shutterbug64 Loc: Colorado

I have a photography business in Colorado for the past 45 + years. I do a great business in doing sports team photos and individuals, plus families, seniors, etc. I am about ready to retire. Any one know where to advertise for potential buyers? I have built the sports part of the business for the last 40 years and just hate to let it go to just whomever. Its a niche that's hard to break into. Just the sports is about a $80,000 business, not counting any portrait business that I can handle. It's been a fun ride, I mean when you can make a living at what your love to do, it's the best of all worlds. I'm 72 and this old body is starting to say it's time to slow down.

Any ideas, let me know.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I would suggest the PPA web site, if they have ads.

Bill_de Loc: US

https://www.bizquest.com/photography-businesses-for-sale-in-colorado/

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E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

P.P.of A Publications and the Rangefinder Magazine are probably your best adverting venues to help sell a photography business. The readership of theses magazines are mostly in the service and retail sectors of the business. Be sure to include you business figures, and a list of equipment and assets that will be included in the sale. Also include any informant regarding you business location, any leases, rents or properties that are significant. Potential buyers will be interested in potential future business so explain the market situation as to the number of amateur sports teams, clubs and perhaps dance and gymnastic associations that are operating in your town.

Recently, a friend of mine closed his sports photography business. He was able to successfully sell his premises, a business park condo location, and his shooting and lab gear, but somehow he was unable to sell the business itself. I don't think the perspective buyers were aware of the business's potential. Perhaps they though the business would not operate well without the original owner.

There is also an organization of sports photograhers, the folks who specialize in team pictures and all the related merchandising. I don't know the exact name of that group but I understand they hold an annual conventions and trade shows and the may have a publications- it may be worth the research to find out if there is any potential for your advertising.

Good luck and best wishes for a successful sale and a happy and healthy retirement.

shutterbug64 Loc: Colorado

Thank you, Good info.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Are you the owner and do you have employees?

shutterbug64 Loc: Colorado

Yes I am the owner and no I do not have any employees.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

It's nice to hear from someone who has been successful in photography for so long. Enjoy your retirement.

Dik

Selling a one man business is tough.

What would be the net profit from last year's work, if you deduct reasonable salary taxes and benefits for someone to replace yourself?

How much do your existing contracts depend on the personal relationship you have with the clients?

Best way to get income from your biz might be to take on a younger associate who is willing to repeat your style of work and take equity as part of a salary / commission / equity acquisition package.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Happy, Happy Retirement.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Have you been in contact with commercial agencies that sell businesses?

mgoldfield

You call it a business, but in reality you really sell your talent much like an actor or a musical performer.
Your success is based upon your ability as a photographer; something that can't be sold.

So you really don't have a "business" to sell, although some or all your equipment could certainly be sold.

Congratulations on your retirement!

M. Goldfield

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

I would have to respectfully disagree with you. I certainly do think he has a business to sell. According to the OP, "...I have built the sports part of the business for the last 40 years..." Do you think another person can just walk in off the street and get this business that he built up over the last 40 years? He has 40 years of relationships, contacts and maybe even contracts with these teams. I certainly do think he has something to sell.

Just my .02 worth.

Bill_de Loc: US

Good will has $$$ value.

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WillieWisconsin

Contact the local territory office in your area of Lifetouch National School Studios to see if they would be interested in acquiring your business; they were just recently purchased by Shutterfly. They are a nationwide school picture company that are doing the same type of work that you’re describing, plus much, much more. They’ve been in business for over 80 years and have accounts with almost 70% of the school districts across the country to do all kinds of imagery for the schools, including their sports teams and individuals. They grow by acquiring existing businesses, so I’m thinking they would be interested in what you have to offer.