When you want to purchase a photography business, you will have to make several important decisions. These will include the location, whether you want to invest in a franchise or an independent facility and how much you can spend. You should also find out if there are other photography businesses close by. Establishing your business near a major competitor can make the process more of a struggle than it has to be.

After you decide to buy a photography business, you will be forced to put in a lot of time, money and effort. For this reason, it is important to be absolutely sure the business opportunity you are considering is right for you. There are a few factors you must consider before you begin the purchasing process, such as:

1. The expenses you will face, which will include purchasing fees, marketing costs, royalties and inventory;

2. Whether a photography business for sale has a well-known and respected name or brand;

3. How many employees you will need to hire and train;

4. Whether you want to work with a photography business broker or buy directly.

Following these steps can lead to a more attractive photography business when it comes time to sell. A business that shows a steady income and has built a good reputation can demand a bigger price.

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

Connect with franchisors that provide photography business sales

Buying a well-established franchise has several benefits over starting up a new photographic business. An existing chain already has a well-known name, a business plan that has been tested and deemed efficient and continuing support from your franchisor. The company that established the franchise has also put down the ground work for the business, so you will not be forced to start up from scratch.

I recommend: Check out photography franchises such as PortraitEFX, from Photography Franchise, TSS Photography or Fox Photography.

Buy a photography business with help from a lawyer who has experience with business transactions

A good business lawyer will be able to give you all the pertinent details of any contract you need to sign to complete the transaction, let you know what rights you have as a buyer and explain the legal obligations that will fall upon you once you have completed the purchase.

I recommend: Receive business law advice from Fuerst Humphrey Ittleman and franchise law help from Williams Law, P.C.

Sell a photography business

Business owners have various reasons for wanting to sell. They may be ready to retire, moving into another type of work or have made enough money to never need to work again. When they are ready to sell, the owners can get assistance from websites that specialize in the buying and selling of business opportunities. The sites work as a photography business brokerage and connect buyers and sellers together so they can hammer out the details of their transaction.

I recommend: Sell your company with help from Business Nation or GlobalBX.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out whether photography franchises are regulated by your state government.
• •  Hire a certified public accountant to investigate the financial history of any business you are interested in, explain all the expenses that would be involved and help you understand your earning potential over time.
• •  Consider hiring a photography business broker who will help you locate and purchase a photographic business in any state.