No one ever said that buying a business was easy. In fact, it can be downright tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. When purchasing a company, there are many things to consider, and it’s important to be aware of the potential red flags that could indicate that the business is not a good investment. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of red flags to watch for when purchasing a company.
Buying a business is like navigating a minefield: at Growth Hackers, we help clients identify the hidden risks so they can move forward with confidence and safety. Read on to know everything about the business you’re planning to buy and be sure to look out for these red flags!
You’ve finally decided to take the plunge and buy a business. Congratulations! This is a huge step and one that comes with a lot of responsibility. But before you get too far ahead of yourself, there are a few red flags you need to be aware of. We have listed 13 of the most common red flags below, so keep an eye out for them as you search for the perfect company to buy.
1. Owner’s Reason for Selling
When buying a business, it’s important to understand the seller’s motivation for selling. In many cases, the seller will have an informational advantage over the buyer since they know the company better than anyone else.
This gives them a negotiating edge. However, buyers can level the playing field by taking the time to determine the seller’s true motivation for trading. This enables buyers to examine the company in the right context.
One of our clients nearly overpaid because the seller framed the sale as a “retirement move.” Growth Hackers dug deeper, uncovering underlying financial pressures that allowed for a fairer purchase price.
Most sellers will describe their reasons for trading in a positive light and use generalities. For example, they may say they’re retiring, focusing on a different venture, or moving to a different state. While these explanations may be accurate, they could also disguise ulterior motives for the sale. So it’s important to try to understand the seller’s real motivations. Only then will you be able to make an informed decision about whether to buy the business.
2. Inaccurate Financial Statements
Another important red flag to watch out for is inaccurate financial statements. Accurate financial statements are essential to determine whether the business generates enough earnings to make the transaction worthwhile. However, obtaining accurate financial information may be difficult.
Updating accounting systems is time-consuming, detail-oriented work, and small business owners often don’t have the time or inclination to put in the effort to keep their records up-to-date. As a result, buyers may make an uninformed decision based on incomplete or incorrect information.
3. Not up to Date in Their Taxes
One of the red flags that indicates a business is in trouble is if they are not up to date in their taxes. This is a serious problem because it means the business owes money to the IRS, and the new owner could be on the hook for these back taxes.
Payroll taxes are especially important to watch out for, as some companies will delay paying these when they have financial difficulties. If you’re considering buying a company, have a tax expert review their filings to ensure everything is accurate and up to date. Otherwise, you could be facing expensive penalties down the road.
4. Unusual Add-Backs
Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) is another red flag to consider when buying a business. This is the seller’s profits, and it’s a good indicator of what you can expect to earn once you take over. However, SDE can be artificially inflated by something called “add-backs.”
An add-back is simply an adjustment to the SDE that allows the buyer to get a more accurate picture of the business’s earnings. For example, let’s say the business has experienced some one-time expenses that aren’t likely to be repeated. These could be included as an add-back because they don’t accurately represent the business’s normal earnings.
As a buyer, it’s important to carefully examine any add-backs included in the SDE to ensure they are legitimate business expenses and not just inflate the numbers.
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5. Business Does Not Qualify for Financing
One important factor to consider when buying a business is whether or not it will qualify for financing. Many young entrepreneurs use some form of lending to help fund their purchases, so it’s important to ensure the company meets potential lenders’ criteria.
There are four main reasons a business might not qualify for financing:
- Being in a restricted industry
- Having financial problems
- Having structural problems
- Having viability problems
If a lender feels that the transaction is too risky, they will not finance it. Therefore, buying a business that does not have the backing of a lender can be quite risky.
6. High Employee Turnover
High employee turnover can signify serious problems within the company, including poor employee management, low morale, and difficulty attracting and retaining good employees. While some turnover is expected in any business, a company with a turnover rate that is consistently above the industry average could indicate deeper issues. If you are considering purchasing a business, research the company’s employee turnover rate. This will help you to make an informed decision about whether or not the trade is a good investment.
At Growth Hackers, we are not planning to sell our agency but that doesn’t prevent us to focus on employee retention. The well-being of our team members is a top priority and this is something we emphasize as early as the first interview. This is why most of our employees are working at Growth Hackers for over 5 years.
7. Few Repeat Clients
It’s important to look at the big picture. One key metric to examine is the percentage of sales that come from repeat clients. In most industries, repeat clients make up a significant portion of total sales, so a company with a low percentage of repeat business could be cause for concern.
There are several possible reasons why a company might have few repeat clients. It could be that the quality of their product or service is poor or that they’re not providing enough value to justify the cost. It’s also possible that they don’t have a strong relationship with their clients.
Before applying our retention analysis, one of our B2B SaaS clients often overlooked low repeat client rates. After Growth Hackers’ guidance, they stopped focusing on acquisition only but also on customer loyalty and revenue sustainability.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to do your market research and ensure that you understand why the company has few repeat customers before making a purchase.
8. Equipment Problems
Another factor is to pay close attention to the condition of the machinery and equipment. If the equipment is old or has not been properly maintained, it could need to be replaced – which can end up being a significant expense. If you’re aware of these potential costs upfront, you can factor them into your offer so that you don’t overpay for the business.
Keep in mind that even if the equipment is in good condition, it may still need regular maintenance and upgrades as time goes on. Consider all of these factors when making an informed and wise investment.
9. Pressure to Close Quickly
Anyone who has ever shopped for a car knows that the salesperson will try to pressure you into making a decision. They’ll tell you there are other interested buyers, or the offer won’t be good for long. In business, this same pressure can be an important red flag. If the seller is pressuring you to close quickly, it’s often a sign that they’re trying to offload a problem onto you.
