How to sell my service business as a business/franchise opportunity in different locations?

**nlynn** · 01-23-2012 04:34 PM

Hello,

I am new to this site. I own an established cleaning business and am finally ready to take it to the next level. I want to sell my business like a franchise without the ongoing fees; from my research it would be considered a "business opportunity."

Is anyone familiar with selling their established business as a "business opportunity" and know all the steps I need to take to legally do this?

Here is an example of a carpet cleaning business opportunity cleanpro. com/carpetcleaningoppo rtunity.php that is similar to what I would like to do for my cleaning company.

I want to be able to sell my business to entrepreneurs in other locations for a one time fee. They will get all the necessary supplies to start, a website for their area, support and the right to use my business logo and branding.

One of the articles I read was entrepreneur.com/ article/18121.

I need a checklist on everything I need to have set before I can start marketing this business opportunity and selling it.

Please help!

**entrepreneur640** · 01-23-2012 06:01 PM

Wish I could help you but am not quite to this stage yet. However, I was wondering why you would want to sell this as a business opportunity? Why not franchise? Just a question. I'm not sure why you wouldn't want to incorporate and draw royalties. I'm not too familiar with the whole "business opportunity" but I would think that you have no recourse for people whom operate poorly and tarnish your name. With a franchise you at least have the authority to terminate a franchise agreement if certain rules are not followed. Just some food for thought. Good luck!

**GotLiveChat** · 01-24-2012 02:58 PM

Do you advertise nationally? I thought one of the benefits of buying a franchise was that the purchaser was also buying (part of) a easily recognizable brand.

**Paul Morgan** · 01-25-2012 06:43 AM

Franchising is not that easy. With the "business opportunity" you could start by advertising for and finding a partner for each new venture. You have the idea, concept, methodology and he or she has the money. You could then have a shareholders' agreement in place that includes an clause that over time they can buy out your portion but still pay you a small fee or percentage going forward. be creative!