Entrepreneurs who are interested in the travel industry and wish to buy travel business locations will have several big decisions to make, such as their desired location for the company, the amount of capital to invest and whether to buy a franchise or a privately owned business. A person or group that is considering the purchase of a travel-related business should first find out how much competition is in their desired area. Having a successful competitor nearby can be bad for your business.

For those who wish to sell, travel business operations may be listed online. Utilize a website that lists businesses for sale to create your own offering.

Before making a purchase, travel business investors must be wiling to put in a lot of time, money and effort. It is important to make sure the business you are interested in is right for you. There are major factors to consider:

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

2. Whether a franchised travel business for sale has a known and respected name or brand;

3. How many employees must be hired and trained;

4. If you need the services of a travel business broker.

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

Purchase from a franchisor that provides travel business sales

Investing in a franchise offers several benefits over starting up your own new travel-related company. An existing business will have an established name, a tested business plan that has been proven to work and ongoing support from the franchisor. The company that developed the franchise has already put in the time and hard work to start up the business and you will be able benefit from all of their work.

I recommend: CruiseOne offers a cruise line franchise. Open a car rental business with Dollar Rent A Car. Start a travel agency franchise with Travel Lines Express. Own an aircraft business that provides passenger flights with Skyline Aircraft Services.

Buy a travel business opportunity that is privately owned

You can also locate an independent travel business for sale in any state you prefer by searching online. Peruse the listings to find a business that you are interested in purchasing and operating in almost any city within the United States.

I recommend: Purchase a shuttle service company through BusinessBroker. Invest in a travel agency from Business Nation.

Hire a business broker that has experience with travel business sales

A business broker will guide you through the process of purchasing a travel business from start to finish. Look to it for guidance, financial consulting and business valuation services. It will also assist you with any due diligence procedures and all the other details that must be handled when you are taking over an existing business.

I recommend: Receive brokerage advice from Bridge Brokers or BIR Business Brokers.

Complete travel business sales online

People who run their own travel based company may decide to unload the operation for a variety of reasons. Whether you are interested in selling your company in order to retire, move to another state or to change vocations, you can locate a buyer for your company online. There are websites that will act as a travel business brokerage and aid you in pinpointing an individual who is eager to purchase your establishment.

I recommend: Sell your business online through BizQuest or BizBuySell.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact the Better Business Bureau for important data and information about the travel business for sale that you are interested in.
• •  Find out whether travel franchises are regulated by your state government, and if so, in what ways.
• •  Hire a certified public accountant to investigate the financial history and background of any company you would like to purchase. Have the CPA tally up the expenses that you will face on a regular basis and help you to understand your potential earning ability.