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Considering buying a bookkeeping business in Australia? This guide will help uncover the pros and cons so you can decide if you are onto something great.    Bookkeeping is not just about numbers or ledgers; it's about the backbone of every successful business out there.     So, whether you're a numbers enthusiast or simply someone who loves the potential of the bookkeeping business model.   Join us as we delve deep into the pros and cons of buying a bookkeeping business.    By the end of our journey, you'll be equipped with insights to chart your next move confidently. Let the exploration begin!   What types of Bookkeeping businesses are there? Firstly, let’s be clear on what exactly a vending machine business is. We all know the vending machine that sells snacks but what other types of vending machines are out there:   1. Full-Service Bookkeeping: This model offers a comprehensive suite of accounting services beyond basic bookkeeping, like payroll, tax preparation, and financial analysis. Ideal for clients seeking a one-stop-shop for all their financial needs.   2. Outsourced Bookkeeping Services: Many businesses prefer not to handle bookkeeping in-house. If you offer outsourced services, you’ll act as an external consultant, providing expertise without the need for the client to have an on-site bookkeeper. You can often do this remotely so you can work from home.   3. Boutique Bookkeeping: Serving a particular demographic or business size? Specific sectors have unique financial quirks. Whether it's the bustling world of e-commerce or the intricacies of non-profits, there's room to niche down and become the go-to expert.   4. On-Site Bookkeeping: Some businesses require the physical presence of a bookkeeper. In this model, you’ll work closely with businesses on location, often part-time, managing their books and providing immediate assistance.   5. Franchised Bookkeeping If starting from scratch feels overwhelming, franchises come to the rescue. Benefit from brand power and a tried-and-tested operational blueprint.   Each option has pros and cons, that we will explore more in depth now. What are the advantages of buying a business in the Bookkeeping industry?   It's got some pretty awesome perks that you might find super appealing. Let's break them down, shall we?   1. Profit Potential: With often low overheads, especially for home-based or virtual models, the profit margins can be alluring.   2. Recurring Revenue Stream: Bookkeeping is not a one-off job. Businesses need monthly, quarterly, and annual services. This means steady cash flow.   3. Essential Service: No matter the economic climate, companies need their books in order. Your service isn't just useful; it's indispensable.   4. Scalable Model: Starting solo? That's fine. As demand grows, you can expand, hire more hands, and even branch into specialties.   6. Networking: Working with diverse businesses, from startups to established enterprises, allows you to build an extensive network. This can lead to referrals and collaborative opportunities.   7. Flexibility: Many bookkeeping models, especially virtual and home-based, allow for a work-life balance. Tailor your hours, choose your clients, and even decide your service offerings.   8. Tech Integration: Stay at the forefront of technology. Modern bookkeeping software and tools keep evolving, allowing you to offer cutting-edge services to clients. Imagine a venture with consistent demand, a clear growth path, and the satisfaction of offering a crucial service. That's bookkeeping for you!   What is the business really like from people that own one?   Chris Williams bought System Six, a bookkeeping business in the US with $1m EBITDA in 2021.   You can follow his journey as he reflects back a year later on how the journey has been.   The most interesting part is where Chris discusses how he feels about buying a business in the bookkeeping industry.   Patrick Dichter also bought an Bookkeeping business in the States.   He reflects on how he bought and grew his business 60% here.   What prices do Bookkeeping Machine businesses typically go for?   We currently have around 50 bookkeeping businesses listed for sale.   The smallest starts at around $20,000.   And the largest bookkeeping business currently for sale is for $1m.   You can view all the bookkeeping businesses currently for sale here: https://www.businessforsale.com.au/search?keywords=bookkeeping   So you found a Bookkeeping business that you like the look of. What questions should you ask?   So, you've got your eyes on a bookkeeping business. But how do you ensure it's the golden ticket? Let's find out.   1. Client Portfolio: Who are their current clients? Understanding the clientele can give insights into the business's reputation and specialisation.   2. Client Retention Rate: How many clients have stuck around long-term? A high retention rate indicates client satisfaction and consistent service quality.   3. Financial Health: Ask for financial statements. Are revenues growing, steady, or declining? What about trends for expenses and debts?   4. Software and Tools: What technology and software do they use? Is it up-to-date, or will you need to do a large meaningful upgrade?   5. Training and Transition: Will the current owner provide training? How smooth is the transition process for clients and employees?   6. Employee Retention: How long have the employees been with the business? A stable team can be a sign of good management and work culture. And are the team based in Australia or overseas.   7. Outstanding Liabilities: Any pending lawsuits or financial commitments? You'd want to know upfront.   8. Competitive Landscape: Who are the main competitors? What sets this business apart from them?   9. Recurring Contracts: Does the business have any long-term contracts in place? These can guarantee revenue for a set period.   10. Historical Data: Can they provide data on past audits, errors, or client disputes? This can give insights into the business's accuracy and reliability.   11. Pricing Model: How are their services priced? Is it hourly, monthly retainers, or a different model?   12. Growth Opportunities: Are there potential clients or markets the business hasn't tapped into yet?   13. Business Processes: Are there documented standard operating procedures (SOPs)? This can make the transition smoother. Equipped with these comprehensive questions, you'll be in a strong position to evaluate the worth and potential of the bookkeeping business in question.    Remember, the more you know, the better your decision-making will be.   Let’s find your perfect Bookkeeping business here.

Imagine having your own mini-store that's open 24/7 and doesn't even need a cashier.  Along with Laundromats, Vending Machine Businesses are often held up as the perfect example of a passive income business.   But how passive is the income of a vending machine business? And how profitable can they be?   Stick around, and we'll walk you through all the possible reasons you might want to snag one for yourself. What types of vending machine businesses are there? Firstly, let’s be clear on what exactly a vending machine business is. We all know the vending machine that sells snacks but what other types of vending machines are out there: Snack Vending: These are the most common types and offer a variety of soft drinks, waters, juices, and snacks like chips or chocolate. Hot Beverage Vending: These vending machines offer hot beverages like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Fresh Food Vending: These machines vend fresh sandwiches, salads, and even full meals. They require more frequent restocking and have higher spoilage risks. Frozen Food Vending: These vending machines offer frozen items like ice cream or frozen dinners that can be heated later. Gumball Vending: These are typically smaller machines that vend gumballs, sweets, or small toys. Health and Wellness Vending: These machines offer healthier food and drink options like protein bars, nuts, and mineral water. Newspaper and Magazine Vending: Although not as popular as they once were, these are machines where you can purchase newspapers or magazines. DVD/Blu-Ray Rental Vending: Machines that offer DVD and Blu-Ray rentals. Office Supplies Vending: These machines can be found in business centres or schools and offer pens, notepads, and other small office supplies. Photo Booths: While not traditional vending machines, these offer a service (photo-taking) and are often grouped with vending opportunities. ATM Machines: Again, not a traditional vending machine, but ATMs are often owned by private businesses and generate revenue through transaction fees. Laundry Detergent Vending: Often found in laundromats, these machines dispense small amounts of laundry detergent and fabric softener. Pet Food Vending: These machines can be found in pet-friendly public places and offer small amounts of pet food or treats. Automotive Vending: These machines offer air fresheners, windshield washer fluid, or even motor oil. Tourist and Travel Essentials: Located in airports or tourist destinations, these machines offer travel pillows, phone chargers, or even luggage. Personal Care Vending: These vending machines offer personal care items like tampons, toothpaste, or condoms and can be sometimes found in the bathrooms of institutions such as schools or businesses. Car Vending: Believe it or not, some vending machines in the States allow you to purchase a car, which is then dispensed from a multi-story facility. Now that we know, what range is out there, we will focus on the more traditional food and drink vending machines. As these are the most popular business type we see for sale in the vending machine industry. What are the advantages of buying a business in the Vending Machine industry? Vending Machine Business For Sale have got some pretty awesome perks that you might find super appealing. Let's break them down, shall we?   Budget-Friendly Start: Vending machines won't break the bank. They usually have lower upfront costs compared to other business ventures. Growth Friendly: You can kick things off with just a machine or two and expand as you start rolling in those dollars (or perhaps digital payments these days). Fairly Simple Operations: Managing one vending machine is as straightforward as it gets. Just keep it stocked and collect your earnings. It gets more complex as you scale but the logistics are the same. Solo Act: Many of these businesses can be a one-person show. Say goodbye to payroll headaches! Earn on Autopilot: Once your machine is up and running, it's like a little robot that makes money for you 24/7.  Always Open: These machines don't sleep, giving you a chance to earn round-the-clock. Choose your Location: From schools and offices to airports and hospitals, these machines can go almost anywhere. Move It As You Like: Not making enough where you are? No worries, just move your vending machine somewhere else! Low Maintenance: After stocking up, you just have a few bills for things like electricity and maybe some minor repairs. Instant Earnings: Whether it's coins, bills, or digital payments, you get your money right then and there. Quick Payback: If you pick a bustling spot, you can make back your investment in no time. Be Your Own Boss: You can run this business part-time or as a fun project on the side. Family Affair: Get the kiddos involved! It's a great way to teach them the basics of running a business. Tailor-Made Choices: Adapt your offerings to specific markets, like stocking up on healthy snacks or luxury items. High-Tech Goodies: Newer models come with touch screens, credit card readers, and even remote monitoring.  Multiple Baskets for Your Eggs: Diversify your income by placing machines at different locations. Tax Benefits: You could potentially write off the depreciation on your vending machines, giving you some tax advantages. Sure, every business has its challenges—like finding the best spots and keeping up with maintenance. But the upsides of a vending machine business make it an attractive option for a lot of business buyers.   What is the business really like? Jason from SBO Financial recently checked out a vending machine business that was making $148k in profit and was up for grabs at a 3.8 times profit multiple. Pretty neat, huh? Jason points out that an average vending machine can pocket you around $5-6k AUD in profit. The best part? Modern machines even come with snazzy software that shows you how much you're making and what's left in stock—all in real time! But guess what? Jason decided to pass on this opportunity. Why? Well, it turns out that where you place these vending machines really matters. You've got to actually be there, scout locations, and chat with landlords to make sure you get the primo spots. Just something to think about if you're considering jumping in! You can read his full report on the business here.   In the US, Ujwal bought a vending machine empire with thousands of machines and 7 figures of profit.   This is the story of how he bought it and what it does today.   What prices do Vending Machine businesses typically go for? Like most industries, there is a massive range of prices for vending machine businesses. Smaller one person operations may go for under $100k. At the moment we have: Mobile ATM business for $99k, Sydney operation for $130k $499k for a vending machine operation in Townsville Or there are franchise options available too: Provender franchises from $40k SVA Vending from $26,000 Just Now Vending Franchises from $50k Larger operations with lots of machines in multiple locations may go up closer to $1m in line with the company profits. Should I go with a franchise or an independent vending machine business? Franchise Vending Machine Business A Franchised Vending Machine Business will have a lot of the benefits that we see with franchises over independent businesses but also some of the similar drawbacks:   Pros:   Brand Recognition: Franchised businesses often come with the advantage of established brand recognition, which can help attract customers. Proven Business Model: A franchise provides a tried-and-true business model, taking much of the guesswork out of your business planning. Training and Support: Many franchises offer training programs and ongoing support to help you manage your business effectively. Marketing Assistance: Franchisors usually provide marketing resources and can even run campaigns that benefit your location. Bulk Purchasing Power: As part of a larger network, you may benefit from economies of scale in purchasing inventory. Buying more Franchises: If you are already established in a Franchise then there might be opportunities to purchase businesses from other existing owners in the Franchise. Cons Initial Franchise Fees: These can be hefty and are an added cost on top of your other startup expenses. Ongoing Fees: Most franchises require payment of ongoing royalties, which can eat into your profit margins. Less Autonomy: Franchisees are generally required to follow a set of corporate policies, which might restrict your ability to manage the business as you see fit. Limited Product Offering: You might be restricted to selling only the products offered by the franchisor, limiting your ability to diversify.   Independent Vending Machine Business Pros: Greater Autonomy: Running an independent business allows you greater freedom in all aspects of the business, from the products you sell to the way you market them. Higher Profit Margins: Without franchise fees and royalties, you keep a greater percentage of the revenue. Flexible Business Model: You have the freedom to pivot your business strategy as you see fit, adapting to market needs or emerging trends. Local Adaptation: You can tailor your product offerings and marketing to the specific needs and tastes of your local market. Cons: Lack of Brand Recognition: Starting from scratch means you’ll need to invest time and effort into building a brand and attracting customers. Unproven Business Model: You bear the risk of an unproven business model and may need to adjust your strategy multiple times to find what works. Limited Support and Resources: You'll be responsible for all aspects of the business, from sourcing and operations to marketing and customer service, without the safety net of a franchise support system. Higher Inventory Costs: Buying products in smaller quantities typically means you won't enjoy the same bulk discounts that a franchise might offer.   So you found a Vending Machine business that you like the look of. What questions should you ask? Hey there, future vending machine mogul! Thinking about buying a vending machine business? That's awesome! Before you jump in, here are 14 questions you might want to ask to make sure you're making a smart move.  How long has the business been running? - It's good to know if it's well-established or still in its baby steps. Why is the current owner selling? - This could tell you a lot about whether the business is booming or struggling. What are the average monthly sales and expenses? - You'll want a clear picture of income and costs. How quickly can I expect a return on my investment? - Knowing the payback period is essential. How many machines are included? - More machines may mean more income but also more work. What's the condition of the machines? - You don't want to inherit a bunch of repair bills. Do they accept card payments or just cash? - Card acceptance could mean more sales. Where are the machines placed? - Good locations can make or break the business. Do you have contracts with these locations? - This will show if your business will have a stable home. What's the process for restocking? - Know what you're getting into in terms of time and effort. Who are the suppliers? - You’ll need to know where the snacks and drinks are coming from. Is there room for expansion? - Can you add more machines or introduce new products? What kind of customer trends have you noticed? - This could guide your future decisions. Are there any current employees? - If it's not a one-person show, you'll need to consider staff needs. Do they restock themselves or maybe have family members help.   Now that you are armed with the knowledge you need for your Vending Venture. Let’s find your perfect Vending Machine business here.

