We discussed recently how to super-charge your Asset Garden by purchasing an existing business but noted that one of the Cons when considering this approach to growing our Garden was the significant upfront costs that can be associated with the purchase. And this can be a big obstacle. Let's see if we can give some thought to how to overcome that obstacle like a seasoned Gardener!
There are several strategies you can use to lower these upfront costs and make the purchase more affordable. Here are some ideas:
1. Negotiate the purchase price: The first step in lowering the initial upfront costs of purchasing an existing business is to negotiate the purchase price. You may be able to negotiate a lower price by identifying areas where the business is struggling or by leveraging other offers you have received.
2. Seek financing options: Consider seeking financing options to help cover the initial upfront costs. This can include traditional bank loans, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, or alternative financing options such as crowdfunding or peer-to-peer lending.
3. Look for seller financing: Seller financing is a type of financing where the seller of the business provides financing to the buyer. This can help to lower the initial upfront costs and may be easier to secure than traditional financing options.
4. Consider a partnership: You could also consider bringing on a partner to share the costs of purchasing the business. This could include someone with industry experience, capital to invest, or complementary skills to yours.
5. Buy a partial stake in the business: Instead of purchasing the entire business, consider buying a partial stake in the business. This can help to lower the initial upfront costs and give you the opportunity to become more involved in the business over time.
6. Take over the business gradually: Instead of purchasing the business outright, consider taking over the business gradually. This could include taking on a managerial role or working alongside the previous owner for a period of time.
7. Purchase only the assets: If you're primarily interested in the assets of the business, consider purchasing only the assets instead of the entire business. This can help to lower the initial upfront costs and give you more flexibility in how you operate the business moving forward.
In conclusion, while the initial upfront costs of purchasing an existing business can be high, there are several strategies we can use to make the purchase more affordable. By negotiating the purchase price, seeking financing options, looking for seller financing, considering a partnership, buying a partial stake in the business, taking over the business gradually, or purchasing only the assets, you can lower the initial upfront costs and make the purchase more feasible.
