Gas Station for Sale...On Craigslist
The owners of one Burnsville gas station have chosen an unorthodox way to sell their business, valued at over $300,000—and they're not alone.
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Is the newest frontier of commercial real estate Craigslist? If this week is any indication, the answer to that question could be yes.
The infamous site is best known for its (very) seemy personals section, jobs listings of varying authenticity and high-volume sale section for mundane household items. As readers may be aware, Patch routinely combs Craigslist for our weekly "Best of Craigslist" article, which features the weirdest or wackiest posts we can find. Until recently, the "business" category was a pretty uneventful affair, mostly offering obsolete fax machines, lightly-used ergnomic chairs and other business detritus, with the occasional uber-creepy post for a "Hussmann Coffin Type Freezer" thrown in the mix.
But over the last month, and the last week in particular, a number of small Burnsville businesses and commericla properties have been posted on the site for sale. The list includes the Gateway Stop-N-Go gas station on Burnsville Parkway (the first to appear in Craigslist's business tab), but also a carwash, sewing shop, 35-year-old snowplowing business, a massage parlor, juice bar, and in a $2.25 million stake in a multi-tenant property located across from Costco.
Other Dakota County towns seem to be following the trend. A used car business is available in Savage, via Craigslist, along with a vacuum sales and repair shop in Lakeville, and a gourmet coffee shop in Eagan.
Michael Palm
4:01 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
Clare,
Thank you for the article on various businesses for sale on Craig's List. As the #1 ranked Coldwell Banker Commercial Agent in Minnesota (and the listing agent for the Gateway Stop N Go AND also the Turbo Wash Car Wash, I thought I would share with you the primary means these business owners are utilizing to sell their businesses which is through our Coldwell Banker Commercial Business Brokerage website, www.bizquest.com and www.bizbuysell.com and primarily by us as licensed Business Brokers marketing, contacting and calling key buyers who would best fit this business as a qualified Buyer. We have only utilized Craig's List on non-confidential business listings as just another means to get the public's attention. The highest and best use for the Gateway retail corner might be another retail user/buyer/developer and so we look for other angles to promote the business and your article and photograph certainly did let the Burnsville and surrounding area know of this business for sale! Once SOLD, I will provide you with a nice follow up story and background of what transpired as each business sale has a unique history and needs as you can well imagine. As a Business Broker, I must represent the Seller's interest and many are selling because of retirement into the sunset, family matters, divorce, banking issues, health issues, other business interests and of course fiscal cliff tax impact purposes. Thank you for your story and marketing. mpalm@cbcgriffin.com