What to look for
Although it may help your cause to buy a greengrocer's near a supermarket, there are other locations that will do just as well. In a main shopping thoroughfare, for example, your business will fare better than one in a housing estate.
Before you buy, you should research your area thoroughly. Ask other businesses in the area what kind of prosperity they are enjoying - and whether they have any opinions about the business that you are looking to buy.
Obviously you'll be looking closely at the accounts of the outgoing grocer - this is essential too. But gathering information from as many sources as possible will halp you make the right decision.
If there are other greengrocery businesses within a reasonable distance of the one you're interested in, it doesn't always have to a problem. Competition breeds business because people will come to an area specifically to benefit from having several similar shops to choose from (rather in the way you often get several restaurants together).
"Find out about the possibilities for expanding the business into delivery," advises Michael Taylor. "Lots of restaurants and hotels will look to local greengrocers' to supply them with really fresh produce."
Visit any existing restaurant customers of the business you're thinking of buying to see if they would be prepared to carry on with you if you decide to buy. If and when you buy the business you will also need to make new contacts - making a start as part of your research can only help save time later on.