So you want to buy a business, but you are not sure where to begin? You may have entrepreneurial pursuits in mind, but you also want to mitigate risks by having a set structure in place. Buying a franchiseA franchise is when a business (franchisor) allows a party (franchisee) to acquire its know-how, procedures, processes, trademarks, intellectual property, use of its business model, brand and rights to sell its products and services. The franchisee signs a contract (franchise agreement) with the franchisor to acquire the franchise and generally has a territory granted to operate…. or business for sale can offer you that support and structure you need while still being a business owner. While you can explore many of the businesses and franchises listed on Vetted Biz, the next step is to narrow your business search based on what factors you are looking for. It is advantageous to work with business brokers that understand the buying and selling process of a business.

Are you interested in the business?

One of the most important aspects to consider is your personal interestA payment from a borrower or deposit-taking financial institution to a lender or depositor of an amount above repayment of the principal sum, at a particular rate. In Vetted Biz, it is typically the additional rate of a loan a business buyer would pay off over time to borrow in purchasing a business…. in the business itself. This could be based on your past experiences and passions. Many times, potential business owners are interested in owning a restaurant, or a business in the food and beverage industry because it the most visible franchises and small businesses are in this space. Even if it is a business that has strong financials, it needs to be a business you would enjoy running and operating day to day. It is also important to consider if your lifestyle will align with the business. Are you looking for a business that allows you to work from home, or fit your schedule?

If I buy this business, will it be continue to be profitable?

One of the most important points to review in a financial statement of a business is the gross salesThe total amount in dollars made in the business before expenses are deducted. See also Gross Revenue….. Going through the gross sales of a business’s financials will help you understand the type of profits the business is able to generate. Business owners generally make nearly 10 to 20 per cent of the business total gross sales. Note that the financials of most businesses are performed by trained accountants that will be used to legally minimize tax. Therefore, you should not be afraid of negative numbers. Most of the businesses on Vetted Biz show the earningsTotal earnings received by a business based on the U.S. Income Tax Return. The financial numbers of these earnings depend on the type of business, but can include income, guaranteed payments, compensation, interest, depreciation, elective deferrals, and contributions.For further details on how to calculate earnings and where to find financial numbers on tax return forms based on the type of…, sales, and other important financial points.

How do you plan to execute your business purchase?

As mentioned earlier, it is ideal to observe what the current owner of the business is doing, what they have done in the past, and any feedback they can provide. It is also advised that potential business owners should seek consulting from business brokers, based on their experience with similar businesses. Once you understand how the business owner operates their business, apply those practices to your own lifestyle, and make sure it aligns with what you are looking for in a business.