How to Sell a Gas Station

Making the decision to sell a business is never easy, as there are many complicated factors to consider before actually listing your business for sale. Selling a gas station business is no exception. Fortunately, the experts at Sunbelt Business Brokers have compiled a list of steps and considerations for those trying to sell a gas station business.

First Steps to Prepare a Gas Station for Sale

When preparing to put your gas station on the market, there are several steps you should take to ensure the listing and sale process go smoothly. Consider Sunbelt’s recommended first steps to preparing your gas station for sale.

1.) Compile all your business records and reports

The first step to selling your gas station is getting all of the financial and business documents in order. Gather all your profit and loss statements, balance sheets, annual reports, and sales and inventory reports from the last three years. It is also a good idea to put together a comprehensive list with contact information of all the vendors, gas suppliers, maintenance companies, and other businesses you utilize to keep your gas station operational.

2.) Value Your Gasoline Station

After you compile all your financial and business records, it is time to evaluate your business to find out what price you should put on it. Valuation can be a bit of an in-depth process, so we’ve put together a quick guide for you below.

How to Value a Gas Station

Valuing a business is a complicated process that requires the help of an industry professional. Valuations are heavily dependent on factors such as location, equipment, assets, competitors, and more. To begin the process of valuing a gas station, business owners should always consult with a business broker for a broker’s opinion of value (BOV) and a most probable sales price (MPSP).

Several items a business broker might consider when calculating the value of a gas station include:

• Location of fuel station
• Traffic patterns around gas station
• Quality and upkeep of facility
• Number of gasoline pumps
• Special features (i.e.: convenience store, car wash, etc.)
• Branded station vs. unbranded station

All of the above elements may increase the value of a gas station and make a station exponentially more attractive to buyers.

How to List Your Gas Station for Sale

Listing your business with a professional business broker is always the best way to sell a business. When you enlist the help of a business broker to sell your gas station, you can expect him or her to market your gas station, find potential buyers, arrange meetings, and eventually lead you through the negotiation and closing process. Additionally, listing your gas station with a broker means access to an extensive network of interested buyers in your area and fantastic marketing resources.

If you’re in need of help listing a gas station for sale, contact the professionals at your local Sunbelt Business Brokers office today. Our brokers have industry knowledge and an understanding of your local marketplace, making them a fantastic resource for both buyers and sellers.