Can You Sell Business Plans? What You Should Know
Short answer
Yes, you can sell business plans by creating detailed, customized documents that explain a business idea’s goals, strategies, and financial forecasts. This service requires researching your client’s business concept carefully and delivering a clear, honest plan that buyers can use to guide decisions or seek funding.
What does it mean to sell business plans?
Selling business plans involves creating a comprehensive document that outlines a business’s objectives, market analysis, marketing strategies, operational details, and financial projections, then offering it to clients for a fee. These plans are usually crafted for entrepreneurs, startups, or small businesses that need a professional roadmap but lack the time or expertise to develop one themselves. The key to selling business plans is customization: the plan should be based on the client’s specific business idea and situation, not just a generic template. This means asking detailed questions and conducting research to ensure the plan realistically reflects the business environment and goals.
A business plan typically includes sections like the executive summary, company description, market analysis, organizational structure, product or service line, marketing and sales strategies, funding request (if applicable), financial projections, and appendices. When selling such a plan, you become a bridge between the client’s idea and a formal document they can present to investors, lenders, or partners. The quality and accuracy of your work will directly affect the client’s ability to communicate and execute their business vision.
How does selling business plans actually work? An example
Consider a freelance writer who offers business plan writing services. A client wants to launch a food truck but has never created a business plan. The seller starts by gathering detailed information through a questionnaire or interview. Questions might include:
- What cuisine will you offer?
- Who is your target market?
- What are your estimated startup costs?
- What locations do you plan to operate in?
- How will you price your items?
- What are your sales projections for the first year?
With this information, the writer researches the local food truck market, competitor pricing, and necessary permits. They then draft a plan highlighting the unique selling points of the food truck, marketing tactics (like social media campaigns or event appearances), and a financial section projecting monthly revenues and expenses.
For example, if the client expects an average sale of $10 per customer and aims for 50 customers daily, monthly revenue might be $15,000 (50 customers × $10 × 30 days). The plan would also detail costs like food supplies, fuel, permits, and labor. The seller delivers the final plan within an agreed timeline, often including one or two rounds of revisions. The client uses this document to apply for loans or attract investors.
Throughout this process, the seller clarifies that the business plan is a guide, not a guaranteed roadmap to success, and encourages ongoing updates as the business develops.
Why does selling business plans matter to people with business ideas?
Many people have promising business ideas but do not know how to organize their thoughts or communicate the concept to stakeholders like banks, investors, or partners. A well-written business plan helps clarify goals, identify challenges, and map out strategies. Selling business plans fills this need by providing expertise that the buyer may lack.
For clients, buying a business plan can save significant time and reduce the overwhelming feeling of starting from scratch. It also helps them gain confidence when seeking funding because lenders typically want to see a clear plan before committing money. For sellers, creating business plans can be a steady source of income and a way to apply skills in research, writing, and business analysis.
However, sellers must operate ethically. This means creating original work tailored to each client, clearly communicating what the plan can and cannot do, and avoiding unrealistic promises of guaranteed funding or business success. For buyers, knowing these facts helps set reasonable expectations and encourages active involvement in the plan’s creation.
What are some terms related to selling business plans and how are they different?
People often confuse selling business plans with similar but distinct services, which can cause misunderstandings about what is being purchased. Here are some common terms and how they differ:
| Term | Definition | Difference from Selling Business Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Business Idea | A concept for a business, often informal and not detailed | Selling plans involves detailed, structured documentation, not just an idea |
| Business Plan Template | A blank or partially filled outline for a business plan | Selling plans provides a fully customized plan written for the client |
| Business Consulting | Advising clients on various aspects of their business | Selling plans focuses specifically on writing a plan, not ongoing advice |
| Ghostwriting a Plan | Writing a plan on behalf of the client, often confidential | Selling plans may be collaborative, and the client often uses the plan openly |
| Marketing Plan | A document focusing only on marketing strategies | Selling business plans covers multiple aspects: marketing, finance, operations |
Understanding these differences helps both buyers and sellers clarify expectations and ensures the service meets client needs.
