Fitting, repair and the owner

If the owner fits saddles or repairs tack, find out whether you or a staff member can do the same. Ask who customers come to see and whether the owner would stay for a handover. Our page on whether staff will stay after a sale covers a similar fitter-based business.

Shows, trailer and online sales

Ask how much trade comes from the storefront, the online store and the trailer at shows, and which shows. Check the trailer’s condition and what is included. Confirm that the website, domain, social accounts and customer list are in the shop’s name and will transfer. Your lawyer can tell you how privacy and consent apply to the list.