When most people think of cleaning, they probably think of cleaning their home as this is what we are all most familiar with.   Having seen lots of cleaning businesses for sale, I can safely say that nearly anything that exists, can be cleaned!   According to Ibis World there are 41,819 commercial cleaning companies in Australia and together they do 11bn in total revenue.   Whilst the pandemic squeezed profit margins as hotels and commercial offices were shut down, there is beginning to be a return to steady growth seen over the last 20 years.   So much so, that revenue is forecast to grow to $13.1 billion through the end of 2027-28.   So cleaning businesses span a broad spectrum of niches from:   Residential Cleaning Services: These services offer regular cleaning, deep cleaning, or specialised cleaning for homes and apartments. They may include tasks such as dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and more. Commercial Cleaning Services: This covers the cleaning of office buildings, retail spaces, and other commercial properties. They usually involve more large-scale equipment and can be more specialised, based on the needs of the business. Carpet Cleaning: This niche focuses specifically on cleaning and maintaining carpets, often using specialised equipment. Window Cleaning: Some companies specialise in window cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. Industrial Cleaning: These businesses handle more heavy-duty cleaning tasks, often in manufacturing or industrial settings. This might include cleaning machinery or specialised cleaning processes. Bond Cleaning: Specifically for homes or offices that are transitioning between tenants or owners. This can often be a deeper clean, ensuring the space is ready for its new occupants. Green Cleaning: With an emphasis on environmental responsibility, these companies use eco-friendly cleaning products and methods. Crime Scene Cleanup: Post-incident cleanup of sites where crimes, accidents, or deaths have occurred. Biohazard Cleanup: Handling and cleaning sites that have potential health risks, like mould or hazardous chemicals. Hoarding Cleanup: Assisting in the cleanup and organisation of properties affected by hoarding. Marine Boat Cleaning: Cleaning boats or yachts that you see at your local marina. Dog Wash - either mobile service or a DIY station that dog owners can pay to use. Medical Cleaning: Cleaning medical facilities, which requires understanding and complying with health standards. Car Wash: This covers car wash services, detailing services, and even specialised cleaning for larger vehicles like buses or trucks. Dry Cleaning: While not 'cleaning' in the traditional sense, they are a part of the broader cleaning industry. They cater to clothing and fabric items, offering washing, drying, and specialised treatments. Chimney Cleaning: Focused on cleaning and maintaining chimneys to ensure safe operation of fireplaces and stoves. Wheelie Bin Cleaning - keeping your bins regularly cleaned. Pressure Washing: Using high-pressure water spray to clean surfaces like driveways, siding, decks, and more. Air Conditioning Cleaning: Specialised in cleaning the Air Con systems, ensuring better air quality and system efficiency. Pool Cleaning: Offering a regular service for home pool owners or commercial pools like hotels to help keep their pools clean and safe to swim in. Laundromats: Self service laundromats can really reduce the need for staff, making them perfect for a more hands off cash flowing business.   What are the advantages of buying a business in the cleaning industry?   Starting a cleaning business does not often require a large capital investment so the barriers to entry can be quite low.    This means that the cleaning industry can be quite competitive however there are some great advantages that make cleaning businesses very attractive businesses to buy:   Opportunity for Specialisation: As the industry is vast, business owners can carve out niches like green cleaning, medical facility cleaning, or crime scene cleanup, which may offer higher profit margins or less competition.   Recurring Revenue: The holy grail. Many cleaning services operate on contracts or standing appointments. Whether it's a residential client who needs bi-weekly cleaning or a commercial contract that requires daily or weekly service, recurring revenue provides stability and predictability for business owners.   High Profit Margins: When managed efficiently, the cleaning business can have favourable profit margins. Overheads, such as cleaning supplies, can be low compared to the service fees charged, especially when buying in bulk or leveraging economies of scale as your business grows.   Scalability: The business model can be scaled from a solo operation to a vast enterprise, depending on the entrepreneur's ambition. Expansion can be pursued in terms of services offered, geographic regions covered, or niches catered to.   Diverse Clientele: The industry caters to various clients, from residential homeowners to large corporations, schools, hospitals, and other institutions. This diversity can make the business resistant to fluctuations in any single sector.   Consistent Demand: Cleanliness and hygiene are perpetual needs. Even during economic downturns, certain segments of the cleaning industry (like commercial cleaning) may continue to see demand.   Flexibility: Especially for smaller operations or residential cleaning services, there's a degree of flexibility in setting schedules or choosing clients, making it suitable for those seeking a work-life balance.   Resilience to Technological Disruption: While many industries are threatened by technological advances, the hands-on nature of cleaning services means they remain relatively resistant to such disruptions.   Franchise Opportunities: For those not wanting to start from scratch, the cleaning industry has numerous franchise opportunities. These can offer brand recognition, operational support, training, and marketing advantages.   Environmental and Health Impact: With a growing emphasis on green cleaning and sustainability, there's an opportunity to make a positive environmental impact. Businesses can also contribute to the health and well-being of clients by reducing allergens, bacteria, and other hazards.   Community Engagement: Cleaning businesses often serve local communities. Owners can establish strong local networks, participate in community events, and become recognized members of their local business ecosystems.   Growth Opportunities: As there are lots of owner operated businesses, there is lots of opportunity to use acquisition as a growth channel to expand your revenue and staff. Plus demand for household cleaning is forecast to increase as dual income families become more and more common.   Cash Flow: Depending on the terms set with clients, cleaning businesses often benefit from quick payments, aiding in steady cash flow.   All of these benefits can lead to high competition in the cleaning industry. This competition can force prices down, meaning that some cleaning businesses have very low margins.   Wondering what the gross margins might look like in reality?   This podcast episode shares the story of George Vallone that bought a cleaning business doing $1m in the States.   Other episodes that might be useful to learn about the cleaning business are: Chris Munn, who bought a $800k cleaning business. Fraser Voll bought a 50 year old Commercial Cleaning company.  Ben Bortner bought a pool cleaning business and then sold it for 8x.    What multiples do cleaning businesses typically go for?   You can find our guide on how to calculate the SDE of a business accurately here.   Once you have your profit figure, the average multiples we have seen are:So, you're curious about how much a cleaning business is worth, right? It's a bit like a puzzle, but don't worry, I'll break it down for you!   You can think of a cleaning business's value as a big multiplication game. We often take 2 to 3 times the owner's take-home pay to figure it out. But hold on, it's not that simple! It can change a lot based on all kinds of stuff. Here at Business For Sale, we look at over 150 factors to get you an accurate business valuation.   But hey, if you're just looking for a quick idea of what a cleaning business might be worth, you can use these handy rules:   Under $500K in sales? Multiply by 1.5 to 2 times. $500K to $1M in sales? Multiply by 2 to 2.5 times. $1M to $5M in sales? Multiply by 2.5 to 3.5 times. Over $5M in sales? Multiply by 3.5 to 5 times or even more.   Now, you might be wondering what can make a cleaning business worth more or less. Here's some insider info:   Commercial Jobs: These are like gold! They usually keep coming, giving buyers confidence. Plus, they often last a long time, like a steady paycheck for years. Contracts: Got some paper that says your clients will stick around? Awesome! That's like a promise for the future. Just make sure those contracts can move to the new owner. Owner's Role: If you're more hands-off and the business runs itself, that's a big plus. More buyers might want it, and that could mean a better price. Family in the Business: It's great working with family, but buyers might get nervous if too many relatives are part of the crew. They might worry folks will leave when you do. Legal Employees: Having staff with proper paperwork who've been around a while can push up the price. The cleaning business is sometimes known for shady dealings with workers, so keeping things on the up-and-up can really pay off.   So you found a cleaning business that you like the look of. What questions should you ask?   Some of these will be up to you to answer and some of these you will have to ask the seller or broker for more information to help answer.   1. Financial Questions: Can I see the last three years of financial statements, including profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements? What is the company's current debt load, and what are the terms? Are there any outstanding financial or tax liabilities? What are the major expenses for the business? What is the business's gross and net profit margin?   2. Operational Questions: What cleaning techniques and equipment do you use? Are they up-to-date and well-maintained? What are the company's operational processes and workflows? What software or tools do you use for scheduling, billing, and client management? How do you source and manage inventory and cleaning supplies?   3. Client-Related Questions: Can I have a breakdown of the client base (residential vs. commercial, frequency of service)? Are there any long-term contracts in place? Can I review them? What is the client retention rate? Why do clients typically leave? How do you acquire new clients, and what's the average cost of acquisition? Is there any client concentration (i.e., a significant portion of revenue coming from one or a few clients)?   4. Employee-Related Questions: Can I see an organizational chart and job descriptions for all positions? Are there any key employees that the business relies heavily upon? What is the employee turnover rate?  

