9 replies to this topic

[ben]

Hi. I am contemplating selling my distributorship. Any ideas of how to go about it? Is Proforma a good choice?

Ben

[gil levitch]

ben said:

Hi. I am contemplating selling my distributorship. Any ideas of how to go about it? Is Proforma a good choice?

Ben

I don't think that Proforma buys distributors. They are a franchise company.You sell for them under a franchise agreement but it still maintain your name.

If you are still thinking about staying in the industry, without the hassle of all the paperwork, etc, you might take a look at Kaeser-Blair. If you want to call me or write me I will be happy to explain thier operation.

If you want to put a price on your company I suggest you contack an accountant to see what it is worth.

Good Luck!

[cmroma]

Proforma does not exactly BUY other Distributors, but they will market your Distributorship to their franchises and find you a franchise that is interested in buying.
They will also work with you through the entire thing.

Although I have not bought another Distributor this way, I have heard that the Cleveland office is VERY helpful with this (and easy to work with).

Craig

[bdail]

We have bought about 4 distributorships - unfortunately these business don't have alot of value if the principal doesn't stay with the new owner for at least 3- months to introduce them to the clients.

Basically, our agreement in most cases was that we would pay a comission for a certain period of time -in most cases 12 months, but in one instance 18 months.

A word of caution tho, for both sides, get everything in writing. It's well worth the attorney's fees. We did have trouble - just once, where the seller, decided to come back in the industry and went about contacting the old clients. Not nice, and we almost took him to court over it.

Good luck

Barbara

[realbutta]

Ben,

We recently sold at the beginning of the year. It has been a great transition. They are still looking for other distributors to purchase if it fits within their focus. We just helped a friendly local competitor sell theirs during the summer. We did lots of research and had several offers. Shoot me an email if you would like to discuss.

Brian Beam
brianbeam@thepopshop.com

[TElder]

we have visited with ProForma in the past.

They want you to stay.

Not sure if that is what you had in mind.

[cmroma]

Not true....
If you have an interest in joining Proforma as a franchise, they would want you to stay on board.
But if you are looking to sell your company, they will put you in contact with one of the local Proforma franchises and help put together a deal that is good for everyone.
In this scenario, Proforma corporate would not be buying your company...the individual franchise would be the buyer (all franchises are independently owned).

[bytesngrins]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I too am giving thought to retiring and selling my Distributorship/Online Gifts. After 20 years and health concerns I am hoping to find someone creative and energetic who can take on my really fun enterprise.

If I am posting this incorrectly please let me know.

Thanks,
Joan :)

http://teachergifts.us
http://geekgifts.us
http://bytesngrins.com

[jshine]

Hi Ben and Joan,

We would love to speak with you regarding selling your business. Many of our franchise owners successfully purchase businesses and grow them. If you haven't spoken to anyone at Proforma, let me know.

Jaime Shine
800.825.1525 x3011
jshine@proforma.com

[osbornjr]

Hello All,
We are an experienced sales staff, graphic designers, and tshirt printers. We have started a business as a Promotional Product Distributor and we are looking for new clients. If you are wanting to retire or just get out of the business, we are willing to negotiate great sales with the exchange of your clients. Please contact us if you are interested.
info@omspromos.com