When it's time to sell a business, there are several factors that can affect the advertising. Some businesses are eager to get the word out to as many people as possible. Other businesses wish to keep the sale a secret so that employees and customers are not lost.
Instructions
1. List the business in the newspaper. To keep the business name a secret, simply describe the business in general terms and ask interested parties to call for more information. If you don't wish to keep it a secret, give the name and address of the business and invite potential buyers to make an appointment for a tour.
2. Advertise in a trade magazine. These have a readership that is specifically interested in the industry of your business. With a trade magazine, you know that the readership is already aware of the type of business you run. This can lead to informed buyers that understand run your particular business.
3. Let people know that the business is for sale. If you are not planning to keep it a secret, tell your customers, employees and people in your circle of friends that the business is up for sale. Any of these people may know someone who is interested in buying it. You may even tell competing businesses about the sale in case they are interested in buying it and consolidating the two businesses.
4. Sell the business through a broker. Business brokers can both advertise the business and broker its sale. Brokers can also help a business owner to make changes that will result in a higher price. Using a business broker may be more costly than advertising it yourself, but it can result in a higher asking price for the business.