Considering buying a bookkeeping business in Australia? This guide will help uncover the pros and cons so you can decide if you are onto something great.    Bookkeeping is not just about numbers or ledgers; it's about the backbone of every successful business out there.     So, whether you're a numbers enthusiast or simply someone who loves the potential of the bookkeeping business model.   Join us as we delve deep into the pros and cons of buying a bookkeeping business.    By the end of our journey, you'll be equipped with insights to chart your next move confidently. Let the exploration begin!   What types of Bookkeeping businesses are there? Firstly, let’s be clear on what exactly a vending machine business is. We all know the vending machine that sells snacks but what other types of vending machines are out there:   1. Full-Service Bookkeeping: This model offers a comprehensive suite of accounting services beyond basic bookkeeping, like payroll, tax preparation, and financial analysis. Ideal for clients seeking a one-stop-shop for all their financial needs.   2. Outsourced Bookkeeping Services: Many businesses prefer not to handle bookkeeping in-house. If you offer outsourced services, you’ll act as an external consultant, providing expertise without the need for the client to have an on-site bookkeeper. You can often do this remotely so you can work from home.   3. Boutique Bookkeeping: Serving a particular demographic or business size? Specific sectors have unique financial quirks. Whether it's the bustling world of e-commerce or the intricacies of non-profits, there's room to niche down and become the go-to expert.   4. On-Site Bookkeeping: Some businesses require the physical presence of a bookkeeper. In this model, you’ll work closely with businesses on location, often part-time, managing their books and providing immediate assistance.   5. Franchised Bookkeeping If starting from scratch feels overwhelming, franchises come to the rescue. Benefit from brand power and a tried-and-tested operational blueprint.   Each option has pros and cons, that we will explore more in depth now. What are the advantages of buying a business in the Bookkeeping industry?   It's got some pretty awesome perks that you might find super appealing. Let's break them down, shall we?   1. Profit Potential: With often low overheads, especially for home-based or virtual models, the profit margins can be alluring.   2. Recurring Revenue Stream: Bookkeeping is not a one-off job. Businesses need monthly, quarterly, and annual services. This means steady cash flow.   3. Essential Service: No matter the economic climate, companies need their books in order. Your service isn't just useful; it's indispensable.   4. Scalable Model: Starting solo? That's fine. As demand grows, you can expand, hire more hands, and even branch into specialties.   6. Networking: Working with diverse businesses, from startups to established enterprises, allows you to build an extensive network. This can lead to referrals and collaborative opportunities.   7. Flexibility: Many bookkeeping models, especially virtual and home-based, allow for a work-life balance. Tailor your hours, choose your clients, and even decide your service offerings.   8. Tech Integration: Stay at the forefront of technology. Modern bookkeeping software and tools keep evolving, allowing you to offer cutting-edge services to clients. Imagine a venture with consistent demand, a clear growth path, and the satisfaction of offering a crucial service. That's bookkeeping for you!   What is the business really like from people that own one?   Chris Williams bought System Six, a bookkeeping business in the US with $1m EBITDA in 2021.   You can follow his journey as he reflects back a year later on how the journey has been.   The most interesting part is where Chris discusses how he feels about buying a business in the bookkeeping industry.   Patrick Dichter also bought an Bookkeeping business in the States.   He reflects on how he bought and grew his business 60% here.   What prices do Bookkeeping Machine businesses typically go for?   We currently have around 50 bookkeeping businesses listed for sale.   The smallest starts at around $20,000.   And the largest bookkeeping business currently for sale is for $1m.   You can view all the bookkeeping businesses currently for sale here: https://www.businessforsale.com.au/search?keywords=bookkeeping   So you found a Bookkeeping business that you like the look of. What questions should you ask?   So, you've got your eyes on a bookkeeping business. But how do you ensure it's the golden ticket? Let's find out.   1. Client Portfolio: Who are their current clients? Understanding the clientele can give insights into the business's reputation and specialisation.   2. Client Retention Rate: How many clients have stuck around long-term? A high retention rate indicates client satisfaction and consistent service quality.   3. Financial Health: Ask for financial statements. Are revenues growing, steady, or declining? What about trends for expenses and debts?   4. Software and Tools: What technology and software do they use? Is it up-to-date, or will you need to do a large meaningful upgrade?   5. Training and Transition: Will the current owner provide training? How smooth is the transition process for clients and employees?   6. Employee Retention: How long have the employees been with the business? A stable team can be a sign of good management and work culture. And are the team based in Australia or overseas.   7. Outstanding Liabilities: Any pending lawsuits or financial commitments? You'd want to know upfront.   8. Competitive Landscape: Who are the main competitors? What sets this business apart from them?   9. Recurring Contracts: Does the business have any long-term contracts in place? These can guarantee revenue for a set period.   10. Historical Data: Can they provide data on past audits, errors, or client disputes? This can give insights into the business's accuracy and reliability.   11. Pricing Model: How are their services priced? Is it hourly, monthly retainers, or a different model?   12. Growth Opportunities: Are there potential clients or markets the business hasn't tapped into yet?   13. Business Processes: Are there documented standard operating procedures (SOPs)? This can make the transition smoother. Equipped with these comprehensive questions, you'll be in a strong position to evaluate the worth and potential of the bookkeeping business in question.    Remember, the more you know, the better your decision-making will be.   Let’s find your perfect Bookkeeping business here.

Imagine having your own mini-store that's open 24/7 and doesn't even need a cashier.  Along with Laundromats, Vending Machine Businesses are often held up as the perfect example of a passive income business.   But how passive is the income of a vending machine business? And how profitable can they be?   Stick around, and we'll walk you through all the possible reasons you might want to snag one for yourself. What types of vending machine businesses are there? Firstly, let’s be clear on what exactly a vending machine business is. We all know the vending machine that sells snacks but what other types of vending machines are out there: Snack Vending: These are the most common types and offer a variety of soft drinks, waters, juices, and snacks like chips or chocolate. Hot Beverage Vending: These vending machines offer hot beverages like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Fresh Food Vending: These machines vend fresh sandwiches, salads, and even full meals. They require more frequent restocking and have higher spoilage risks. Frozen Food Vending: These vending machines offer frozen items like ice cream or frozen dinners that can be heated later. Gumball Vending: These are typically smaller machines that vend gumballs, sweets, or small toys. Health and Wellness Vending: These machines offer healthier food and drink options like protein bars, nuts, and mineral water. Newspaper and Magazine Vending: Although not as popular as they once were, these are machines where you can purchase newspapers or magazines. DVD/Blu-Ray Rental Vending: Machines that offer DVD and Blu-Ray rentals. Office Supplies Vending: These machines can be found in business centres or schools and offer pens, notepads, and other small office supplies. Photo Booths: While not traditional vending machines, these offer a service (photo-taking) and are often grouped with vending opportunities. ATM Machines: Again, not a traditional vending machine, but ATMs are often owned by private businesses and generate revenue through transaction fees. Laundry Detergent Vending: Often found in laundromats, these machines dispense small amounts of laundry detergent and fabric softener. Pet Food Vending: These machines can be found in pet-friendly public places and offer small amounts of pet food or treats. Automotive Vending: These machines offer air fresheners, windshield washer fluid, or even motor oil. Tourist and Travel Essentials: Located in airports or tourist destinations, these machines offer travel pillows, phone chargers, or even luggage. Personal Care Vending: These vending machines offer personal care items like tampons, toothpaste, or condoms and can be sometimes found in the bathrooms of institutions such as schools or businesses. Car Vending: Believe it or not, some vending machines in the States allow you to purchase a car, which is then dispensed from a multi-story facility. Now that we know, what range is out there, we will focus on the more traditional food and drink vending machines. As these are the most popular business type we see for sale in the vending machine industry. What are the advantages of buying a business in the Vending Machine industry? Vending Machine Business For Sale have got some pretty awesome perks that you might find super appealing. Let's break them down, shall we?   Budget-Friendly Start: Vending machines won't break the bank. They usually have lower upfront costs compared to other business ventures. Growth Friendly: You can kick things off with just a machine or two and expand as you start rolling in those dollars (or perhaps digital payments these days). Fairly Simple Operations: Managing one vending machine is as straightforward as it gets. Just keep it stocked and collect your earnings. It gets more complex as you scale but the logistics are the same. Solo Act: Many of these businesses can be a one-person show. Say goodbye to payroll headaches! Earn on Autopilot: Once your machine is up and running, it's like a little robot that makes money for you 24/7.  Always Open: These machines don't sleep, giving you a chance to earn round-the-clock. Choose your Location: From schools and offices to airports and hospitals, these machines can go almost anywhere. Move It As You Like: Not making enough where you are? No worries, just move your vending machine somewhere else! Low Maintenance: After stocking up, you just have a few bills for things like electricity and maybe some minor repairs. Instant Earnings: Whether it's coins, bills, or digital payments, you get your money right then and there. Quick Payback: If you pick a bustling spot, you can make back your investment in no time. Be Your Own Boss: You can run this business part-time or as a fun project on the side. Family Affair: Get the kiddos involved! It's a great way to teach them the basics of running a business. Tailor-Made Choices: Adapt your offerings to specific markets, like stocking up on healthy snacks or luxury items. High-Tech Goodies: Newer models come with touch screens, credit card readers, and even remote monitoring.  Multiple Baskets for Your Eggs: Diversify your income by placing machines at different locations. Tax Benefits: You could potentially write off the depreciation on your vending machines, giving you some tax advantages. Sure, every business has its challenges—like finding the best spots and keeping up with maintenance. But the upsides of a vending machine business make it an attractive option for a lot of business buyers.   What is the business really like? Jason from SBO Financial recently checked out a vending machine business that was making $148k in profit and was up for grabs at a 3.8 times profit multiple. Pretty neat, huh? Jason points out that an average vending machine can pocket you around $5-6k AUD in profit. The best part? Modern machines even come with snazzy software that shows you how much you're making and what's left in stock—all in real time! But guess what? Jason decided to pass on this opportunity. Why? Well, it turns out that where you place these vending machines really matters. You've got to actually be there, scout locations, and chat with landlords to make sure you get the primo spots. Just something to think about if you're considering jumping in! You can read his full report on the business here.   In the US, Ujwal bought a vending machine empire with thousands of machines and 7 figures of profit.   This is the story of how he bought it and what it does today.   What prices do Vending Machine businesses typically go for? Like most industries, there is a massive range of prices for vending machine businesses. Smaller one person operations may go for under $100k. At the moment we have: Mobile ATM business for $99k, Sydney operation for $130k $499k for a vending machine operation in Townsville Or there are franchise options available too: Provender franchises from $40k SVA Vending from $26,000 Just Now Vending Franchises from $50k Larger operations with lots of machines in multiple locations may go up closer to $1m in line with the company profits. Should I go with a franchise or an independent vending machine business? Franchise Vending Machine Business A Franchised Vending Machine Business will have a lot of the benefits that we see with franchises over independent businesses but also some of the similar drawbacks:   Pros:   Brand Recognition: Franchised businesses often come with the advantage of established brand recognition, which can help attract customers. Proven Business Model: A franchise provides a tried-and-true business model, taking much of the guesswork out of your business planning. Training and Support: Many franchises offer training programs and ongoing support to help you manage your business effectively. Marketing Assistance: Franchisors usually provide marketing resources and can even run campaigns that benefit your location. Bulk Purchasing Power: As part of a larger network, you may benefit from economies of scale in purchasing inventory. Buying more Franchises: If you are already established in a Franchise then there might be opportunities to purchase businesses from other existing owners in the Franchise. Cons Initial Franchise Fees: These can be hefty and are an added cost on top of your other startup expenses. Ongoing Fees: Most franchises require payment of ongoing royalties, which can eat into your profit margins. Less Autonomy: Franchisees are generally required to follow a set of corporate policies, which might restrict your ability to manage the business as you see fit. Limited Product Offering: You might be restricted to selling only the products offered by the franchisor, limiting your ability to diversify.   Independent Vending Machine Business Pros: Greater Autonomy: Running an independent business allows you greater freedom in all aspects of the business, from the products you sell to the way you market them. Higher Profit Margins: Without franchise fees and royalties, you keep a greater percentage of the revenue. Flexible Business Model: You have the freedom to pivot your business strategy as you see fit, adapting to market needs or emerging trends. Local Adaptation: You can tailor your product offerings and marketing to the specific needs and tastes of your local market. Cons: Lack of Brand Recognition: Starting from scratch means you’ll need to invest time and effort into building a brand and attracting customers. Unproven Business Model: You bear the risk of an unproven business model and may need to adjust your strategy multiple times to find what works. Limited Support and Resources: You'll be responsible for all aspects of the business, from sourcing and operations to marketing and customer service, without the safety net of a franchise support system. Higher Inventory Costs: Buying products in smaller quantities typically means you won't enjoy the same bulk discounts that a franchise might offer.   So you found a Vending Machine business that you like the look of. What questions should you ask? Hey there, future vending machine mogul! Thinking about buying a vending machine business? That's awesome! Before you jump in, here are 14 questions you might want to ask to make sure you're making a smart move.  How long has the business been running? - It's good to know if it's well-established or still in its baby steps. Why is the current owner selling? - This could tell you a lot about whether the business is booming or struggling. What are the average monthly sales and expenses? - You'll want a clear picture of income and costs. How quickly can I expect a return on my investment? - Knowing the payback period is essential. How many machines are included? - More machines may mean more income but also more work. What's the condition of the machines? - You don't want to inherit a bunch of repair bills. Do they accept card payments or just cash? - Card acceptance could mean more sales. Where are the machines placed? - Good locations can make or break the business. Do you have contracts with these locations? - This will show if your business will have a stable home. What's the process for restocking? - Know what you're getting into in terms of time and effort. Who are the suppliers? - You’ll need to know where the snacks and drinks are coming from. Is there room for expansion? - Can you add more machines or introduce new products? What kind of customer trends have you noticed? - This could guide your future decisions. Are there any current employees? - If it's not a one-person show, you'll need to consider staff needs. Do they restock themselves or maybe have family members help.   Now that you are armed with the knowledge you need for your Vending Venture. Let’s find your perfect Vending Machine business here.

