When you buy a running business, it is time tested for the income it generates, the relationships it has developed over time, the licenses and location lease it has for continuity of business, and above all, the reputation it has established with its customer base. Sale Price of the business is essentially the aggregation of what business holds as its tangible assets associated with its fixed and moving inventory and the intangible assets that make the tangible assets produce income. Oftentimes, the buyer of the business picks up where you want to leave and make it run equally good or better. When you plan to start your own business, you are placing all your money, oftentimes it is entirely your own, and risk for its success since it is going to be entirely your own adventure. After you have broken even, which may take 6 to 10 months, you may make a kill if what you planned for works well, or you may lose your shirt. Since the marketplace is ripe always with sellers, and there are buyers out there who prefer risk-averse approach, it is for you to weigh the pros and cons of risks. Remember, as a buyer, you are in charge!