Waiheke tour company could be ideal for couple
Having enjoyed a recent wine tour on Waiheke Island, Daren Leng described himself as gung- ho about brokering the sale of Around Waiheke Tours.
“I jumped at the opportunity to take up the offer of going on another tour organised by this dynamic outfit,” says Leng, who is an ABC Business Sales listing agent.
“My wife and I had a fantastic time on our previous tour with them, which involved some sightseeing of the amazing island, great commentary/ hospitality and some fabulous wineries.”
Leng describes the business as operating on a “bums on seats model”, working alongside many of the larger booking companies.
However, he sees enormous potential for a business with so much scope for growth in, “Auckland’s vibrant tourism sector”.
The vendor Graeme Ransom started the business seven years ago and has grown it to a stage where it has more than 10,000 people on its database, Leng points out.
“The company has more than 600 followers on Facebook and a very good reputation as a fun, informative and value for money wine tour operator provider.”
Leng notes that necessary systems and processes are in place and work- ing well. “Speaking as customers ourselves, we were are kept well informed throughout the process from when we purchased our wine tour, right through to when they returned home.”
With tourism in New Zealand forecast to grow more than 5 per cent year- on- year for the next five years, he sees many options for the business to provide specialised tours to cater for the growing demand from all nationalities.
“Around Waiheke Tours would be a great acquisition for someone who i s strong in marketing and able to identify opportunities in the market place. It would also be a great buy for a couple who can share the marketing, operations and tour driving.
“The business is now set up to take it into whichever direction you want — as Graeme already has things pretty well systemised. Whether you are living on Waiheke, planning on moving there, or looking to work and live there for a number of months in the summer, this business could be a great opportunity.
With about half of the revenue coming December- through- to- March, there’s plenty of time for a new owner to plan and work on further developing the business for the seasons ahead, he says.
Assets include three tour buses ranging from 18- 21 seats, one is a backup, and the owner is happy to discuss these in the purchase price of the business. The buses are part of the assets of the business with a market value of $ 125,000, and a total asking price of $ 249,000.
“This represents great value, as the business is providing a very good surplus to a working owner. Full details can be disclosed once signing a confidentiality agreement with ABC Business Sales,” says Leng.
“Opportunities like this one seldom become available. This is a potentially a life changing decision for someone but one that has a strong base in which to grow from.”