When most people think of cleaning, they probably think of cleaning their home as this is what we are all most familiar with.   Having seen lots of cleaning businesses for sale, I can safely say that nearly anything that exists, can be cleaned!   According to Ibis World there are 41,819 commercial cleaning companies in Australia and together they do 11bn in total revenue.   Whilst the pandemic squeezed profit margins as hotels and commercial offices were shut down, there is beginning to be a return to steady growth seen over the last 20 years.   So much so, that revenue is forecast to grow to $13.1 billion through the end of 2027-28.   So cleaning businesses span a broad spectrum of niches from:   Residential Cleaning Services: These services offer regular cleaning, deep cleaning, or specialised cleaning for homes and apartments. They may include tasks such as dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and more. Commercial Cleaning Services: This covers the cleaning of office buildings, retail spaces, and other commercial properties. They usually involve more large-scale equipment and can be more specialised, based on the needs of the business. Carpet Cleaning: This niche focuses specifically on cleaning and maintaining carpets, often using specialised equipment. Window Cleaning: Some companies specialise in window cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. Industrial Cleaning: These businesses handle more heavy-duty cleaning tasks, often in manufacturing or industrial settings. This might include cleaning machinery or specialised cleaning processes. Bond Cleaning: Specifically for homes or offices that are transitioning between tenants or owners. This can often be a deeper clean, ensuring the space is ready for its new occupants. Green Cleaning: With an emphasis on environmental responsibility, these companies use eco-friendly cleaning products and methods. Crime Scene Cleanup: Post-incident cleanup of sites where crimes, accidents, or deaths have occurred. Biohazard Cleanup: Handling and cleaning sites that have potential health risks, like mould or hazardous chemicals. Hoarding Cleanup: Assisting in the cleanup and organisation of properties affected by hoarding. Marine Boat Cleaning: Cleaning boats or yachts that you see at your local marina. Dog Wash - either mobile service or a DIY station that dog owners can pay to use. Medical Cleaning: Cleaning medical facilities, which requires understanding and complying with health standards. Car Wash: This covers car wash services, detailing services, and even specialised cleaning for larger vehicles like buses or trucks. Dry Cleaning: While not 'cleaning' in the traditional sense, they are a part of the broader cleaning industry. They cater to clothing and fabric items, offering washing, drying, and specialised treatments. Chimney Cleaning: Focused on cleaning and maintaining chimneys to ensure safe operation of fireplaces and stoves. Wheelie Bin Cleaning - keeping your bins regularly cleaned. Pressure Washing: Using high-pressure water spray to clean surfaces like driveways, siding, decks, and more. Air Conditioning Cleaning: Specialised in cleaning the Air Con systems, ensuring better air quality and system efficiency. Pool Cleaning: Offering a regular service for home pool owners or commercial pools like hotels to help keep their pools clean and safe to swim in. Laundromats: Self service laundromats can really reduce the need for staff, making them perfect for a more hands off cash flowing business.   What are the advantages of buying a business in the cleaning industry?   Starting a cleaning business does not often require a large capital investment so the barriers to entry can be quite low.    This means that the cleaning industry can be quite competitive however there are some great advantages that make cleaning businesses very attractive businesses to buy:   Opportunity for Specialisation: As the industry is vast, business owners can carve out niches like green cleaning, medical facility cleaning, or crime scene cleanup, which may offer higher profit margins or less competition.   Recurring Revenue: The holy grail. Many cleaning services operate on contracts or standing appointments. Whether it's a residential client who needs bi-weekly cleaning or a commercial contract that requires daily or weekly service, recurring revenue provides stability and predictability for business owners.   High Profit Margins: When managed efficiently, the cleaning business can have favourable profit margins. Overheads, such as cleaning supplies, can be low compared to the service fees charged, especially when buying in bulk or leveraging economies of scale as your business grows.   Scalability: The business model can be scaled from a solo operation to a vast enterprise, depending on the entrepreneur's ambition. Expansion can be pursued in terms of services offered, geographic regions covered, or niches catered to.   Diverse Clientele: The industry caters to various clients, from residential homeowners to large corporations, schools, hospitals, and other institutions. This diversity can make the business resistant to fluctuations in any single sector.   Consistent Demand: Cleanliness and hygiene are perpetual needs. Even during economic downturns, certain segments of the cleaning industry (like commercial cleaning) may continue to see demand.   Flexibility: Especially for smaller operations or residential cleaning services, there's a degree of flexibility in setting schedules or choosing clients, making it suitable for those seeking a work-life balance.   Resilience to Technological Disruption: While many industries are threatened by technological advances, the hands-on nature of cleaning services means they remain relatively resistant to such disruptions.   Franchise Opportunities: For those not wanting to start from scratch, the cleaning industry has numerous franchise opportunities. These can offer brand recognition, operational support, training, and marketing advantages.   Environmental and Health Impact: With a growing emphasis on green cleaning and sustainability, there's an opportunity to make a positive environmental impact. Businesses can also contribute to the health and well-being of clients by reducing allergens, bacteria, and other hazards.   Community Engagement: Cleaning businesses often serve local communities. Owners can establish strong local networks, participate in community events, and become recognized members of their local business ecosystems.   Growth Opportunities: As there are lots of owner operated businesses, there is lots of opportunity to use acquisition as a growth channel to expand your revenue and staff. Plus demand for household cleaning is forecast to increase as dual income families become more and more common.   Cash Flow: Depending on the terms set with clients, cleaning businesses often benefit from quick payments, aiding in steady cash flow.   All of these benefits can lead to high competition in the cleaning industry. This competition can force prices down, meaning that some cleaning businesses have very low margins.   Wondering what the gross margins might look like in reality?   This podcast episode shares the story of George Vallone that bought a cleaning business doing $1m in the States.   Other episodes that might be useful to learn about the cleaning business are: Chris Munn, who bought a $800k cleaning business. Fraser Voll bought a 50 year old Commercial Cleaning company.  Ben Bortner bought a pool cleaning business and then sold it for 8x.    What multiples do cleaning businesses typically go for?   You can find our guide on how to calculate the SDE of a business accurately here.   Once you have your profit figure, the average multiples we have seen are:So, you're curious about how much a cleaning business is worth, right? It's a bit like a puzzle, but don't worry, I'll break it down for you!   You can think of a cleaning business's value as a big multiplication game. We often take 2 to 3 times the owner's take-home pay to figure it out. But hold on, it's not that simple! It can change a lot based on all kinds of stuff. Here at Business For Sale, we look at over 150 factors to get you an accurate business valuation.   But hey, if you're just looking for a quick idea of what a cleaning business might be worth, you can use these handy rules:   Under $500K in sales? Multiply by 1.5 to 2 times. $500K to $1M in sales? Multiply by 2 to 2.5 times. $1M to $5M in sales? Multiply by 2.5 to 3.5 times. Over $5M in sales? Multiply by 3.5 to 5 times or even more.   Now, you might be wondering what can make a cleaning business worth more or less. Here's some insider info:   Commercial Jobs: These are like gold! They usually keep coming, giving buyers confidence. Plus, they often last a long time, like a steady paycheck for years. Contracts: Got some paper that says your clients will stick around? Awesome! That's like a promise for the future. Just make sure those contracts can move to the new owner. Owner's Role: If you're more hands-off and the business runs itself, that's a big plus. More buyers might want it, and that could mean a better price. Family in the Business: It's great working with family, but buyers might get nervous if too many relatives are part of the crew. They might worry folks will leave when you do. Legal Employees: Having staff with proper paperwork who've been around a while can push up the price. The cleaning business is sometimes known for shady dealings with workers, so keeping things on the up-and-up can really pay off.   So you found a cleaning business that you like the look of. What questions should you ask?   Some of these will be up to you to answer and some of these you will have to ask the seller or broker for more information to help answer.   1. Financial Questions: Can I see the last three years of financial statements, including profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements? What is the company's current debt load, and what are the terms? Are there any outstanding financial or tax liabilities? What are the major expenses for the business? What is the business's gross and net profit margin?   2. Operational Questions: What cleaning techniques and equipment do you use? Are they up-to-date and well-maintained? What are the company's operational processes and workflows? What software or tools do you use for scheduling, billing, and client management? How do you source and manage inventory and cleaning supplies?   3. Client-Related Questions: Can I have a breakdown of the client base (residential vs. commercial, frequency of service)? Are there any long-term contracts in place? Can I review them? What is the client retention rate? Why do clients typically leave? How do you acquire new clients, and what's the average cost of acquisition? Is there any client concentration (i.e., a significant portion of revenue coming from one or a few clients)?   4. Employee-Related Questions: Can I see an organizational chart and job descriptions for all positions? Are there any key employees that the business relies heavily upon? What is the employee turnover rate?  

