What's the best way to sell a decent little local retail business?

[SophieCatScribbles]

Thanks for reading this. There's just so many con-artists out there trying to fleece independent businesses from all angles, and it's hard to tell whether you'll actually get anything like the service they promise 🙄. If anyone has any suggestions I'd be really glad of them!

We have a small independent cookshop in our town, and basically we need to sell it. We bought it a few years back and it was going to be my particular baby and I had loads of plans, but then I became badly disabled and housebound so my husband has been in there while I do all the boring paperwork and fret and fume. It's got such potential but I just can't get anything I'd like done. DH has tried his best, but it's just not his thing. Retail has struggled recently anyway, and shops need to be a destination and offer more than just things on shelves...

So we have to sell. Profits have dropped this last year I think for several reasons, not least that people just want more if they're not going to just shop online. But the shop has potential, lots, and I'm sad for it that we haven't done it justice. I really want to find a buyer who'll have a passion for it - it's a lovely little town and a great shop, but it needs fresh ideas and investment that we just can't give because of our personal circumstances. We're not expecting stupid money, just want to pass on the business to someone who'll love it too.

Any thoughts? I'm struggling to find any business broker that doesn't have a string of warnings online 😕. Thanks :)

[SophieCatScribbles]

Just bumping in the hope someone can help!

[SmallStepsBigChanges]

I have no idea really but didn't want to read and run! Have you looked at the UK Businesses for sale website? How did you find it to buy to begin with? Was it through a broker?

[SophieCatScribbles]

I have no idea really but didn't want to read and run! Have you looked at the UK Businesses for sale website? How did you find it to buy to begin with? Was it through a broker?

Thank you, appreciate that 🙂. We bought it direct from the previous owner (we already knew the shop).

[SmallStepsBigChanges]

Hmmm....

[senua]

Speak to your Accountant?

[senua]

Or solicitor.

[SophieCatScribbles]

Yes, we have done. But thank you :)

[MrsPatmore]

Estate agents? I often see businesses for sale in our local agents.

[iddybiddymum]

Rightbiz . Rightmove. I actually sold mine ( catering caravan ) via Facebook. It was shared 1000's of times.

Obviously you have a premises and leases so maybe gauge interest that way and seek advice from solicitors.

Good luck

[SophieCatScribbles]

Thank you, yes that's a good idea to use Facebook too...

[SheRaTheAllPowerful]

Do you have a local self employed group on FB or a local networking group. That’s worth. A try, or even a polite sign in the shop window?

[clairethewitch70]

What area are you in?