Custom Made Tarps, Upholstery, Awnings
& Leather Working
$435,000
Business For Sale
Includes Property, Equipment & Inventory
The Market
Wessels works exclusively with heavy textiles, with the emphasis on custom manufacturing and repair using only strong, long lasting quality materials.
The Alberta economy is mainly supported by the industries of farming/ranching and oil. These industries and the businesses that support them need quality tarps to protect their loads and equipment. Their employees own boats that need coverings, RV's and golf carts that need enclosures, etc. Whether the economy is strong or weak this equipment needs to be protected.
The need for custom upholstery is also strong. Wessels upholsters seats for all vehicles from heavy equipment to collectors cars; seats for motorcycles, boats & all terrain vehicles; chairs for restaurants and sofas for the home.
In addition Wessels works with leather offering tack, saddlery and custom work/repair.
The market is wide. The demand is strong. The competition is . . . .
Strong Demand for Custom Work
Very Little Competition
The irony is that this market, though large and in demand, has very limited competition especially concerning custom coverings and upholstery. It is becoming increasingly difficult for customers to find any business that will take on this custom work. The nearest city which is forty minutes away offers virtually nothing. Neither do their outlying communities. Wessels offers a level of service that few within the surrounding area can offer or compete with. Many customers travel more to access our services.
Highly Motivated Seller
The owners priority is that this business continues to meet the needs of those who depend upon its' services. To facilitate a speedy transition in finding the right buyer, the asking price for the entire business is for little more than the appraised cost of the building. This includes the inventory and equipment which has been valued at roughly half its worth. The business itself (which is well established and holds value) is included at no cost to encourage a quick sale.
Reason for Selling
This business is ready to be taken to the next level now but we are not the ones to do it. The owner founded the business close to 60 years ago and through an insistence upon quality workmanship and materials, he has built it to where it is today. He is 94 years old, and now finally considers himself as having aged out, with no one to take over. His last 20 years were spent in maintaining the business which is open four days a week. While no effort was given into building it during this time, the basic structure and customer base of the business has remained strong. The building blocks for expansion have been laid. The goal now is for this opportunity to be transferred to the right person who can take this properly prepared business and move it ahead.
Preparing to Sell
Less than two years ago this business was not online. Customers knew of it through word of mouth alone. Wessels was not on the internet. No wi-fi. No email. No website. Everything was old school except for one dial up interac machine. Most work was done by the owner and one helper, but the limited work they put out was quality work, and a successful business was built. It was that quality that kept people coming.
Some changes were made. Employees were brought on board and entrusted with the work. This team will most likely be available to help the new ownership with the transition. A website with a rebranding reached out to a larger customer base. Traffic increased as did sales. Income has grown while the quality of work remained consistent.
These necessary improvements took place with the owners feet pressed hard against the brake. Changes have been very difficult for him. New management that is eager to build and explore new opportunities should not have these same challenges.
Advantage of Location
Supply chains are changing. Previously, most wholesalers had outlets in major centers. The closer these outlets were to the surrounding businesses the better it was for the bottom line of all. Today, more and more suppliers are shutting down locations and maintaining no more than one or two locations for all of Canada and then shipping directly to the business regardless of location. The advantage of proximity to larger centers is less advantageous today than it was in the past.
This trend goes two ways as more businesses sell and ship their finished product directly to their customers. Business is becoming less dependent on drop-in traffic and face to face dealings.
The location of this business provides its' value. Like other businesses in the area we are not solely dependent on our local community for support but draw from a much larger base and broader area which can still be expanded further. This building and business in a larger center would cost significantly more, without the promise of more business than can happen from this location. The buyer benefits from much lower property costs while retaining access to a strong market.
It is doubtful that spending substantially more for similar properties in larger centers would justify the return. However, at a later date, should the buyer find need to relocate to a larger center, this business at its present location with its corresponding lower price may prove to have been the necessary stepping stone for expansion.
The Building and Building Potential
This overbuilt building is of quality construction and the square footage has been sufficient for most of our projects. It is double insulated, block exterior and framed drywall interior. It has been built to accommodate a second story if needed. An additional lot to the south can be purchased from the owner for expansion. To the north are available lots. The village is very flexible in its zoning requirements, allowing for a wide variety of uses as well as the possibility for converting part of the building for residence if needed.
Ready to be Taken to the Next Level Now
We firmly believe that buyers will be hard pressed to find an established business with property, equipment and customer base that offers better value and potential for growth. Everything is in place to take this business to the next level quickly and affordably.
Related Markets that are Ready to be Tapped
There are additional income opportunities and marketing strategies that would naturally compliment and enhance the business. Due to his advanced age the owner has not pursued these. Many of these opportunities could and should be implemented quickly. These revenue streams will be discussed with those who are interested in learning more.
Property Appraisal
In November 2025, the building and property were appraised for $385,000. The replacement cost today would be more than double this amount. The closest cost comparables were for buildings in other communities that were of lesser caliber and comparison. There was nothing in this community to compare it to, and little in others. This appraisal did not include the value of the business, equipment or inventory. The valuation of the building was determined by the income that an owner could reasonably expect to receive from leasing it out as empty apart from the existing business that it presently houses.
This property appraisal will be emailed upon request.
Financial Position
Our financial statements by themselves do not fully reflect the strength of this business. They do not convey the value this business offers, its potential, or give explanation for why the numbers are as they show.
For at least the past twenty years, the owner was content to make minimum profit while ensuring that the business was maintained and ready for expansion as needed. Before year end and to avoid taxes, profits were put back into the building, equipment and inventory. The owner was satisfied with his achievements, lived comfortably and at his advanced age had little incentive to build. The business was more than holding its own and for him that was enough. Expansion was not his priority. It was his hope that family would carry on the business and throughout the years he had consistently been laying a solid foundation that others could build upon.
During that same time, many competing businesses closed, while Wessels’ maintained a strong and steady presence. As a result, it is now one of the few businesses serving this large geographic area. These closures were not due to a lack of demand. Many of our competitors had depended on nearby warehouses for supplies, which allowed them to keep less inventory on hand. When those local warehouses closed and suppliers began shipping from a single central location, businesses needed to carry more inventory. Many could not afford to do so and subsequently closed while Wessels carried on, filling the gap that others were now leaving. Our business is now one of the very few that services this growing market.
In summary, Wessels is a well-established business whose services are in strong demand. It has little competition and the potential for growth is excellent. It is a turnkey operation with everything that is needed to grow to the next level quickly for an investment below its worth. We believe the value being offered is unsurpassed. We are highly motivated to sell now and look forward to discussion with all who are seriously interested.
Financial Statements will be sent upon request
2025 Revenue $138,733 Net Loss ($5,635)
2024 $94,635 ($6,305)
Helping with the Transition
Wessels is concerned that the new ownership gets off to a strong start. We are ready to help the new owners with this transition and onto a solid footing. To this end we are prepared to assist with any financing over the value of the building appraisal.