Why buy an existing business rather than start one from scratch?

26 August 2009

Thanks to the many business owners of the world, our lives are made easier each and every day. Not that you always think about it, but from the time you wake up in the morning to your coffee 'til you go to bed at night with the TV on, businesses have made both your comforts and necessities possible.

There are literally millions of people who attempt to start up some form of business each year around the globe. For most, they are deterred and are ultimately unsuccessful. For others, their businesses do start up, but plummet within the first year. The lucky few who make it owe their success to an unlimited number of factors. For potential business owners of the world, one way to improve your chances of success is to buy pre-owned.

Instead of starting up your own business from scratch, buying an existing business can really help you be successful. There are many benefits in buying and taking over an existing business.

One of the largest deterrents of a “new” business is the idea of building it from scratch. You have to mould and perfect your business idea and formulate plans, work to gather a niche, attack the market, compete and stand out, and ultimately cross your fingers and hope for the best; whereas with a pre-existing business, most of that groundwork is already covered.

You can purchase a pre-existing business in a number of different ways. Maybe you have your eye on a billiard hall that is going out of business and you think you have the right recipe to get it back on its feet. Perhaps the owner of a business is retiring and wants to sell off his or her business. Or you can purchase a franchise and take over the responsibility that way. Regardless of how you acquire an existing business, the advantages are evident.

For starters, the business is ready for immediate operations. Someone else has already gotten the business up and running. This also means that you should experience some quick cash flow, especially from existing inventory and/or clients. You can possibly generate income from the first day.

Your customer base is also solidified. Instead of seeking out a new market, you can simply work to broaden your existing one. Since the business has a track record, the finances will be easier to maintain. And when it comes to competition, you can buy your way into a business that already has the market cornered.

Some disadvantages exist, as well, so it’s not all wine and roses here. The cost of purchasing an existing business can sometimes be higher since you’re paying for an operating business. The owner could have kept some serious problems hidden from you in order to sell off quickly. If you’re a strong-willed person, you may meet some resistance from existing personnel within the business. And you could be dealing with obsolete goods.

Apart from the higher costs, however, a bit of research into the business you wish to buy can reveal the rest of these flaws. With a little bit of work, you can correct any problems before you settle into your new business.