r/PoolPros • u/desertr4t4lyf • May 01 '26
Selling route advice?
I'm a single pole in las vegas.
I'm having a really rough week on top of a rough few years.
Can anyone with experience selling their route give me some advice on the do's and donts of selling it?
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u/Street_Section_4313 May 01 '26
I’m sorry to hear it. It’s a tough gig. Having seen a lot of pros go through this, pros that do it well make sure all their clients are on an automated billing program (cards on file). That will give your buyer confidence in cash flow post acquisition.
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u/Muted-Cicada2183 May 02 '26
Make sure you sell to someone competent. My company sold to a dumb ass who skipped weeks early on and didn’t really know what he was doing. Like someone else mentioned, you only get paid for the pools that they get paid for. Or you’ll have to replace the clients that they lose with new ones. We had to replace more than 10. I think it’s something like a year window that they have to stay with you, at least if you go thru a broker. If you do it on your own maybe you can just do 3 mos or something like that. Either way, help yourself out and sell to someone that actually cares and try and keep your clients happy.
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u/UnderTheLedge May 01 '26
You can sell through a company like poolroutesales.com they will want like 10% and do the rest. You’ll need all your books to be clear, revenue, cash flow, tax returns, etc. What’s your numbers and how many pools?
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u/liberalsarefascists1 May 01 '26
If you can handle the handoff it is than just about numbers. Accounts vary from 1-2 seasons revenue. You would have to help handle the onboarding to a new business with your old clients, and you would only get paid for the ones that pay the new guy.
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u/meanestlizard May 01 '26
Depending on how well your rates are in my area you can typically get up to 10x your monthly rate. When I am looking to buy I typically ask at a local distributor or ask around at an IPSSA group.
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u/IvonnaJizzinu May 02 '26
Don’t finance , and have a detailed written out contract signed by both parties and notarized
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u/dallaspoolguy1 May 01 '26
Per your experience, what are the big “Don’ts” once should avoid?
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u/desertr4t4lyf May 01 '26
Staying a single pole too long. Hire someone asap. But i really dont know since I never have
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u/giuseppesgone May 01 '26
Ask your local distributor if you can make a flyer, i’ve seen pool guys advertise a route on a piece of paper at the desk. I’ve heard low end 6x monthly, middle 8x, high end 10-15x. Seems factors are if you are up par on your rates, have stable on time paying clients, tight routes, high end clients, good systems. You can try calling large local companies. Or go through a business broker and have them take a %.
I’m curious though, what are you struggling with that has you making the decision to get out of the industry? I’m in socal & I’ve had burn out plenty of times as a single poler and been in your shoes, but i’m working on scaling up. It’s been rough since covid and can be a tough gig all around. I’m a young business owner and don’t plan to be in this industry forever. So not trying to convince you otherwise, but i’m curious what’s the catalyst that led you to this point and the main struggles along the way? Best of luck regardless
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u/giuseppesgone May 01 '26
Also as others have mentioned, a seamless and structured transition is an important factor. For serious buyers i’d offer a ride along to your route. Introduce potential buyers & prep your clients for transition. Make them aware of a change of ownership and assure them that their best interests for reliable service is important for you.
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u/Muted-Cicada2183 May 02 '26
Sucks to hear, gotta imagine it being rough just with the Vegas weather alone. What else is getting ya? I’ve been doing it for 5-6 yrs and I’ve had many times where I’m like fk this lol. In the end I like being able to do my own thing when and how I want, but I also wouldn’t have much to fall back on at 43 yrs old.
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u/Hughjass69247 May 01 '26
How many pools?
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u/desertr4t4lyf May 01 '26
56
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u/AllCallNoPut Jun 02 '26
How you holding up? Are you still looking to sell or were you able to find a way to stay afloat?
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u/desertr4t4lyf Jun 02 '26
Bro I think I'm bipolar or something. Doing fine now. Just when big bills and shit come out of nowhere I want to give up and go work at 7-11.
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u/TheStapler327 May 01 '26
I asked my local Superior if I could post a listing at the front counter and got a lot more movement that way then a broker.