Considering buying a bookkeeping business in Australia? This guide will help uncover the pros and cons so you can decide if you are onto something great.    Bookkeeping is not just about numbers or ledgers; it's about the backbone of every successful business out there.     So, whether you're a numbers enthusiast or simply someone who loves the potential of the bookkeeping business model.   Join us as we delve deep into the pros and cons of buying a bookkeeping business.    By the end of our journey, you'll be equipped with insights to chart your next move confidently. Let the exploration begin!   What types of Bookkeeping businesses are there? Firstly, let’s be clear on what exactly a vending machine business is. We all know the vending machine that sells snacks but what other types of vending machines are out there:   1. Full-Service Bookkeeping: This model offers a comprehensive suite of accounting services beyond basic bookkeeping, like payroll, tax preparation, and financial analysis. Ideal for clients seeking a one-stop-shop for all their financial needs.   2. Outsourced Bookkeeping Services: Many businesses prefer not to handle bookkeeping in-house. If you offer outsourced services, you’ll act as an external consultant, providing expertise without the need for the client to have an on-site bookkeeper. You can often do this remotely so you can work from home.   3. Boutique Bookkeeping: Serving a particular demographic or business size? Specific sectors have unique financial quirks. Whether it's the bustling world of e-commerce or the intricacies of non-profits, there's room to niche down and become the go-to expert.   4. On-Site Bookkeeping: Some businesses require the physical presence of a bookkeeper. In this model, you’ll work closely with businesses on location, often part-time, managing their books and providing immediate assistance.   5. Franchised Bookkeeping If starting from scratch feels overwhelming, franchises come to the rescue. Benefit from brand power and a tried-and-tested operational blueprint.   Each option has pros and cons, that we will explore more in depth now. What are the advantages of buying a business in the Bookkeeping industry?   It's got some pretty awesome perks that you might find super appealing. Let's break them down, shall we?   1. Profit Potential: With often low overheads, especially for home-based or virtual models, the profit margins can be alluring.   2. Recurring Revenue Stream: Bookkeeping is not a one-off job. Businesses need monthly, quarterly, and annual services. This means steady cash flow.   3. Essential Service: No matter the economic climate, companies need their books in order. Your service isn't just useful; it's indispensable.   4. Scalable Model: Starting solo? That's fine. As demand grows, you can expand, hire more hands, and even branch into specialties.   6. Networking: Working with diverse businesses, from startups to established enterprises, allows you to build an extensive network. This can lead to referrals and collaborative opportunities.   7. Flexibility: Many bookkeeping models, especially virtual and home-based, allow for a work-life balance. Tailor your hours, choose your clients, and even decide your service offerings.   8. Tech Integration: Stay at the forefront of technology. Modern bookkeeping software and tools keep evolving, allowing you to offer cutting-edge services to clients. Imagine a venture with consistent demand, a clear growth path, and the satisfaction of offering a crucial service. That's bookkeeping for you!   What is the business really like from people that own one?   Chris Williams bought System Six, a bookkeeping business in the US with $1m EBITDA in 2021.   You can follow his journey as he reflects back a year later on how the journey has been.   The most interesting part is where Chris discusses how he feels about buying a business in the bookkeeping industry.   Patrick Dichter also bought an Bookkeeping business in the States.   He reflects on how he bought and grew his business 60% here.   What prices do Bookkeeping Machine businesses typically go for?   We currently have around 50 bookkeeping businesses listed for sale.   The smallest starts at around $20,000.   And the largest bookkeeping business currently for sale is for $1m.   You can view all the bookkeeping businesses currently for sale here: https://www.businessforsale.com.au/search?keywords=bookkeeping   So you found a Bookkeeping business that you like the look of. What questions should you ask?   So, you've got your eyes on a bookkeeping business. But how do you ensure it's the golden ticket? Let's find out.   1. Client Portfolio: Who are their current clients? Understanding the clientele can give insights into the business's reputation and specialisation.   2. Client Retention Rate: How many clients have stuck around long-term? A high retention rate indicates client satisfaction and consistent service quality.   3. Financial Health: Ask for financial statements. Are revenues growing, steady, or declining? What about trends for expenses and debts?   4. Software and Tools: What technology and software do they use? Is it up-to-date, or will you need to do a large meaningful upgrade?   5. Training and Transition: Will the current owner provide training? How smooth is the transition process for clients and employees?   6. Employee Retention: How long have the employees been with the business? A stable team can be a sign of good management and work culture. And are the team based in Australia or overseas.   7. Outstanding Liabilities: Any pending lawsuits or financial commitments? You'd want to know upfront.   8. Competitive Landscape: Who are the main competitors? What sets this business apart from them?   9. Recurring Contracts: Does the business have any long-term contracts in place? These can guarantee revenue for a set period.   10. Historical Data: Can they provide data on past audits, errors, or client disputes? This can give insights into the business's accuracy and reliability.   11. Pricing Model: How are their services priced? Is it hourly, monthly retainers, or a different model?   12. Growth Opportunities: Are there potential clients or markets the business hasn't tapped into yet?   13. Business Processes: Are there documented standard operating procedures (SOPs)? This can make the transition smoother. Equipped with these comprehensive questions, you'll be in a strong position to evaluate the worth and potential of the bookkeeping business in question.    Remember, the more you know, the better your decision-making will be.   Let’s find your perfect Bookkeeping business here.

Imagine having your own mini-store that's open 24/7 and doesn't even need a cashier.  Along with Laundromats, Vending Machine Businesses are often held up as the perfect example of a passive income business.   But how passive is the income of a vending machine business? And how profitable can they be?   Stick around, and we'll walk you through all the possible reasons you might want to snag one for yourself. What types of vending machine businesses are there? Firstly, let’s be clear on what exactly a vending machine business is. We all know the vending machine that sells snacks but what other types of vending machines are out there: Snack Vending: These are the most common types and offer a variety of soft drinks, waters, juices, and snacks like chips or chocolate. Hot Beverage Vending: These vending machines offer hot beverages like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Fresh Food Vending: These machines vend fresh sandwiches, salads, and even full meals. They require more frequent restocking and have higher spoilage risks. Frozen Food Vending: These vending machines offer frozen items like ice cream or frozen dinners that can be heated later. Gumball Vending: These are typically smaller machines that vend gumballs, sweets, or small toys. Health and Wellness Vending: These machines offer healthier food and drink options like protein bars, nuts, and mineral water. Newspaper and Magazine Vending: Although not as popular as they once were, these are machines where you can purchase newspapers or magazines. DVD/Blu-Ray Rental Vending: Machines that offer DVD and Blu-Ray rentals. Office Supplies Vending: These machines can be found in business centres or schools and offer pens, notepads, and other small office supplies. Photo Booths: While not traditional vending machines, these offer a service (photo-taking) and are often grouped with vending opportunities. ATM Machines: Again, not a traditional vending machine, but ATMs are often owned by private businesses and generate revenue through transaction fees. Laundry Detergent Vending: Often found in laundromats, these machines dispense small amounts of laundry detergent and fabric softener. Pet Food Vending: These machines can be found in pet-friendly public places and offer small amounts of pet food or treats. Automotive Vending: These machines offer air fresheners, windshield washer fluid, or even motor oil. Tourist and Travel Essentials: Located in airports or tourist destinations, these machines offer travel pillows, phone chargers, or even luggage. Personal Care Vending: These vending machines offer personal care items like tampons, toothpaste, or condoms and can be sometimes found in the bathrooms of institutions such as schools or businesses. Car Vending: Believe it or not, some vending machines in the States allow you to purchase a car, which is then dispensed from a multi-story facility. Now that we know, what range is out there, we will focus on the more traditional food and drink vending machines. As these are the most popular business type we see for sale in the vending machine industry. What are the advantages of buying a business in the Vending Machine industry? Vending Machine Business For Sale have got some pretty awesome perks that you might find super appealing. Let's break them down, shall we?   Budget-Friendly Start: Vending machines won't break the bank. They usually have lower upfront costs compared to other business ventures. Growth Friendly: You can kick things off with just a machine or two and expand as you start rolling in those dollars (or perhaps digital payments these days). Fairly Simple Operations: Managing one vending machine is as straightforward as it gets. Just keep it stocked and collect your earnings. It gets more complex as you scale but the logistics are the same. Solo Act: Many of these businesses can be a one-person show. Say goodbye to payroll headaches! Earn on Autopilot: Once your machine is up and running, it's like a little robot that makes money for you 24/7.  Always Open: These machines don't sleep, giving you a chance to earn round-the-clock. Choose your Location: From schools and offices to airports and hospitals, these machines can go almost anywhere. Move It As You Like: Not making enough where you are? No worries, just move your vending machine somewhere else! Low Maintenance: After stocking up, you just have a few bills for things like electricity and maybe some minor repairs. Instant Earnings: Whether it's coins, bills, or digital payments, you get your money right then and there. Quick Payback: If you pick a bustling spot, you can make back your investment in no time. Be Your Own Boss: You can run this business part-time or as a fun project on the side. Family Affair: Get the kiddos involved! It's a great way to teach them the basics of running a business. Tailor-Made Choices: Adapt your offerings to specific markets, like stocking up on healthy snacks or luxury items. High-Tech Goodies: Newer models come with touch screens, credit card readers, and even remote monitoring.  Multiple Baskets for Your Eggs: Diversify your income by placing machines at different locations. Tax Benefits: You could potentially write off the depreciation on your vending machines, giving you some tax advantages. Sure, every business has its challenges—like finding the best spots and keeping up with maintenance. But the upsides of a vending machine business make it an attractive option for a lot of business buyers.   What is the business really like? Jason from SBO Financial recently checked out a vending machine business that was making $148k in profit and was up for grabs at a 3.8 times profit multiple. Pretty neat, huh? Jason points out that an average vending machine can pocket you around $5-6k AUD in profit. The best part? Modern machines even come with snazzy software that shows you how much you're making and what's left in stock—all in real time! But guess what? Jason decided to pass on this opportunity. Why? Well, it turns out that where you place these vending machines really matters. You've got to actually be there, scout locations, and chat with landlords to make sure you get the primo spots. Just something to think about if you're considering jumping in! You can read his full report on the business here.   In the US, Ujwal bought a vending machine empire with thousands of machines and 7 figures of profit.   This is the story of how he bought it and what it does today.   What prices do Vending Machine businesses typically go for? Like most industries, there is a massive range of prices for vending machine businesses. Smaller one person operations may go for under $100k. At the moment we have: Mobile ATM business for $99k, Sydney operation for $130k $499k for a vending machine operation in Townsville Or there are franchise options available too: Provender franchises from $40k SVA Vending from $26,000 Just Now Vending Franchises from $50k Larger operations with lots of machines in multiple locations may go up closer to $1m in line with the company profits. Should I go with a franchise or an independent vending machine business? Franchise Vending Machine Business A Franchised Vending Machine Business will have a lot of the benefits that we see with franchises over independent businesses but also some of the similar drawbacks:   Pros:   Brand Recognition: Franchised businesses often come with the advantage of established brand recognition, which can help attract customers. Proven Business Model: A franchise provides a tried-and-true business model, taking much of the guesswork out of your business planning. Training and Support: Many franchises offer training programs and ongoing support to help you manage your business effectively. Marketing Assistance: Franchisors usually provide marketing resources and can even run campaigns that benefit your location. Bulk Purchasing Power: As part of a larger network, you may benefit from economies of scale in purchasing inventory. Buying more Franchises: If you are already established in a Franchise then there might be opportunities to purchase businesses from other existing owners in the Franchise. Cons Initial Franchise Fees: These can be hefty and are an added cost on top of your other startup expenses. Ongoing Fees: Most franchises require payment of ongoing royalties, which can eat into your profit margins. Less Autonomy: Franchisees are generally required to follow a set of corporate policies, which might restrict your ability to manage the business as you see fit. Limited Product Offering: You might be restricted to selling only the products offered by the franchisor, limiting your ability to diversify.   Independent Vending Machine Business Pros: Greater Autonomy: Running an independent business allows you greater freedom in all aspects of the business, from the products you sell to the way you market them. Higher Profit Margins: Without franchise fees and royalties, you keep a greater percentage of the revenue. Flexible Business Model: You have the freedom to pivot your business strategy as you see fit, adapting to market needs or emerging trends. Local Adaptation: You can tailor your product offerings and marketing to the specific needs and tastes of your local market. Cons: Lack of Brand Recognition: Starting from scratch means you’ll need to invest time and effort into building a brand and attracting customers. Unproven Business Model: You bear the risk of an unproven business model and may need to adjust your strategy multiple times to find what works. Limited Support and Resources: You'll be responsible for all aspects of the business, from sourcing and operations to marketing and customer service, without the safety net of a franchise support system. Higher Inventory Costs: Buying products in smaller quantities typically means you won't enjoy the same bulk discounts that a franchise might offer.   So you found a Vending Machine business that you like the look of. What questions should you ask? Hey there, future vending machine mogul! Thinking about buying a vending machine business? That's awesome! Before you jump in, here are 14 questions you might want to ask to make sure you're making a smart move.  How long has the business been running? - It's good to know if it's well-established or still in its baby steps. Why is the current owner selling? - This could tell you a lot about whether the business is booming or struggling. What are the average monthly sales and expenses? - You'll want a clear picture of income and costs. How quickly can I expect a return on my investment? - Knowing the payback period is essential. How many machines are included? - More machines may mean more income but also more work. What's the condition of the machines? - You don't want to inherit a bunch of repair bills. Do they accept card payments or just cash? - Card acceptance could mean more sales. Where are the machines placed? - Good locations can make or break the business. Do you have contracts with these locations? - This will show if your business will have a stable home. What's the process for restocking? - Know what you're getting into in terms of time and effort. Who are the suppliers? - You’ll need to know where the snacks and drinks are coming from. Is there room for expansion? - Can you add more machines or introduce new products? What kind of customer trends have you noticed? - This could guide your future decisions. Are there any current employees? - If it's not a one-person show, you'll need to consider staff needs. Do they restock themselves or maybe have family members help.   Now that you are armed with the knowledge you need for your Vending Venture. Let’s find your perfect Vending Machine business here.

