Selling, Buying Used Restaurant Equipment Tips: When Selling Or Buying A Restaurant

Comments & Replies: 2 Views: 4536 Posted By: Joe Ranieri

Contributor: Joe Ranieri, Business Broker: LA, Orange County Areas

The restaurant business is a tough business to be in, no one can dispute that, and so it's imperative that an owner's equipment is in good working condition.

A new owner should make sure that the restaurant's equipment is in good working order before they close escrow, because after escrow is closed, dilapidated equipment and costly repairs will come out of their pocket.

A new owner may take possession of the business and later decide to do upgrades to their equipment.

Tips For Selling:

1. Have equipment manuals and warranties (if applicable).

2. Clean the equipment, remove grime and grease as best as possible.

3. Call a restaurant equipment dealer, and especially inquire about their shipping fees.

4. Consider selling it yourself, possibly on craigslist, an ad in a restaurant equipment magazine, putting an ad on a bulletin board at a restaurant supply store.

5. Be realistic about pricing, because restaurants are constantly changing hands or going out of business, and so there could be a lot of equipment on the market at any given time.

Tips For Buying:

1. Contact a local restaurant equipment dealer.

2. Make sure that the equipment is in good working condition before buying.

3. Inquire with the health department to make sure that model of equipment has not recently been flagged and will be okay to put in your store.

4. Receive equipment, if from a dealer, that has at least some limited warranty, like 60-90 days.

Contributor: Shalonda Chappel, Escrow Services

This is very true. I had an escrow close and the Seller owned the business for over 20 years. When he purchases the business there were no requirements of having a grease trap in the kitchen and the burners on the commercial stove did not work . The New Buyer has to install and repair, prior to getting a health permit. This delayed the escrow closing for about 3 month. Due to the unexpected expense.

Helpful Resources To Assist In Selling And Buying California Businesses

Shalonda Chappel: Escrow & Bulk Sale Services - Southern California

Escrow services to brokers/agents, sellers, & buyers. Established 43 years. Extraordinary service. Experienced with handling difficult transactions. One stop for all your escrow needs: Bulk sales, lien searches, UCC searches, liquor license transfers, publishing & recording services. 951-808-3972.

William F. Ziprick, Attorney: Legal Services For Buyers And Sellers

Through creative problem solving, attention to detail, accessibility, & understanding that unnecessary delay is often a deal killer, I work closely with my clients and other professionals to consistently achieve a high rate of successful closings. Office: 909-255-8353, Cell: 509-951-7230.

Diane Boudreau-Tschetter: Escrow & Bulk Sale Services - CA

California Business Escrow, Inc. is a full service independent escrow company serving all of California and has expertise in a wide range of escrows. Our team prides itself on providing an exceptional escrow experience. For more info phone Diane Boudreau-Tschetter at 888-383-3331 or 209-838-1100.

Willard Michlin, CPA, Certified Fraud Examiner, Due Diligence

Willard Michlin, CPA #106752, offers buyers step by step training & assistance in doing Due Diligence Services when they are thinking of making an offer, or are in process of investigating a business purchase. He helps to determine the actual net profit even when there is cash. Call 805-428-2063.

Helen Yoo, New Century Escrow - Escrow Services In Southern California

New Century Escrow, Inc. is a fully licensed & bonded independent escrow company. Over 20 years combined experience in handling bulk escrow transactions. Multi-lingual staff that speaks your language, including Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese. Call Helen Yoo direct at 626-890-1151.

Bob Baumgarten, Business Broker: Southern California

National Business Brokerage is a full service brokerage company that has been serving buyers and sellers of Southern California businesses since 1994. We are dedicated to providing the highest standards of professional service for our clients. Phone Bob direct at 949-292-2008.

Mike Hurrell, Broker: Laundry Specialist - Southern California

Providencia Properties Inc in association with Golden State Laundry Systems is a full service Coin Laundry Real Estate Broker. At GSLS you will receive personalized attention from our professional staff of coin laundry experts. To sell or buy a Southern CA laundromat call Mike at 310-223-2240 X209.

Joanne Weber, Broker: Preschool Specialist, Southern California

The Ryan Craig Company is in its 35th year as the recognized expert in Southern California, dealing exclusively in the sale of preschools, Montessori schools, day care centers, and private schools. Our extensive list of references speaks for itself. Phone Joanne at 818-760-3684 for more info.

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