Selling a business in San Diego can be rewarding—but it’s competitive. Buyers want clean books, future growth, and confidence in the deal. This guide shows how to prepare and maximize your exit value.
1. Get Your Financials in Order
Start with 3 years of tax returns, profit and loss statements, and clear add-backs (owner perks, one-time expenses, etc.). If your books are messy, work with a bookkeeper or CPA to clean them up.
2. Know What Your Business Is Worth
Use our free valuation tool or get a broker opinion of value. A business is typically worth 2–3× SDE (Seller’s Discretionary Earnings), but can go higher with contracts, recurring revenue, or strong margins.
3. Prepare for Due Diligence
Serious buyers will ask for:
- Leases, contracts, and customer lists
- Inventory and asset breakdown
- Employee roles and pay history
- Permits, licenses, and legal docs
Prepare a secure data room or Dropbox folder with redacted copies ready.
4. Protect Confidentiality
Don’t post your business name publicly. Use a broker or NDA-gated teaser to qualify serious buyers before revealing details.
5. Work With a Local Expert
San Diego has unique buyer behavior, high cost of living, and regional SBA lenders. A local broker (like Alexey) understands these dynamics and can protect your time.
Final Thoughts
San Diego is a premium market. With proper prep, marketing, and valuation strategy, you can sell for top dollar with minimal stress.
Want help? Contact us or see how we work.