Selling a California Landscaping Company in the Green
More companies are moving toward sustainable practices, and that includes landscaping companies. If you are thinking of selling your landscaping business in California, it helps if you are already in the green. But what does that mean, exactly?
To the landscaping business, it means some things you might already be doing, and some things you should consider. Why do these things before you sell your business? Because above all, you want your business to be appealing to buyers. If you’re already going above and beyond to meet your customers’ needs in a responsible way, a buyer is more likely to consider your business over another one that might be for sale.
Here are some simple tips and tricks for going green before selling your California landscaping company.
Go Electric (or hybrid) and Use Sustainable Energy
Realistically, landscaping businesses often consume a lot of fossil fuels. You have to run your trucks to get your equipment and employees back and forth to various job sites, and many pieces of equipment run on gas and require frequent oil changes.
But there are emerging solutions. Advancements in electric trimmers, mowers, blowers, and other devices mean they are powerful enough for commercial use. Portable solar chargers mean you can keep devices powered throughout the day. Emerging hybrid and all-electric vehicles mean there are even more sustainable options.
You might not be able to change your landscaping company to 100% renewable energy before you sell, but if you are moving that direction and the buyer can see the potential savings in both money and the environment, your business will be more appealing to them.
Go Paperless Before You Sell your California Landscaping Company
One of the easiest ways to be more environmentally responsible is to go paperless. This simply means that you use electronic devices and online storage to create invoices, keep records, and even interact with your customers.
Portable tablets with a cellular connection mean you can work on the job site even without nearby Wi-Fi. This capability makes it possible to be nearly paperless even in the field, with technicians having access to plans and work orders, and customers being able to digitally sign off on a completed job and even make payments on the spot.
Going paperless is not only better for the environment, but it is also a way to make your company more profitable, and that is one of the key things a buyer wants to see when deciding on a company to purchase.
Use Organic and Sustainable Products
In your business, you might use things like herbicides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. Using ones that are organic and sustainable is much easier now than it once was and can be done economically. Customers are also willing to pay more for sustainable services, and that makes it possible to actually increase your customer base and your company’s profit.
In California, more consumers than ever are looking for environmentally responsible companies and choosing them over lower-cost companies that perform similar services. You can set yourself apart and be more appealing to both customers and those buyers interested in your business.
Advocate for Drought Safe Landscaping and Irrigation
Even though the worst drought in California history is behind us, saving water never goes out of fashion, and more consumers than ever before are looking for native plant landscaping free of invasive species. Instead of expensive and inefficient sprinkler systems, they are instead looking for development that requires little irrigation.
If your landscaping business is on the cutting edge of this trend, buyers will be much more enthusiastic about your business.
Get Involved in Green Initiatives
Maybe you want to sell your California landscaping business now, and while you may be moving to greener practices, implementing them before you sell is impractical. There are still things you can do.
One of those is to show your commitment to the environment by joining green initiatives. This can include a number of things.
- Committing to help create green spaces in low-income areas, and working with other companies to do so.
- Participating in groups with like-minded businesses who want to move to more sustainable practices in your industry.
- Promote sustainable practices and move toward them at a pace you can afford even while your business is for sale.
- Encourage your employees to go green even during their “off-time.”
Be sure to include your involvement in these initiatives in your marketing, both to consumers and to those buyers interested in purchasing your business.
Sell Your California Landscaping Company When You’re at Your Best
Selling a business takes time, and buyers are most interested in businesses and industries that are healthy and growing. It might seem counter-intuitive to grow your business and make investments in it while you are looking to sell and exit.
However, the opposite is true. This is why you need to partner with an experienced and certified business broker when you are looking to sell your business. They will help you get ready and find the right buyer at the right time and sell your business for what it’s really worth. Your job is just to keep your business profitable and running smoothly.
Are you ready to sell your California based landscaping company? Call or contact Rogerson Business Services today. Andrew Rogerson has sold several landscaping businesses successfully, and he’s the ultimate business broker to take your business from listed to sold. Now is a great time to sell your business based in California, and he can help you navigate the entire process.
