What questions should I ask a business owner if I would like to buy his/her business?
961500
Hopefully the business that you are considering has had financial audits performed on a regular basis.  If so, ask for copies of the last three years of audited financial statements.  Your investors may want audited FS.  Unless you are an accountant with experience in this field you will need to have someone do the projections for you.  The owner may require you to sign some type of confidentially agreement - run this by a lawyer.  Assuming that you can come to an agreement on the confidentiality statement (if the owner even requires one) then take what you have to a CPA with at least 5 to 10 years of experience and have that person "run the numbers" for you.\n\nIf the business does not have audited financial statements, then the next best thing are FS that have been reviewed.  If not that then you will have to settle for compiled FS.  It is just my opinion but I doubt any investors will settle for compiled FS; if you are lucky you may be able to get by with reviewed FS.  The CPA will be (sure as heck should be, if not find someone else ASAP) able to explain the difference between FS that have been audited, reviewed or compiled.  This is serious business.  Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish.  The investors could conceivably take legal action against you if you do this incorrectly.  Good luck.
465114
HI.  I think you're off to a great start so far!  You'd be surprised as to how many people don't ask themselves and each other those same questions before starting a partnership/business.  What you have to do is take those questions and form a business plan that answers all of them and any more you come up with along the way.  A business plan will help you decide how you will split money, costs, responsibilities, and so much more.  I often tell people who want to start their own business that a business plan is great to have, but the best part is in creating one.  During that creation process you and your partners will "forecast" your needs and expectations which will act as a valuable guide down the line.  This way, you have your plan in writing and there is less of a chance for a "he said/ she said" type of conflict typical of a business where everyone just jumped in without anyone knowing what belongs to who or who does what.  \nTo answer your question more directly, you and your friend decide how it all works.  You can go 50-50, for example.  Or you can go 25-75 too.  It all depends on how much risk you want to both share or not share for that matter.  Obviously, if you put in 75% of the money for everyday costs, I would expect you'd want 75% of the profits.  However, it doesn't always have to be that way.  You can put in 75% (for example) of the startup costs but decide to split the profits 50-50.  Another consideration is a "buy-out" clause.  Should one of you decide that you no longer want to be part of the business, the other should have the option to buy out his or her partner.  It's all up to you and your partner.  Just make sure to put it in writing (in a contract, formal or informal), signed by all parties involved, and a couple of witnesses.  Include your full names, the dates, and your business plan.  This will not only help keep track of everyone's job descriptions, but will protect you and your partner in the long run.    \nGood luck and I wish you success!
1007905
You can do a title search.  More than likely, that will only get you a business name.  If you are looking for the name of the actual owners, hire a private investigator.
540979
I am an agent with GoSmallbiz and we have service plans for affordable legal services, consultation and other business consultation for small businesses.  I am sure your questions can be answered and more assistance is available if your business is in a state or province which is covered.  Visit my website for details and to sign up and get your questions answered.  Http://www.prepaidlegal.com/biz/greend94\n\nEmail me if you have any questions or concerns.
629690
Start by gathering as much information as possible.  What are the start-up costs, yearly sales potential, number of employees needed, what kind of space do you need.  You can go to the Small Business Administration's web site www.sba.gov to find sources for this information.\n\nManaging a corporate store and owning your own are very different.  Your sales skills and product knowledge are a big plus, but you will be responsible for payroll, payables, banking relationships etc.  \n\nThe SBA can direct you to a SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives)office.  SCORE members have a wealth of knowledge at no charge.
217157
is there a particular type of business you're inquiring about ? each one has it own subsets of issues.
461520
Firstly, where are you located for this venture?\n\nWhat's the demographic of your area?\n\nI owned my own agency a few years ago but rules and regulations are tricky.  So post where your located and I can tell you more.
409633
Go around to all the fisbo in your town and ask them if you could bring them a buyer that would net them the same, could you list their house. Call all the landlords that are advertising apartments for rent in the newspaper and ask them if they would be willing to cash in on all the hard work they have done on their property. Personal observation will be your number one source of leads.
1132807
Start with a bit of a glowing report of what a great business you have, then go into appealing to the softer side of the human spirit and ask very politley if any equipment is available and would they please donate it to your very up and coming business.  If you are just starting your own business make sure to included that in the letter, especially if you are on your own.
1163064
buy boards,rent building.contact the brands that you would like to sell.?
147742
Personally, I would get a lawyer involved in a sale by owner transaction. Are there disclosures you should be, but are not revealing. The attorney will make sure you are covered.
307019
I recently retired from the real estate business in Central Florida after 27 years. For the past two years I have been offering free business mentoring services to young entrepreneurs. I can offer a variety of small business ideas depending on your personal interest and abilities. I will also make myself available for consultations by email or phone. I do not charge for these services.\n\nI must tell you that it is very difficult to get any (legal) business into a positive cash flow position that would be equivalent to your full time job. Most businesses take at least a few months to a year or more to start generating that kind of income. Can you afford to wait?\n\nIf you want to know more, please feel free to write to Bruce at boatclub@go.com . I will you help if I can.
526888
Ask somebody in the business.  They'll probably give you one.  Remember they want your future business.
1178692
consider all options. don't play safe\nsetting up a business is a huge responsibility\n\nTo look into\n\n1. Business plan\n2. Business marketing plan\n3. Financial plan / Start-up loan\n\nHave you checked to make sure your business name is available?; Have you registered your business?; Have you checked and registered your trademark?; Do you need a business licence?;Have you got insurance?;Do you have a business account?; Do you have an accountant?; Have you created a budget?; Can you get to the phone and electrical sockets easily?; Will your furniture fit in the space?; Do you have sufficient light and ventilation?; What is the temperature like in the office?; Do you have enough storage?; Have you all the equipment that you need?; Computers, telephone, fax machine, printer, scanner, etc...?\n\nWould you invest in all that or would you for an alternative like say, a virtual office?
456781
Please don't go the "cheesy" route; IE: DITECH\n\n   Your business depends on a client base that is in need of housing certainly, but more important than that perhaps is,,, how active is the "Market" in your area?\n\n   Have you linked up/networked with any well established, possibly return customer, Realtors?\n\n   I enjoy investing in Real Estate, and/or at least constantly shopping it and any options for buying. I don't know the lattitudes you are able to offer as a Mortgage Broker however. Do you own the business? Is it already a well established business? Is it in a decent location?\n\n   Again, I don't know your allowable range of options within the framework of the business, but you might look into offering as many options to buyers as exist,,, IE: SHIP, etc. It may also serve you to offer a customer a referral to another type of lender once in awhile, depending on your ability to loan to them, or their abilities to get a loan.\n\n   Certainly you can do balloons and flyers, radio spots, TV, change the "CURB APPEAL" of your office, change the signing, advertise more extensively in the Yellow pages, hire some clown in a themed suit to stand outside,,,NOT,,,LOL.\n\n   Networking with other brokers and especially with Realtors, who in turn might recommend you to prospectives, might be the better way to go.\n\n   There is no fear that I can see, that the market is going to fall apart anytime soon,,,even with over escalation of prices,,,and no matter that, there isn't anymore land,,, per say.\n\nRev. Steven
422279
First you would have to apply for a business license, before that though you should make sure to really research your items that you sell...or that your rental space will allow you to make a profit.  Its a good idea to make contacts with your suppliers now, that way you can see if its profitable business or something that will stress you out and barely keeping your head above water.
651301
Is this a business question??