It’s hard to believe that we are about to hit the home stretch of 2025. For convenience services operators, this is a good time to explore the question that I am asked several times each year: “Is this a good time for me to sell my business?” Of course, there is no cookie cutter answer, but there are some very individual, often quite personal and usually timing related answers to consider.
One thing about the industry that is a plus for sellers right now – vending is hot, especially on social media. The public perception of convenience services is extremely positive. Gone are the days when vending machines were a sit-com joke because a bag of chips got hung up on a spiral. The vending and micro market industry is experiencing a positive and obvious shift, fueled by technology and a move toward modern, personalized experiences. The explosive growth of micro markets has sent revenue levels skyrocketing.
What is making the industry more popular than ever?
· High-tech solutions, like smart coolers and smart markets, using AI, weight sensors, or both.
· Expansion into new markets – residential and hospitality.
· Improved pricing structures – operators are charging more for this ultimate convenience.
· Better food and beverage selections than ever before.
· Vending and micro markets are a good fit for millennials and Gen Z – always on the go.
· Return to office means more mouths to feed and more revenue.
· Coffee machines are cooler than ever – plus cold brew – so much excitement in OCS.
Momentum is positive – the industry is clearly attractive to buyers. Back to the basic question - “Is this a good time to sell my business?” Here are some reliable indicators and factors to consider.
It is a good time to sell your business if:
Business is good and you are profitable – That is exactly what buyers want – a successful operation. If you work with VBB Advisors, we will invest the time and energy to help your numbers look even better. It might take three months, six months or even a full year, but we can show you the case studies that prove the value of a careful approach – of positioning– of optimizing your company’s performance before you put it on the market.
Someone is actively interested in buying your business – That is great news. The thought of selling probably has you dreaming about your next chapter – on a beach, on a golf course or traveling the world. Not so fast! When you work with VBB Advisors, you can expect multiple offers. For a seller – nothing beats multiple, hungry buyers.
You feel like the industry has changed and you are not comfortable with it – This happens all the time and it is important to recognize it. Maybe technology is getting hard to keep up with and you do not have the resources to hire support staff. Maybe the digital approach to marketing – critically important today – gives you no joy. Maybe you miss the fact that vending and other associated channels are no longer a cash business. Whatever the reason, if you aren’t getting the same thrill you used to feel (or having any fun at all) it may be a good time to sell. VBB Advisors knows plenty of buyers who would be thrilled to buy your business.
Retirement is getting closer and closer, and you want to retire, but you have no plan for succession – At VBB Advisors, we occasionally see a situation where an operator becomes ill or even passes away unexpectedly, leaving their company in the hands of a spouse or grown children who want nothing to do with the business. Not the best planning and typically, not the ideal outcome. This is becoming a potentially realistic scenario for many baby boomer operators who have no succession plan in place.
If retirement is starting to sound like a good idea – most say it is a real pleasure - no more service calls, no more complaints about fresh food quality, no more questions like - why are these bananas now black? - then let’s have a conversation about how to execute a smooth sale that maximizes the value of your business. If retirement is out of the question, let’s talk about steps you can take to ensure a successful sale of your business, even if you are not around to see it happen. The goal is to retain the value of your business and provide financial security for your family in any scenario.
Are you ready to take that critical first step? That is often the toughest one to take.
Order my free 2025 Exit Strategy Planner. At the very least, it will provoke some thought, and this is a good time to think about your future.
Whatever your reasons are to sell your company - the timing, a sense of frustration, the desire to enjoy life or an interest in rewarding yourself for years of hard work – VBB Advisors can help you realize your goals.
I am Mike Kelner, the leading sell side intermediary in the convenience services industry. Let’s sit down and have a conversation. Use this appointment scheduler to set up a meeting with me.
Or – give me a call at 704-942-4621
