Most business brokers prepare a business profile, book, certified business review, or some sort of a written document that provides detailed information on the business for sale in marketing a business. As the years have gone by, I have omitted certain items and added others to the standard business write up I prepare. In recent years, I have started including detailed demographic information. I have found that I can effectively make a good case for the business’s geographical location and continued success based upon market area demographics.
Demographics is population statistics regarding socioeconomic factors such as age, family size, gender, income, occupation, education, etc. Identifying the demographic groups that will purchase a business’s products and services can mean the difference between success and failure.
Numerous free and fee-based sources provide demographic data. The US Census Bureau is probably the largest compiler and publisher of demographic data http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/index.html. Many of the fees based services are merely “repackaging” the census data. However, some services provide excellent search capabilities, mapping, and various options for breaking the information down and presentation formats. As a member of the CCIM Institute, the service I use is Site To Do Business
http://www.stdb-seesamples.com/demographic_reports.html
I use demographic information in several ways, but two main applications are:
Analyzing the business before taking the listing. If the business’s demographics are not reflective of their defined customer, the business may have a limited chance of success. For instance, the number one customer for mini storage units is renters. Suppose there are very few apartment complexes, or the market area has a high homeowner rate. In that case, the number of particular individuals needing to rent a mini storage unit may be very low. Therefore, I may choose not to list the business because it may difficult or impossible to sell.
In the “Business Review,” I include detailed demographics for a 1, 3, and 5-mile radius of the business. I highlight the business’ definition of “target customer” and emphasis the demographic data to support a high “target customer” base in the market area.
I utilize demographics on every business listing and feel the use of demographics has helped me close more transactions. Understanding and applying demographics is just another professional way, we as business brokers can provide knowledgeable service to business owners and buyers.