Sell Your Cafe

How to sell a cafe

Selling a cafe is a practical process. Buyers want to see how the shop trades, what the lease allows, and what they will take over on day one. Get those facts in order before the listing goes live, and the first serious enquiry is easier to answer.

Start with the financials. Pull at least two years of profit and loss statements, BAS lodgements that match the advertised profit, and a clear note of owner wages, one-off repairs, and any rent relief that will not continue. A buyer will ask how much is genuine weekly trade, how much comes from weekends, and how much depends on you being on the floor. Separate food sales from coffee and retail so a buyer can see the mix. If figures in the listing do not match the accountant's file, fix that first.

The lease often decides the sale. Note the years left, the options, the rent, any turnover rent, outgoings, and whether the landlord must approve a new tenant. Ask early whether assignment is allowed and what the landlord will want from a buyer, such as experience or a bank guarantee. A short remaining term with no option will slow the process. A transferable lease with time left gives a buyer confidence they can keep the shop trading.

Equipment should be listed, not assumed. Espresso machines, grinders, fridges, ovens, point of sale, furniture, and any hire agreements all need to be named, with a note on what is owned, leased, or belonging to the landlord. Buyers walk through the kitchen and the front of house with that list in hand. If a machine is near the end of its life, say so. Surprises after an inspection waste time for both sides.

Timing matters. Cafes often sell more cleanly when trade is steady and staff are in place, rather than after a quiet month or a sudden resignation. Give yourself weeks, not days, to gather documents and photos that show the cafe as it actually trades. Once the listing is live, reply to enquiries quickly. Serious buyers ask about hours, staffing, supplier terms, average weekly sales, and whether you will stay on for a short handover. Have those answers ready so you are not scrambling mid-conversation.

You can start with a free 30 day listing, then upgrade to the Direct to Buyers Package from $880 + GST if you want a longer campaign and more promotion. There is no commission when you sell. Keep customer lists, staff details, and exact profit out of the public page until you are comfortable with the buyer. The public listing should explain the opportunity clearly. The private pack supports the price once an enquiry is real.