How long will it take to sell my route?   A well-established route, with above average rates, 5- to 10-mile radius, with lots of automatic pool cleaners, filter cleans, algae treatments charged, and 2 to 3 week built-in vacations can be sold in less than a week up to three months. Are most buyers new to the business?   If they are buying a full-size route, then most of the time, yes. If they are buying one to two days' worth or 15 to 30 accounts, then commonly these are experienced buyers looking to add to their existing customer base. When is the best time to sell my route?   Anytime is fine, as long as you can devote the appropriate training time to the buyer. How much training do I have to offer?   For the new buyers, 2 to 4 weeks; for the experienced buyers, 1 week. How long of a guarantee period do I have to offer?   60 to 90 days. What is the price range for selling my route?   8 to 12 times the monthly service gross. Is it standard to offer terms or to have the route paid in full?   Most commonly, routes are paid in full, less the 10% hold back through the guarantee period, unless the seller is willing to finance or allow a partial "work-off". What kind of notification do I have to give my clients?   Letters within 1 to 2 weeks of closing, agreed upon by both parties. Can I still be in the pool service business after I complete a sale?   Yes, but you cannot solicit the customers you sold for a period of 5 years. What if the buyer asks for assistance on any repairs on the accounts I sold him?   If the buyer approaches you for help, sure, that is fine, but again, you can not approach any of the customers yourself.