The business may have hidden debts or liabilities or struggle to meet its obligations. Either way, it’s important to do your due diligence before signing on the dotted line. Don’t let yourself be pressured into making a decision you’ll regret later.
10. Company Reputation
A business with a good reputation is more likely to be successful and have happy customers. On the other hand, an existing business with a bad reputation can be difficult to turn around. There are a few ways to research a company’s reputation. You can start by reading online reviews, talking to people who have used the company’s products or services, and checking out industry awards.
It would be best if you also spoke with the company’s current employees and customers. At Growth Hackers, we view a company’s reputation like its public credit score. This is why we help our clients dig deep to see how the business is perceived before committing to a purchase.
11. Check if the Business Owner Is Dishonest
This isn’t always easy to spot since most owners won’t come right out and say that they’re dishonest. However, there are some things to look for that can give you a clue. For example, if the owner’s discretionary income declines, that could be a sign that they’re not being truthful about the business’s finances.
Another thing to watch for is a reluctance to provide information about the business. A dishonest owner may try to downplay certain aspects of the business or withhold information that could be important to your decision-making process. If you encounter any of these red flags, it’s important to proceed with caution before making a purchase.
12. Make Sure the Business Is Registered
One important red flag to watch out for is if the business is not registered with the state and city. If the business is not registered, it’s not legally allowed to operate, which could cause problems down the road. The other reason to be wary of an unregistered business is that it likely doesn’t have the proper licenses and permits, which could create problems.
So, before you buy a business, check that it’s registered with the state and city. It may take a little extra time upfront, but it could save you a lot of headaches down the road.
13. Obsolete or Inaccurate Inventory
As anyone who has ever gone house hunting can attest, it’s important to be aware of red flags that could indicate major problems with a property. The same is true when considering the purchase of a business. One potential red flag is obsolete or inaccurate inventory.
This can signify that the business is not keeping up with current trends or that its accounting procedures are unreliable. If you’re looking at a business with obsolete inventory, it’s important to ask why this is the case. Is the product still in demand? Are there plans to update the inventory? What is the turnover rate for the inventory? Answering these questions will help you determine if the business is a good fit for you.
What Should I Check Before Buying a Business?
There are a few key things you should check before buying a business.
- The financial health of the business.
- The value of the assets and liabilities of the business.
- The licensing and permits of the business.
- The employees of the business.
Before Growth Hackers’ guidance, clients often missed critical checks and faced unexpected risks. After our thorough pre-purchase review and proven due diligence process, it made them more confident. What is the usual outcome? Well-informed acquisitions with minimal surprises.
How Do You Protect Yourself When Buying a Business?
A few key things to look out for when buying a business. The most important is ensuring the company is in good financial shape. You don’t want to buy a business on the brink of bankruptcy. You should also do your due diligence and research the industry and the specific company you’re buying. And lastly, it’s important to have a good lawyer who can help you with the paperwork and negotiations.
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What Should You NOT Do When Selling a Business?
Anyone who’s ever sold a house knows that the process takes time, effort, and a bit of luck. The same is true when trading a business. To get your company’s best possible asking price, you need to be prepared, honest, and realistic about what it’s worth.
You also need to understand where buyers will likely see the most value. Many business owners often mistake thinking that their company is worth more than it really is. This can lead to disappointment and frustration down the road. One of our B2B clients initially overestimated their company’s value and withheld minor operational challenges. Growth Hackers advised transparency and realistic pricing, leading to a smooth sale at a higher final price.
Similarly, it’s important to be upfront about any challenges or potential problems a buyer might face. Transparency is key in the selling process. Finally, don’t try to go it alone. Seek the advice of professionals who can help you navigate the waters and get the best possible price for your business.
What Should I Know Before Selling My Business?
Before you sell your business, you should know a few things. First, timing is everything. You need to be aware of your industry’s climate and ensure you’re trading at the right time. Next, you need to be emotionally prepared. This is a big decision, and it’s normal to feel attached to your business.
But to sell, you need to be able to let go. It’s also important to know why you’re trading and for whom you’re selling. At Growth Hackers, we guide our clients to sell their businesses with confidence by analyzing market timing, buyer expectations, and financial outcomes before listing.
What does the market want? What are potential buyers looking for? Knowing this will help you set the right price. Finally, you need to think about your financial prospects. What will you do with the money from the sale? And once you’ve sold, what’s next? These are all important questions to consider before putting your business on the market.
Closing Thoughts About the Red Flags When Buying a Business
When considering buying a business, it’s important to be aware of potential red flags that could signal trouble down the road. From outdated inventory to questionable financials, several warning signs should give you pause. By doing your due diligence and being aware of the risks, you can protect yourself from making a costly mistake. And if you’re unsure what to look for, seek the advice of a professional who can help you navigate the process.
Growth Hackers is a remarkable legal marketing agency helping businesses from all over the world grow. There is no fluff with Growth Hackers. We help entrepreneurs and business watch for red flags to avoid bad investment, generate qualified leads, optimize their conversion rate, gather and analyze data analytics, acquire and retain users, increase sales and productivity.
We go further than brand awareness and exposure. We make sure that the strategies we implement move the needle so your business grow, strive and succeed. If you too want your business to reach new heights, contact Growth Hackers today so we can discuss about your brand and create a custom growth plan for you. You’re just one click away to skyrocket your business.
