Individuals who are interested in the agricultural industry and wish to purchase agricultural business operations will have many choices. These include the best location for the establishment, whether to buy a privately owned business or a franchise and how much capital to invest. It is also important to make sure the company will not be too close to a major competitor. That could result in a lower profit margin and the possibility of being run out of business.

When you are ready to sell, agricultural business operations can be listed online. Use a website that will allow you to display the attributes of the business you have available.

Agricultural business sales require a lot of time, money and effort. You should be certain the business opportunity you want to buy is right for you. There are many things to consider before making the investment, such as:

1. The expenses you will have, including purchasing fees, marketing expenses, royalties and inventory;

2. If the franchise has a known and respected name or brand;

3. The need to hire and train employees;

4. If the agricultural business for sale is ready for operation, or if it will need a lot of work to get it ready.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy agricultural business franchises

Purchasing a franchise offers many benefits over starting up a new agricultural business. An existing establishment will automatically come with an established name and brand, a business plan that has been tried and tested and ongoing support from the franchisor. The company that established the franchise will have done all the start-up work for you, so you will not have to start from scratch.

I recommend: Get involved in a franchise from Sustainable Growth. Sell agricultural equipment from a John Deere franchise.

Purchase an agricultural business for sale that is independently owned

It is possible to find an agriculture related business that is up for sale within the state of your choice by searching online. Look through the listings to find the business that most suits your needs, abilities and interests.

I recommend: Purchase a farm with help from BusiMarket. Invest in an organic farm from BizQuest.

Work with an agricultural business broker

A broker guides you through the entire process of purchasing a business. It will be with you from the beginning until the end to make sure you are properly informed and get the best deal possible. Look to it for guidance, financial consulting and business valuation services. A broker will also help with due diligence procedures, as well as any other details that must be managed while you are in the process of purchasing an existing business.

I recommend: Obtain assistance from BlueKey Business Brokerage or McDowell Business Associates.

Advertise an agricultural business opportunity you intend to sell

People who own an agricultural business may choose to get rid of their company. Whether you are interested in selling your business so that you can retire, move or change vocations, when you are ready to sell, your agricultural-based business can be listed for sale online. There are websites that will act as an agricultural business brokerage and help you to find a buyer for your operation.

I recommend: Sell your company on BizBen or Business Nation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with the Better Business Bureau for detailed information on any agricultural business for sale that you are considering before you make a purchase.
• •  Find out if agricultural franchises are regulated by your state government, and if so, in what ways.
• •  Confer with a certified public accountant who will investigate the financial history of any agricultural business you are interested in, explain the expenses involved in the purchase and help you understand your long-term earning potential.