Custom Made Tarps, Upholstery, Awnings
& Leather Working
$430,000
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.
The need for custom upholstery is 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 than an hour to do business with them.
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 is for little more than the appraised cost of the building. All else, including the business, equipment, inventory, customer base, etc. is included at a value well below its' worth.
Reason for Selling
This business is ready to be taken to the next level but we are not the ones to do it. The owner founded the business close to 60 years ago and has built it to where it is today. He is 94 years old, and now finally considers himself as having aged out. His last 20 years were spent in maintaining the business, not building it. The goal now is for this opportunity to be transferred to the right person who can take this properly prepared business to the next level.
Preparing to Sell
Less than two years ago this business was not online. Customers knew of this business 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 changes happened with the owners feet pressed hard on the brakes. New management that is eager to build and explore new opportunities should have little to hold it back.
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. But 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 totally dependent on our local community support but draw from a much larger base. This building and business in a larger center would cost significantly more, without the promise of more business than is now happening from this location. We benefit from lower property costs while still having access to a strong market. It is doubtful that spending substantially more for similar properties in larger centers would justify the return.
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 varied 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 that would naturally complement and enhance the business. Due solely to advanced age, the owner has not pursued these. Some of these opportunities should and could be implemented right away. These revenue streams can be discussed with those who show interest.
Property Appraisal and Financials
In November 2025, the building and property were appraised for $385,000. The closest cost comparables were for buildings of lesser caliber. This appraisal did not include the value of the business, equipment or inventory. This property appraisal will be emailed upon request.
All relevant financial information will be given to potential buyers as needed.
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.