When most people think of cleaning, they probably think of cleaning their home as this is what we are all most familiar with.   Having seen lots of cleaning businesses for sale, I can safely say that nearly anything that exists, can be cleaned!   According to Ibis World there are 41,819 commercial cleaning companies in Australia and together they do 11bn in total revenue.   Whilst the pandemic squeezed profit margins as hotels and commercial offices were shut down, there is beginning to be a return to steady growth seen over the last 20 years.   So much so, that revenue is forecast to grow to $13.1 billion through the end of 2027-28.   So cleaning businesses span a broad spectrum of niches from:   Residential Cleaning Services: These services offer regular cleaning, deep cleaning, or specialised cleaning for homes and apartments. They may include tasks such as dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and more. Commercial Cleaning Services: This covers the cleaning of office buildings, retail spaces, and other commercial properties. They usually involve more large-scale equipment and can be more specialised, based on the needs of the business. Carpet Cleaning: This niche focuses specifically on cleaning and maintaining carpets, often using specialised equipment. Window Cleaning: Some companies specialise in window cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. Industrial Cleaning: These businesses handle more heavy-duty cleaning tasks, often in manufacturing or industrial settings. This might include cleaning machinery or specialised cleaning processes. Bond Cleaning: Specifically for homes or offices that are transitioning between tenants or owners. This can often be a deeper clean, ensuring the space is ready for its new occupants. Green Cleaning: With an emphasis on environmental responsibility, these companies use eco-friendly cleaning products and methods. Crime Scene Cleanup: Post-incident cleanup of sites where crimes, accidents, or deaths have occurred. Biohazard Cleanup: Handling and cleaning sites that have potential health risks, like mould or hazardous chemicals. Hoarding Cleanup: Assisting in the cleanup and organisation of properties affected by hoarding. Marine Boat Cleaning: Cleaning boats or yachts that you see at your local marina. Dog Wash - either mobile service or a DIY station that dog owners can pay to use. Medical Cleaning: Cleaning medical facilities, which requires understanding and complying with health standards. Car Wash: This covers car wash services, detailing services, and even specialised cleaning for larger vehicles like buses or trucks. Dry Cleaning: While not 'cleaning' in the traditional sense, they are a part of the broader cleaning industry. They cater to clothing and fabric items, offering washing, drying, and specialised treatments. Chimney Cleaning: Focused on cleaning and maintaining chimneys to ensure safe operation of fireplaces and stoves. Wheelie Bin Cleaning - keeping your bins regularly cleaned. Pressure Washing: Using high-pressure water spray to clean surfaces like driveways, siding, decks, and more. Air Conditioning Cleaning: Specialised in cleaning the Air Con systems, ensuring better air quality and system efficiency. Pool Cleaning: Offering a regular service for home pool owners or commercial pools like hotels to help keep their pools clean and safe to swim in. Laundromats: Self service laundromats can really reduce the need for staff, making them perfect for a more hands off cash flowing business.   What are the advantages of buying a business in the cleaning industry?   Starting a cleaning business does not often require a large capital investment so the barriers to entry can be quite low.    This means that the cleaning industry can be quite competitive however there are some great advantages that make cleaning businesses very attractive businesses to buy:   Opportunity for Specialisation: As the industry is vast, business owners can carve out niches like green cleaning, medical facility cleaning, or crime scene cleanup, which may offer higher profit margins or less competition.   Recurring Revenue: The holy grail. Many cleaning services operate on contracts or standing appointments. Whether it's a residential client who needs bi-weekly cleaning or a commercial contract that requires daily or weekly service, recurring revenue provides stability and predictability for business owners.   High Profit Margins: When managed efficiently, the cleaning business can have favourable profit margins. Overheads, such as cleaning supplies, can be low compared to the service fees charged, especially when buying in bulk or leveraging economies of scale as your business grows.   Scalability: The business model can be scaled from a solo operation to a vast enterprise, depending on the entrepreneur's ambition. Expansion can be pursued in terms of services offered, geographic regions covered, or niches catered to.   Diverse Clientele: The industry caters to various clients, from residential homeowners to large corporations, schools, hospitals, and other institutions. This diversity can make the business resistant to fluctuations in any single sector.   Consistent Demand: Cleanliness and hygiene are perpetual needs. Even during economic downturns, certain segments of the cleaning industry (like commercial cleaning) may continue to see demand.   Flexibility: Especially for smaller operations or residential cleaning services, there's a degree of flexibility in setting schedules or choosing clients, making it suitable for those seeking a work-life balance.   Resilience to Technological Disruption: While many industries are threatened by technological advances, the hands-on nature of cleaning services means they remain relatively resistant to such disruptions.   Franchise Opportunities: For those not wanting to start from scratch, the cleaning industry has numerous franchise opportunities. These can offer brand recognition, operational support, training, and marketing advantages.   Environmental and Health Impact: With a growing emphasis on green cleaning and sustainability, there's an opportunity to make a positive environmental impact. Businesses can also contribute to the health and well-being of clients by reducing allergens, bacteria, and other hazards.   Community Engagement: Cleaning businesses often serve local communities. Owners can establish strong local networks, participate in community events, and become recognized members of their local business ecosystems.   Growth Opportunities: As there are lots of owner operated businesses, there is lots of opportunity to use acquisition as a growth channel to expand your revenue and staff. Plus demand for household cleaning is forecast to increase as dual income families become more and more common.   Cash Flow: Depending on the terms set with clients, cleaning businesses often benefit from quick payments, aiding in steady cash flow.   All of these benefits can lead to high competition in the cleaning industry. This competition can force prices down, meaning that some cleaning businesses have very low margins.   Wondering what the gross margins might look like in reality?   This podcast episode shares the story of George Vallone that bought a cleaning business doing $1m in the States.   Other episodes that might be useful to learn about the cleaning business are: Chris Munn, who bought a $800k cleaning business. Fraser Voll bought a 50 year old Commercial Cleaning company.  Ben Bortner bought a pool cleaning business and then sold it for 8x.    What multiples do cleaning businesses typically go for?   You can find our guide on how to calculate the SDE of a business accurately here.   Once you have your profit figure, the average multiples we have seen are:So, you're curious about how much a cleaning business is worth, right? It's a bit like a puzzle, but don't worry, I'll break it down for you!   You can think of a cleaning business's value as a big multiplication game. We often take 2 to 3 times the owner's take-home pay to figure it out. But hold on, it's not that simple! It can change a lot based on all kinds of stuff. Here at Business For Sale, we look at over 150 factors to get you an accurate business valuation.   But hey, if you're just looking for a quick idea of what a cleaning business might be worth, you can use these handy rules:   Under $500K in sales? Multiply by 1.5 to 2 times. $500K to $1M in sales? Multiply by 2 to 2.5 times. $1M to $5M in sales? Multiply by 2.5 to 3.5 times. Over $5M in sales? Multiply by 3.5 to 5 times or even more.   Now, you might be wondering what can make a cleaning business worth more or less. Here's some insider info:   Commercial Jobs: These are like gold! They usually keep coming, giving buyers confidence. Plus, they often last a long time, like a steady paycheck for years. Contracts: Got some paper that says your clients will stick around? Awesome! That's like a promise for the future. Just make sure those contracts can move to the new owner. Owner's Role: If you're more hands-off and the business runs itself, that's a big plus. More buyers might want it, and that could mean a better price. Family in the Business: It's great working with family, but buyers might get nervous if too many relatives are part of the crew. They might worry folks will leave when you do. Legal Employees: Having staff with proper paperwork who've been around a while can push up the price. The cleaning business is sometimes known for shady dealings with workers, so keeping things on the up-and-up can really pay off.   So you found a cleaning business that you like the look of. What questions should you ask?   Some of these will be up to you to answer and some of these you will have to ask the seller or broker for more information to help answer.   1. Financial Questions: Can I see the last three years of financial statements, including profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements? What is the company's current debt load, and what are the terms? Are there any outstanding financial or tax liabilities? What are the major expenses for the business? What is the business's gross and net profit margin?   2. Operational Questions: What cleaning techniques and equipment do you use? Are they up-to-date and well-maintained? What are the company's operational processes and workflows? What software or tools do you use for scheduling, billing, and client management? How do you source and manage inventory and cleaning supplies?   3. Client-Related Questions: Can I have a breakdown of the client base (residential vs. commercial, frequency of service)? Are there any long-term contracts in place? Can I review them? What is the client retention rate? Why do clients typically leave? How do you acquire new clients, and what's the average cost of acquisition? Is there any client concentration (i.e., a significant portion of revenue coming from one or a few clients)?   4. Employee-Related Questions: Can I see an organizational chart and job descriptions for all positions? Are there any key employees that the business relies heavily upon? What is the employee turnover rate?  

