• The proprietary recipes - present and past.
• The package/label designs and all of the artwork files and rights to ownership
• The domain name "dippychick.com" (currently ranked in the top 3 in Google for keywords "dip mixes" - 8/2/11)
• The US Registered Trademark "dippy chick"
• My ingredient list and suppliers that I use
• A basic instruction manual
• A predetermined number of hours of email and/or Skype Video support from me until a predetermined date
• My email lists - both retail and wholesale (over 2000 email contacts - mostly past customers)
• Some of my equipment/supplies - my custom hole punch, pouches for retail packaging, blank labels, gram scale, heat sealer, etc.

The sale of the business does not include:

• The web site and cart. This is something you really should build on your own, or have someone build. Mine was not adequate anyway.
• Actual ingredients. You should buy these fresh. I have a list of suppliers.
• Anything not on the list above (of what's included), unless we come to a written agreement.

Here's what you need to consider:

• Some states do not allow home-based food production. If they do, there are restrictions (like no pets, water tests, etc.) The annual licensing fees are generally low, but you may have to attend a food production and safety class. Some states require you pass a course called ServSafe. You'll also likely have to have your kitchen inspected. Check with your state. You should also check with your city/county in case you need to register with them.
• This business was set up as a DIY business. If you plan to do this all on your own, you must be very computer literate, crafty, creative, and know graphic design and web site design/programming. You need computer programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop and Dreamweaver. You need to know how to choose, set-up and run a shopping cart. You should have an eye for detail and a very steady hand for placing labels on packaging, etc. Marketing is also important. You will need a color laser printer.
• If you don't have the skills mentioned above, you need to factor in the costs of having other people do these things for you. I think it would be great if someone could put a lot of money into this and hire a filler, contract packager, distributor, reps, etc. I was looking into this for a while and the potential was definitely there! I just lack the business skills needed for that level.
• You should get product liability insurance (usually around $400 to $800 a year) and should incorporate the business (such as an LLC), to protect yourself.
• Due diligence - To my knowledge, my business does not have any bad karma going around the internet or anywhere else, but it's your responsibility to research these things and feel good about your decision.
• I will TRY to show my past sales, profit, etc. but they are in a Quickbooks file on a hard drive that is no longer working due to the flood and I don't know if the files are recoverable. I can tell you that I always made a profit, and my sales ranged anywhere from about $12,000 to over $35,000 a (full) year - and that was working part time while raising 2 small children. If you make an offer, keep in mind that I may not be able to get all of this info. In fact, make your offer based on the fact that you don't have this info, so there are no issues.

Now, to the price:

A friend of mine recently sold a business similar to mine (although pet related) for $50,000. She started much higher, believe it or not! I am not looking for that amount of money (although she thinks I am cutting myself short). I just want a simple, fair, one-lump-sum transaction as soon as possible. I want to help fund my new business (doing vinyl decals) and my family needs the money too. There will be no refunds, so let make sure we're both happy and get it in writing. :)

TO MAKE AN OFFER...
Email me at chris@dippychick.com if you're interested and serious. I'm sure you have questions. Once you feel informed, feel free to make an offer. The absolute minimum offer I will consider is $15,000 (US). Please bring your highest and best offer. I don't like to haggle. I will look them over, and try to find the best 'fit'. I hope to close this by the end of August 2011 if possible. I'm sure you're anxious to get started!

**Remember the benefits: great domain name, search engine ranking, Registered US Trademark for Dippy Chick®, proprietary recipes, quality artwork files, expert guidance, email lists, wholesale potential customer info, and more!**

Thank you very much for your interest! I may post more on here as time goes on, so keep checking back.
Chris :)