Harsh Reality Hits Print Shop Owners

Too many owners are now finding that just as they are ready to sell and retire to greener pastures their business isn't worth nearly what they thought it would be. Yes, in some cases the recession has been the primary cause of the drop in value, but in other cases it was an overly optimistic valuation, and now the harsh reality has set in.

Sarah Needleman, a columnist for the Wall Street Journal, wrote an interesting column on Oct. 14, 2010 titled, Businesses Put Up for Sale Smack Into Harsh Reality. For the link go here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703440004575548393965927782.html

Needleman says a combination of "tight credit, skittish buyers and business owners unwilling to sell at rock bottom prices - factors similarly affecting home sellers - has left the small business marketplace at a standstill."

Long before this current recession, Larry Hunt and myself warned in our book titled, "Print Shop for Sale," that owners who were really interested in selling need to be prepared to provide or at least offer some financing to potential buyers. In fact, we quote on franchise president who notes that an unwillingness to take back or offer financing is one of the biggest impediments to selling a printing firm.