How to Buy a Route Business

Buyers can submit our non-disclosure agreement at this page

Why Buy a Route Using The Route Exchange?

The Route Exchange provides the easiest way to research and find routes for sale.  We do all of the information gathering and qualify all sellers before we list their route.  We confirm the information and ensure that the purchasing process goes smoothly from start to finish.  We will do everything possible to find you the best route available.

What Types of Routes Do You Sell?

We will work with any route or business that would like to utilize our sales and advertising service.  We will sell bread routes (Brownberry, Arnold, Bimbo, Pepperidge Farm, etc.), chip routes (Snyder’s-Lance), cookie routes, FedEx routes, ATM routes, vending routes, and many others.

Are there fees?

Buyer’s will never pay a fee for using our site.  We only charge a fee when a route is sold and the fee is covered by the seller of the route.  The Route Exchange also offers the lowest sales service fee of any route sales service available.

How Can I Find Active Routes For Sale?

The easiest way is to check our listings page.  We will also create new posts on our website, twitter, and Facebook when routes are added, prices change, etc.

What is the Process to Buy a Route?

The process varies depending on route type, location, financing options and other factors, but generally speaking the following can be used as a route sales outline:

  • Buyers will complete a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).  This agreement simply states that the buyer will keep any route business information confidential.  The non-disclosure agreement protects both the buyer and seller.  Buying a route requires the review of sensitive information and the confidentiality of that information is important.
  • Once a buyer finds a route that they are interested in, they then submit buyer qualification paperwork.  Before being connected with the seller of a particular route, The Route Exchange verifies that the buyer is capable of purchasing the business.
  • The Route Exchange provides the prospective buyer’s information to the route seller.  Several steps after this will happen away from our service, although we are always willing to offer consultation to both route buyer’s and seller’s.  It is recommended that the buyer and seller meet, travel the route territory, discuss specifics such as major accounts, typical expenses, route schedule, route sale price, etc.
  • The buyer and seller agree on a purchase price.  At this time an Intent to Purchase or Purchase Agreement will be completed.  The buyer will then make an Earnest Payment which is essentially a security deposit on the route business.  This payment will go into escrow until the route sale is completed.
  • The company affiliated with the route (e.g. Snyder’s-Lance) will require an interview with the interested buyer.  We have gone through this process ourselves several times.  These companies rely heavily on their independent operator’s and want to ensure that they are capable of doing the job.
  • The company approves the buyer and begins working on route sales paperwork.  Financing applications, if necessary, would be filed at this time.  Many distribution companies have relationships with banks and can submit the necessary paperwork on behalf of the buyer.
  • Paperwork is completed and financing is approved.  A final meeting takes place to close the deal.  The closing may take place anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks after the sales agreement is filed.  The paperwork requirements and processing speed vary from company to company.  Once the deal is closed, the earnest money escrow account is disbursed.  The seller receives their payment check and the buyer takes control of the route.   routes for sale routes for sale routes for sale routes for sale routes for sale routes for sale

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