How can you start selling business plans? Step-by-step guidance
If you want to sell business plans, follow these practical steps:
- Develop Your Skills: Learn how to research industries, write business documents, and create financial projections. Online courses or books on business planning can help.
- Create Sample Plans: Build plans for hypothetical businesses in different sectors to showcase your ability.
- Define Your Services: Decide if you will offer full plans, partial plans, or additional services like market research or pitch decks.
- Set Pricing: Research competitors’ rates and factor in time, complexity, and revisions. For example, simple plans might start at $300, while detailed, research-heavy plans could cost $1,000 or more.
- Market Yourself: Use freelancing websites, social media, or local business networks to find clients.
- Gather Client Information: Use questionnaires or interviews to collect all necessary details.
- Draft the Plan: Write clearly, using professional language and data tailored to the client’s goals.
- Allow Revisions: Include one or two rounds of revisions, so the client can request changes.
- Deliver and Explain: Provide the final document and explain how to use it for fundraising or management.
- Maintain Ethics: Include disclaimers about the plan’s purpose and do not promise guaranteed outcomes.
By following these steps, you establish a reliable process that builds trust and leads to repeat clients or referrals.
What legal and ethical issues should you consider when selling business plans?
Several important points arise when selling business plans:
- Originality: Avoid copying existing plans or using generic text without customization. Clients expect unique, tailored content.
- Honesty: Use realistic assumptions for financial projections and market analysis. Avoid exaggerated claims that could mislead clients.
- Confidentiality: Protect sensitive client information. Do not share business data without permission.
- Disclaimers: Clearly state that the plan is a tool to help guide the business and does not guarantee funding or success.
- Legal Compliance: Some states regulate business consulting or require disclosures. Check your local rules or consult legal advice.
- Avoid Conflicts of Interest: Do not write plans for competing businesses or take on projects that could create ethical dilemmas.
Following these principles protects both you and your clients and fosters a good professional reputation.
What should buyers do before purchasing a business plan?
If you’re considering buying a business plan, keep these tips in mind:
- Verify Customization: Ask how the seller will tailor the plan to your specific business idea and market.
- Request Samples: Review examples of previous plans to assess quality and style.
- Understand the Process: Clarify how much input you will have and the timeline.
- Check Credentials: Look for reviews, references, or qualifications to ensure reliability.
- Know the Limitations: Remember the plan is a guide, not a guarantee. Be prepared to update it as your business evolves.
- Learn Basics Yourself: Familiarize yourself with business plan components so you can evaluate the plan’s usefulness.
- Discuss Pricing and Revisions: Understand what is included in the price and how many edits you can request.
By being informed, buyers get better value and avoid disappointment.
Frequently asked questions
Is selling business plans considered a legal business activity?
Yes, selling business plans is legal as long as the work is original and honest. Sellers should avoid plagiarism and false claims, and check for any state-specific regulations related to consulting services.
Can I sell business plans without a business background?
While a business background helps, you can start by learning business plan structures, financial basics, and market research skills. Building knowledge through courses or mentorship is advisable before selling plans professionally.
How do I ensure a business plan I sell is accurate?
Use reliable sources for market and financial data, ask thorough questions to understand the client’s business, and base projections on reasonable assumptions. Transparency about uncertainties is crucial.
Can I use templates to speed up writing business plans for clients?
Templates can help structure the plan but should be heavily customized with client-specific information and research. Selling generic or minimally modified templates is unethical and unlikely to satisfy clients.
What if a client wants unrealistic financial projections?
It’s important to explain the risks of unrealistic numbers and suggest more conservative estimates. You can include disclaimers and encourage clients to review assumptions with financial advisors.
How do I protect client information when selling business plans?
Use confidentiality agreements if needed, avoid sharing client details without permission, and store documents securely. Respecting privacy builds trust and professionalism.