How to Attract the Right Buyer for an Existing Unit

• Financially Qualified – Meets minimum liquidity and net worth requirements.
• Operational Fit – Skills, experience, and willingness to follow the franchise system.
• Values Alignment – Shares the franchisor’s brand vision and customer service standards.

Unlike starting new, an established franchise resale offers:

• Proven Track Record – Existing revenue, customers, and staff.
• Reduced Ramp-Up Risk – Buyer can step into a running operation.
• Location Advantage – Prime territory already secured.
• Brand Recognition – Built-in reputation and community presence.

• Provide clean financial statements, P&L, and cash flow history.
• Transparency builds trust and attracts serious buyers.
• Show growth opportunities (e.g., underutilized marketing, menu expansion, community engagement).

• Importance of Confidentiality – Employ marketing strategies while maintaining confidentiality so that the buyer is not able to identify the business until an NDA is signed
• Internal Network – First, promote to existing franchisees (they know the system and may want to expand).
• Externally – Business Resale Sites, Franchise Broker Networks, Paid Online Advertising
• Local Outreach – Business Associations, Chambers of Commerce, LinkedIn Groups

Have a franchise resale packet ready with:

• Overview of the business
• Financial performance
• Demographics of the area
• Growth opportunities
• Make it easy for buyers to see value quickly.

• Use franchisor’s approval process to vet buyers.
• Ensure they meet both financial and operational requirements.
• Look beyond just money — culture fit is key to long-term success.

• Franchise Transitions – Save time and increase your chances of selling the business for top dollar
• Attorney & Accountant – Protect both seller and buyer in negotiations and deal structure
• Franchisor – Work closely with Franchisor to ensure a smooth transfer and onboarding of new owner