Individuals who want to get involved in the entertainment industry and buy entertainment business operations will have many decisions to make, such as the best site for the establishment, whether to purchase an independently owned company or a franchise and how much capital to start with. It is also important to be sure the company you buy is not too close to a major competitor. That might result in a lack of business for you.

For those who want to sell, entertainment business establishments may be posted online. List your company on a website that will allow you to display all the benefits of the business opportunity you are offering.

Entertainment business sales require a lot of time, money and effort. You should be certain the business opportunity you are considering is right for you. There are many things to think about before you make an investment, such as:

1. Your expenses, including purchasing fees, marketing expenses, royalties and inventory;

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

3. The need to hire and train employees;

4. Whether the entertainment business for sale is ready to open or will need work done first.

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

Purchase entertainment business franchises

Investing in an entertainment-based franchise provides many advantages over starting a new business. An existing establishment already has a well-known name and brand, a business plan that has been tested and proven to be successful and ongoing support from the franchisor. The company that created the franchise has already done all the work to get their business off the ground, and you will be able to take advantage of their efforts in getting the company established.

I recommend: Open your own movie house with The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. TheaterFun introduces children to performing live on stage. Monkey Joe’s Parties and Play provides food and fun for the entire family. Open your own Uncle Vinnie's Comedy Club.

Purchase an entertainment business for sale that is privately owned

People who are interested in getting into the entertainment industry can find a privately owned businesses for sale located within any state in the country by doing a simple online search. Look through the listings to find the opportunity that most suits your needs, abilities and interests.

I recommend: Purchase a singing telegram business with help from GlobalBX. Buy your own party boat through Business Nation. Invest in a mobile DJ and karoke business through Businessesforsale.

Reserve the services of an entertainment business broker

Business brokers guide entrepreneurs through the entire process of purchasing an existing business or franchise. They will work for you to make sure you get the best deal possible and finalize the purchase in a timely manner. Look to them for guidance, financial consulting and business valuation services. They will also assist you with due diligence procedures and any other details that must be attended to while you are in the process of taking over a business.

I recommend: Receive brokerage services from Certified Business Brokers or Transworld.

List your entertainment business for sale online

Current entertainment business owners may decide it is time to unload their company for a variety of reasons. When the time comes to initiate a transaction you may list all the details about the company you have for sale online through a website that will act as an entertainment business brokerage.

I recommend: Sell your company through BizBuySell or BizBen.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with the Better Business Bureau for pertinent information and data about any entertainment business opportunity that you are interested in before you make the purchase.
• •  Find out if entertainment franchises are regulated by your state government, and if they are, in what ways.
• •  Reserve the services of a certified public accountant who will investigate the financial history of any entertainment related business you want to invest in, explain the expenses involved in the transaction and help you understand your immediate and long term earning potential.