Seller Guide
Everything you need to know to successfully sell your pool service route
Getting Started
1Create Your Account
Sign up for a free kicktide account. Complete your profile with contact information and verify your email address.
2Connect Stripe
Set up your Stripe account to receive payments securely. This is where your sale proceeds will be deposited after the transaction completes through Escrow.com.
3Create Your Listing
Fill out the listing form with details about your route, upload photos, and set your asking price. Your listing will be reviewed by our team before going live.
4Receive Offers & Complete Sale
When a buyer purchases your route, they pay a $400 brokerage fee and fund the purchase through Escrow.com. Transfer the accounts, and funds are released to you.
Creating a Great Listing
Write a Compelling Description
Include key details that buyers want to know:
- Service area and route density
- Customer demographics (residential vs commercial)
- Average customer tenure
- Service frequency and scope
- Equipment included in sale
- Reason for selling (optional but builds trust)
- Growth opportunities
Upload Quality Photos
Photos help buyers visualize your route:
- Service area map or screenshot
- Well-maintained pool examples
- Service equipment and vehicles
- Professional, well-lit images
- At least 3-5 photos recommended
- First photo is your listing thumbnail
Price It Right
Pricing factors to consider:
- Industry standard: 8-15x monthly gross revenue
- Customer retention rate
- Route density and drive time
- Included equipment value
- Service contracts in place
- Market demand in your area
Be Responsive
Communication tips for success:
- Respond to inquiries within 24 hours
- Be honest about route details
- Provide documentation when requested
- Be professional and courteous
- Schedule route tours if possible
- Answer questions thoroughly
How to Price Your Route
Understanding pool route valuations
Industry Standard Formula
Pool service routes typically sell for 8-15 times monthly gross revenue. A route generating $5,000/month might sell for $40,000-$75,000.
Example Calculation
Factors That Increase Value
- Long-term customer relationships (5+ years)
- Dense route with minimal drive time
- Annual service contracts in place
- High-end commercial accounts
- Recurring maintenance agreements
- Modern equipment included
- Strong online reviews and reputation
Factors That Decrease Value
- High customer churn rate
- Spread-out service area
- Seasonal or one-time customers
- Deferred equipment maintenance
- Poor payment history from customers
- Highly competitive market
The Transaction Process
What happens after a buyer purchases your route
Buyer Pays Brokerage Fee
The buyer pays a $400 brokerage fee via Stripe to initiate the transaction. This covers platform fees and transaction processing.
Escrow Funding
An Escrow.com transaction is created for the purchase amount. The buyer receives instructions to fund the escrow account securely.
Account Transfer
Once escrow is funded, you transfer the service accounts to the buyer. This includes customer introductions, service schedules, and any equipment included in the sale.
Buyer Confirmation
The buyer confirms receipt of the accounts and that everything is as described. This typically happens within 5-10 business days.
Funds Released
Escrow.com releases the funds to your connected Stripe account. You receive the full purchase amount (minus Escrow.com's small fee).
Tips for a Successful Sale
Prepare Documentation
Have financial records, customer lists, and service schedules ready to share with serious buyers. Transparency builds trust.
Clean Up Your Books
Ensure your financial records are organized and accurate. Buyers will want to verify revenue and expenses.
Maintain Service Quality
Continue providing excellent service during the sale process. Customer satisfaction affects the value and successful transfer.
Plan the Transition
Think about how you'll introduce the buyer to your customers. A smooth transition increases customer retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to sell my route?
The timeline varies depending on your asking price, route quality, and market demand. Well-priced routes in desirable areas typically sell within 30-90 days.
What fees do I pay as a seller?
The buyer pays the $400 brokerage fee. You'll only pay Escrow.com's small transaction fee (typically 0.89% of the purchase amount, split with the buyer).
Can I edit my listing after it's published?
Yes, you can edit your listing at any time from your dashboard. Changes may require re-approval if significant.
What if the buyer backs out?
If a buyer backs out after paying the brokerage fee but before funding escrow, your listing automatically returns to active status. If they back out after funding escrow, Escrow.com has dispute resolution processes in place.
Do I have to transfer all my accounts?
You list the specific accounts included in each listing. If you want to keep certain accounts, simply don't include them in the listing details.
How do I handle customer notifications?
Best practice is to personally introduce the buyer to each customer, either in person or via letter. This maintains trust and improves retention rates.