Considering buying a bookkeeping business in Australia? This guide will help uncover the pros and cons so you can decide if you are onto something great.    Bookkeeping is not just about numbers or ledgers; it's about the backbone of every successful business out there.     So, whether you're a numbers enthusiast or simply someone who loves the potential of the bookkeeping business model.   Join us as we delve deep into the pros and cons of buying a bookkeeping business.    By the end of our journey, you'll be equipped with insights to chart your next move confidently. Let the exploration begin!   What types of Bookkeeping businesses are there? Firstly, let’s be clear on what exactly a vending machine business is. We all know the vending machine that sells snacks but what other types of vending machines are out there:   1. Full-Service Bookkeeping: This model offers a comprehensive suite of accounting services beyond basic bookkeeping, like payroll, tax preparation, and financial analysis. Ideal for clients seeking a one-stop-shop for all their financial needs.   2. Outsourced Bookkeeping Services: Many businesses prefer not to handle bookkeeping in-house. If you offer outsourced services, you’ll act as an external consultant, providing expertise without the need for the client to have an on-site bookkeeper. You can often do this remotely so you can work from home.   3. Boutique Bookkeeping: Serving a particular demographic or business size? Specific sectors have unique financial quirks. Whether it's the bustling world of e-commerce or the intricacies of non-profits, there's room to niche down and become the go-to expert.   4. On-Site Bookkeeping: Some businesses require the physical presence of a bookkeeper. In this model, you’ll work closely with businesses on location, often part-time, managing their books and providing immediate assistance.   5. Franchised Bookkeeping If starting from scratch feels overwhelming, franchises come to the rescue. Benefit from brand power and a tried-and-tested operational blueprint.   Each option has pros and cons, that we will explore more in depth now. What are the advantages of buying a business in the Bookkeeping industry?   It's got some pretty awesome perks that you might find super appealing. Let's break them down, shall we?   1. Profit Potential: With often low overheads, especially for home-based or virtual models, the profit margins can be alluring.   2. Recurring Revenue Stream: Bookkeeping is not a one-off job. Businesses need monthly, quarterly, and annual services. This means steady cash flow.   3. Essential Service: No matter the economic climate, companies need their books in order. Your service isn't just useful; it's indispensable.   4. Scalable Model: Starting solo? That's fine. As demand grows, you can expand, hire more hands, and even branch into specialties.   6. Networking: Working with diverse businesses, from startups to established enterprises, allows you to build an extensive network. This can lead to referrals and collaborative opportunities.   7. Flexibility: Many bookkeeping models, especially virtual and home-based, allow for a work-life balance. Tailor your hours, choose your clients, and even decide your service offerings.   8. Tech Integration: Stay at the forefront of technology. Modern bookkeeping software and tools keep evolving, allowing you to offer cutting-edge services to clients. Imagine a venture with consistent demand, a clear growth path, and the satisfaction of offering a crucial service. That's bookkeeping for you!   What is the business really like from people that own one?   Chris Williams bought System Six, a bookkeeping business in the US with $1m EBITDA in 2021.   You can follow his journey as he reflects back a year later on how the journey has been.   The most interesting part is where Chris discusses how he feels about buying a business in the bookkeeping industry.   Patrick Dichter also bought an Bookkeeping business in the States.   He reflects on how he bought and grew his business 60% here.   What prices do Bookkeeping Machine businesses typically go for?   We currently have around 50 bookkeeping businesses listed for sale.   The smallest starts at around $20,000.   And the largest bookkeeping business currently for sale is for $1m.   You can view all the bookkeeping businesses currently for sale here: https://www.businessforsale.com.au/search?keywords=bookkeeping   So you found a Bookkeeping business that you like the look of. What questions should you ask?   So, you've got your eyes on a bookkeeping business. But how do you ensure it's the golden ticket? Let's find out.   1. Client Portfolio: Who are their current clients? Understanding the clientele can give insights into the business's reputation and specialisation.   2. Client Retention Rate: How many clients have stuck around long-term? A high retention rate indicates client satisfaction and consistent service quality.   3. Financial Health: Ask for financial statements. Are revenues growing, steady, or declining? What about trends for expenses and debts?   4. Software and Tools: What technology and software do they use? Is it up-to-date, or will you need to do a large meaningful upgrade?   5. Training and Transition: Will the current owner provide training? How smooth is the transition process for clients and employees?   6. Employee Retention: How long have the employees been with the business? A stable team can be a sign of good management and work culture. And are the team based in Australia or overseas.   7. Outstanding Liabilities: Any pending lawsuits or financial commitments? You'd want to know upfront.   8. Competitive Landscape: Who are the main competitors? What sets this business apart from them?   9. Recurring Contracts: Does the business have any long-term contracts in place? These can guarantee revenue for a set period.   10. Historical Data: Can they provide data on past audits, errors, or client disputes? This can give insights into the business's accuracy and reliability.   11. Pricing Model: How are their services priced? Is it hourly, monthly retainers, or a different model?   12. Growth Opportunities: Are there potential clients or markets the business hasn't tapped into yet?   13. Business Processes: Are there documented standard operating procedures (SOPs)? This can make the transition smoother. Equipped with these comprehensive questions, you'll be in a strong position to evaluate the worth and potential of the bookkeeping business in question.    Remember, the more you know, the better your decision-making will be.   Let’s find your perfect Bookkeeping business here.

Imagine having your own mini-store that's open 24/7 and doesn't even need a cashier.  Along with Laundromats, Vending Machine Businesses are often held up as the perfect example of a passive income business.   But how passive is the income of a vending machine business? And how profitable can they be?   Stick around, and we'll walk you through all the possible reasons you might want to snag one for yourself. What types of vending machine businesses are there? Firstly, let’s be clear on what exactly a vending machine business is. We all know the vending machine that sells snacks but what other types of vending machines are out there: Snack Vending: These are the most common types and offer a variety of soft drinks, waters, juices, and snacks like chips or chocolate. Hot Beverage Vending: These vending machines offer hot beverages like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Fresh Food Vending: These machines vend fresh sandwiches, salads, and even full meals. They require more frequent restocking and have higher spoilage risks. Frozen Food Vending: These vending machines offer frozen items like ice cream or frozen dinners that can be heated later. Gumball Vending: These are typically smaller machines that vend gumballs, sweets, or small toys. Health and Wellness Vending: These machines offer healthier food and drink options like protein bars, nuts, and mineral water. Newspaper and Magazine Vending: Although not as popular as they once were, these are machines where you can purchase newspapers or magazines. DVD/Blu-Ray Rental Vending: Machines that offer DVD and Blu-Ray rentals. Office Supplies Vending: These machines can be found in business centres or schools and offer pens, notepads, and other small office supplies. Photo Booths: While not traditional vending machines, these offer a service (photo-taking) and are often grouped with vending opportunities. ATM Machines: Again, not a traditional vending machine, but ATMs are often owned by private businesses and generate revenue through transaction fees. Laundry Detergent Vending: Often found in laundromats, these machines dispense small amounts of laundry detergent and fabric softener. Pet Food Vending: These machines can be found in pet-friendly public places and offer small amounts of pet food or treats. Automotive Vending: These machines offer air fresheners, windshield washer fluid, or even motor oil. Tourist and Travel Essentials: Located in airports or tourist destinations, these machines offer travel pillows, phone chargers, or even luggage. Personal Care Vending: These vending machines offer personal care items like tampons, toothpaste, or condoms and can be sometimes found in the bathrooms of institutions such as schools or businesses. Car Vending: Believe it or not, some vending machines in the States allow you to purchase a car, which is then dispensed from a multi-story facility. Now that we know, what range is out there, we will focus on the more traditional food and drink vending machines. As these are the most popular business type we see for sale in the vending machine industry. What are the advantages of buying a business in the Vending Machine industry? Vending Machine Business For Sale have got some pretty awesome perks that you might find super appealing. Let's break them down, shall we?   Budget-Friendly Start: Vending machines won't break the bank. They usually have lower upfront costs compared to other business ventures. Growth Friendly: You can kick things off with just a machine or two and expand as you start rolling in those dollars (or perhaps digital payments these days). Fairly Simple Operations: Managing one vending machine is as straightforward as it gets. Just keep it stocked and collect your earnings. It gets more complex as you scale but the logistics are the same. Solo Act: Many of these businesses can be a one-person show. Say goodbye to payroll headaches! Earn on Autopilot: Once your machine is up and running, it's like a little robot that makes money for you 24/7.  Always Open: These machines don't sleep, giving you a chance to earn round-the-clock. Choose your Location: From schools and offices to airports and hospitals, these machines can go almost anywhere. Move It As You Like: Not making enough where you are? No worries, just move your vending machine somewhere else! Low Maintenance: After stocking up, you just have a few bills for things like electricity and maybe some minor repairs. Instant Earnings: Whether it's coins, bills, or digital payments, you get your money right then and there. Quick Payback: If you pick a bustling spot, you can make back your investment in no time. Be Your Own Boss: You can run this business part-time or as a fun project on the side. Family Affair: Get the kiddos involved! It's a great way to teach them the basics of running a business. Tailor-Made Choices: Adapt your offerings to specific markets, like stocking up on healthy snacks or luxury items. High-Tech Goodies: Newer models come with touch screens, credit card readers, and even remote monitoring.  Multiple Baskets for Your Eggs: Diversify your income by placing machines at different locations. Tax Benefits: You could potentially write off the depreciation on your vending machines, giving you some tax advantages. Sure, every business has its challenges—like finding the best spots and keeping up with maintenance. But the upsides of a vending machine business make it an attractive option for a lot of business buyers.   What is the business really like? Jason from SBO Financial recently checked out a vending machine business that was making $148k in profit and was up for grabs at a 3.8 times profit multiple. Pretty neat, huh? Jason points out that an average vending machine can pocket you around $5-6k AUD in profit. The best part? Modern machines even come with snazzy software that shows you how much you're making and what's left in stock—all in real time! But guess what? Jason decided to pass on this opportunity. Why? Well, it turns out that where you place these vending machines really matters. You've got to actually be there, scout locations, and chat with landlords to make sure you get the primo spots. Just something to think about if you're considering jumping in! You can read his full report on the business here.   In the US, Ujwal bought a vending machine empire with thousands of machines and 7 figures of profit.   This is the story of how he bought it and what it does today.   What prices do Vending Machine businesses typically go for? Like most industries, there is a massive range of prices for vending machine businesses. Smaller one person operations may go for under $100k. At the moment we have: Mobile ATM business for $99k, Sydney operation for $130k $499k for a vending machine operation in Townsville Or there are franchise options available too: Provender franchises from $40k SVA Vending from $26,000 Just Now Vending Franchises from $50k Larger operations with lots of machines in multiple locations may go up closer to $1m in line with the company profits. Should I go with a franchise or an independent vending machine business? Franchise Vending Machine Business A Franchised Vending Machine Business will have a lot of the benefits that we see with franchises over independent businesses but also some of the similar drawbacks:   Pros:   Brand Recognition: Franchised businesses often come with the advantage of established brand recognition, which can help attract customers. Proven Business Model: A franchise provides a tried-and-true business model, taking much of the guesswork out of your business planning. Training and Support: Many franchises offer training programs and ongoing support to help you manage your business effectively. Marketing Assistance: Franchisors usually provide marketing resources and can even run campaigns that benefit your location. Bulk Purchasing Power: As part of a larger network, you may benefit from economies of scale in purchasing inventory. Buying more Franchises: If you are already established in a Franchise then there might be opportunities to purchase businesses from other existing owners in the Franchise. Cons Initial Franchise Fees: These can be hefty and are an added cost on top of your other startup expenses. Ongoing Fees: Most franchises require payment of ongoing royalties, which can eat into your profit margins. Less Autonomy: Franchisees are generally required to follow a set of corporate policies, which might restrict your ability to manage the business as you see fit. Limited Product Offering: You might be restricted to selling only the products offered by the franchisor, limiting your ability to diversify.   Independent Vending Machine Business Pros: Greater Autonomy: Running an independent business allows you greater freedom in all aspects of the business, from the products you sell to the way you market them. Higher Profit Margins: Without franchise fees and royalties, you keep a greater percentage of the revenue. Flexible Business Model: You have the freedom to pivot your business strategy as you see fit, adapting to market needs or emerging trends. Local Adaptation: You can tailor your product offerings and marketing to the specific needs and tastes of your local market. Cons: Lack of Brand Recognition: Starting from scratch means you’ll need to invest time and effort into building a brand and attracting customers. Unproven Business Model: You bear the risk of an unproven business model and may need to adjust your strategy multiple times to find what works. Limited Support and Resources: You'll be responsible for all aspects of the business, from sourcing and operations to marketing and customer service, without the safety net of a franchise support system. Higher Inventory Costs: Buying products in smaller quantities typically means you won't enjoy the same bulk discounts that a franchise might offer.   So you found a Vending Machine business that you like the look of. What questions should you ask? Hey there, future vending machine mogul! Thinking about buying a vending machine business? That's awesome! Before you jump in, here are 14 questions you might want to ask to make sure you're making a smart move.  How long has the business been running? - It's good to know if it's well-established or still in its baby steps. Why is the current owner selling? - This could tell you a lot about whether the business is booming or struggling. What are the average monthly sales and expenses? - You'll want a clear picture of income and costs. How quickly can I expect a return on my investment? - Knowing the payback period is essential. How many machines are included? - More machines may mean more income but also more work. What's the condition of the machines? - You don't want to inherit a bunch of repair bills. Do they accept card payments or just cash? - Card acceptance could mean more sales. Where are the machines placed? - Good locations can make or break the business. Do you have contracts with these locations? - This will show if your business will have a stable home. What's the process for restocking? - Know what you're getting into in terms of time and effort. Who are the suppliers? - You’ll need to know where the snacks and drinks are coming from. Is there room for expansion? - Can you add more machines or introduce new products? What kind of customer trends have you noticed? - This could guide your future decisions. Are there any current employees? - If it's not a one-person show, you'll need to consider staff needs. Do they restock themselves or maybe have family members help.   Now that you are armed with the knowledge you need for your Vending Venture. Let’s find your perfect Vending Machine business here.

