Trades
Selling a trades business?
Licenses, vehicles, recurring service contracts, and bench depth. A typical sub-$1M trades business sells in the 2.4–3.0× range.
Typical multiple range
2.4–3.0× SDE
Recent comps in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and specialty trades, sub-$1M revenue band.
Exit On My Own provides a comparative analysis based on public comparable sales and industry multiples. This is not a certified business appraisal or valuation. Consult a licensed appraiser before relying on any number for tax, legal, or financing decisions.
What's different about selling a trades business
Licenses transfer with rules
Some trade licenses transfer with the business; some don't transfer at all and require the buyer to be licensed themselves. In some cases the only path is a stock sale rather than an asset sale, which gets complicated. Know which one you have before going to market.
Service contracts lift your multiple
A recurring maintenance book — even a small one — is the single most valuable thing on your balance sheet. Multi-year contracts are a major plus. Document them.
Vehicles and equipment are separately schedulable
Buyers want a clean fixed-asset schedule with year, make, mileage, and condition. Typically these need to be paid off at or before closing. A messy truck list adds weeks to diligence.
See what your trades business is worth.
A comparative analysis grounded in recent comps from your industry and size band.
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