My husband and I moved a few years ago to a small beach town. Though I had a leadership position in a hospital, I opted to open a bookstore. New town, new adventure, and it’s been fantastic for two years. I did not start this business up in the hopes of becoming rich. It has been fun and a great way to connect with this new community. For a small bookstore, it has been very profitable. So much that my CPA is in utter disbelief at its success in just two years.

Now, my husband wants to move back to our home city. His job has changed and he can do it from anywhere. This would put us closer to family, which is awesome.

My problem is that I want to sell the business, but I can’t show a large profit. I did not put myself on a budget for the first two years. I didn’t really need the profits either, as I was trying to grow it. My lack of a budget means I spent what I wanted to supply the merchandise to build the business. The profits are totally there! It’s my spending that is the problem. I know someone could come in and take it over and make it huge.

How do I sell a very young bookstore that has been a total treasure for the community, and also explain why there isn’t a profit? I’m totally fine with telling potential buyers that it’s on me, and my spending to build the business is the problem. Is that a good enough reason and do you think a buyer would see the potential based on sales alone? Obviously someone with a tighter budget could make it do well. And this little town is booming and growing.

Thanks for any help.

ETA: I’m clarifying that my expenses are high because of my spending to build the business, but the sales are there and impressive.