When most people think of cleaning, they probably think of cleaning their home as this is what we are all most familiar with.   Having seen lots of cleaning businesses for sale, I can safely say that nearly anything that exists, can be cleaned!   According to Ibis World there are 41,819 commercial cleaning companies in Australia and together they do 11bn in total revenue.   Whilst the pandemic squeezed profit margins as hotels and commercial offices were shut down, there is beginning to be a return to steady growth seen over the last 20 years.   So much so, that revenue is forecast to grow to $13.1 billion through the end of 2027-28.   So cleaning businesses span a broad spectrum of niches from:   Residential Cleaning Services: These services offer regular cleaning, deep cleaning, or specialised cleaning for homes and apartments. They may include tasks such as dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and more. Commercial Cleaning Services: This covers the cleaning of office buildings, retail spaces, and other commercial properties. They usually involve more large-scale equipment and can be more specialised, based on the needs of the business. Carpet Cleaning: This niche focuses specifically on cleaning and maintaining carpets, often using specialised equipment. Window Cleaning: Some companies specialise in window cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. Industrial Cleaning: These businesses handle more heavy-duty cleaning tasks, often in manufacturing or industrial settings. This might include cleaning machinery or specialised cleaning processes. Bond Cleaning: Specifically for homes or offices that are transitioning between tenants or owners. This can often be a deeper clean, ensuring the space is ready for its new occupants. Green Cleaning: With an emphasis on environmental responsibility, these companies use eco-friendly cleaning products and methods. Crime Scene Cleanup: Post-incident cleanup of sites where crimes, accidents, or deaths have occurred. Biohazard Cleanup: Handling and cleaning sites that have potential health risks, like mould or hazardous chemicals. Hoarding Cleanup: Assisting in the cleanup and organisation of properties affected by hoarding. Marine Boat Cleaning: Cleaning boats or yachts that you see at your local marina. Dog Wash - either mobile service or a DIY station that dog owners can pay to use. Medical Cleaning: Cleaning medical facilities, which requires understanding and complying with health standards. Car Wash: This covers car wash services, detailing services, and even specialised cleaning for larger vehicles like buses or trucks. Dry Cleaning: While not 'cleaning' in the traditional sense, they are a part of the broader cleaning industry. They cater to clothing and fabric items, offering washing, drying, and specialised treatments. Chimney Cleaning: Focused on cleaning and maintaining chimneys to ensure safe operation of fireplaces and stoves. Wheelie Bin Cleaning - keeping your bins regularly cleaned. Pressure Washing: Using high-pressure water spray to clean surfaces like driveways, siding, decks, and more. Air Conditioning Cleaning: Specialised in cleaning the Air Con systems, ensuring better air quality and system efficiency. Pool Cleaning: Offering a regular service for home pool owners or commercial pools like hotels to help keep their pools clean and safe to swim in. Laundromats: Self service laundromats can really reduce the need for staff, making them perfect for a more hands off cash flowing business.   What are the advantages of buying a business in the cleaning industry?   Starting a cleaning business does not often require a large capital investment so the barriers to entry can be quite low.    This means that the cleaning industry can be quite competitive however there are some great advantages that make cleaning businesses very attractive businesses to buy:   Opportunity for Specialisation: As the industry is vast, business owners can carve out niches like green cleaning, medical facility cleaning, or crime scene cleanup, which may offer higher profit margins or less competition.   Recurring Revenue: The holy grail. Many cleaning services operate on contracts or standing appointments. Whether it's a residential client who needs bi-weekly cleaning or a commercial contract that requires daily or weekly service, recurring revenue provides stability and predictability for business owners.   High Profit Margins: When managed efficiently, the cleaning business can have favourable profit margins. Overheads, such as cleaning supplies, can be low compared to the service fees charged, especially when buying in bulk or leveraging economies of scale as your business grows.   Scalability: The business model can be scaled from a solo operation to a vast enterprise, depending on the entrepreneur's ambition. Expansion can be pursued in terms of services offered, geographic regions covered, or niches catered to.   Diverse Clientele: The industry caters to various clients, from residential homeowners to large corporations, schools, hospitals, and other institutions. This diversity can make the business resistant to fluctuations in any single sector.   Consistent Demand: Cleanliness and hygiene are perpetual needs. Even during economic downturns, certain segments of the cleaning industry (like commercial cleaning) may continue to see demand.   Flexibility: Especially for smaller operations or residential cleaning services, there's a degree of flexibility in setting schedules or choosing clients, making it suitable for those seeking a work-life balance.   Resilience to Technological Disruption: While many industries are threatened by technological advances, the hands-on nature of cleaning services means they remain relatively resistant to such disruptions.   Franchise Opportunities: For those not wanting to start from scratch, the cleaning industry has numerous franchise opportunities. These can offer brand recognition, operational support, training, and marketing advantages.   Environmental and Health Impact: With a growing emphasis on green cleaning and sustainability, there's an opportunity to make a positive environmental impact. Businesses can also contribute to the health and well-being of clients by reducing allergens, bacteria, and other hazards.   Community Engagement: Cleaning businesses often serve local communities. Owners can establish strong local networks, participate in community events, and become recognized members of their local business ecosystems.   Growth Opportunities: As there are lots of owner operated businesses, there is lots of opportunity to use acquisition as a growth channel to expand your revenue and staff. Plus demand for household cleaning is forecast to increase as dual income families become more and more common.   Cash Flow: Depending on the terms set with clients, cleaning businesses often benefit from quick payments, aiding in steady cash flow.   All of these benefits can lead to high competition in the cleaning industry. This competition can force prices down, meaning that some cleaning businesses have very low margins.   Wondering what the gross margins might look like in reality?   This podcast episode shares the story of George Vallone that bought a cleaning business doing $1m in the States.   Other episodes that might be useful to learn about the cleaning business are: Chris Munn, who bought a $800k cleaning business. Fraser Voll bought a 50 year old Commercial Cleaning company.  Ben Bortner bought a pool cleaning business and then sold it for 8x.    What multiples do cleaning businesses typically go for?   You can find our guide on how to calculate the SDE of a business accurately here.   Once you have your profit figure, the average multiples we have seen are:So, you're curious about how much a cleaning business is worth, right? It's a bit like a puzzle, but don't worry, I'll break it down for you!   You can think of a cleaning business's value as a big multiplication game. We often take 2 to 3 times the owner's take-home pay to figure it out. But hold on, it's not that simple! It can change a lot based on all kinds of stuff. Here at Business For Sale, we look at over 150 factors to get you an accurate business valuation.   But hey, if you're just looking for a quick idea of what a cleaning business might be worth, you can use these handy rules:   Under $500K in sales? Multiply by 1.5 to 2 times. $500K to $1M in sales? Multiply by 2 to 2.5 times. $1M to $5M in sales? Multiply by 2.5 to 3.5 times. Over $5M in sales? Multiply by 3.5 to 5 times or even more.   Now, you might be wondering what can make a cleaning business worth more or less. Here's some insider info:   Commercial Jobs: These are like gold! They usually keep coming, giving buyers confidence. Plus, they often last a long time, like a steady paycheck for years. Contracts: Got some paper that says your clients will stick around? Awesome! That's like a promise for the future. Just make sure those contracts can move to the new owner. Owner's Role: If you're more hands-off and the business runs itself, that's a big plus. More buyers might want it, and that could mean a better price. Family in the Business: It's great working with family, but buyers might get nervous if too many relatives are part of the crew. They might worry folks will leave when you do. Legal Employees: Having staff with proper paperwork who've been around a while can push up the price. The cleaning business is sometimes known for shady dealings with workers, so keeping things on the up-and-up can really pay off.   So you found a cleaning business that you like the look of. What questions should you ask?   Some of these will be up to you to answer and some of these you will have to ask the seller or broker for more information to help answer.   1. Financial Questions: Can I see the last three years of financial statements, including profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements? What is the company's current debt load, and what are the terms? Are there any outstanding financial or tax liabilities? What are the major expenses for the business? What is the business's gross and net profit margin?   2. Operational Questions: What cleaning techniques and equipment do you use? Are they up-to-date and well-maintained? What are the company's operational processes and workflows? What software or tools do you use for scheduling, billing, and client management? How do you source and manage inventory and cleaning supplies?   3. Client-Related Questions: Can I have a breakdown of the client base (residential vs. commercial, frequency of service)? Are there any long-term contracts in place? Can I review them? What is the client retention rate? Why do clients typically leave? How do you acquire new clients, and what's the average cost of acquisition? Is there any client concentration (i.e., a significant portion of revenue coming from one or a few clients)?   4. Employee-Related Questions: Can I see an organizational chart and job descriptions for all positions? Are there any key employees that the business relies heavily upon? What is the employee turnover rate?