However, they often employ persons under them to carry out the business's daily operations. When it comes to choosing if one should enter into a sole proprietorship business, there are several advantages of a sole proprietorship. Still, it also has its own fair share of disadvantages.
5 Advantages of Sole Proprietorship are:
1. Fewer Formalities during Formation: Since one person essentially runs a sole proprietorship business at the top, they do not need to enter into contracts or agreements with different people deciding the terms on which the business would be functioning in the future. The legal backdrop when it comes to sole proprietorships is not as elaborate and laced with compliances as other forms of businesses. Therefore, a sole proprietor does not need to compromise when it comes to determining crucial aspects during their business formation. 2. In Control of one’s own Future: Unlike in shared ownership businesses, a sole proprietorship concern’s success does not depend on the hard work of anybody else but themselves. The sole proprietor's wit, grit, and determination can take their business to new heights without being codependent on any business partners. 3. Time Effectiveness: Since there is only one person in control of the reigns in a sole proprietorship business, the time taken to arrive at decisions is considerably less. Often, when too many people are involved in the key decision-making process, their agreement can cause huge delays. Having a sole proprietorship, therefore, ensures a speedy decision-making process. 4. Confidentiality is Protected: A sole proprietor is not bound to reveal his plans or sensitive information related to the business to other parties or partners. Therefore, there is an utmost level of confidentiality upheld in sole proprietorships. 5. Inspires Entrepreneurship: Sole proprietorships ensure that there is no compulsory requirement to team up with other players to get a business going. It inspires even the average person to start their own business, as per their own means and ambitions.
5 disadvantages of a sole proprietorship are:
1. Limited Capital: It is difficult for sole proprietors to accumulate capital for the business’s formation and continuance. Since they are the only owners, they have to bear the burden of keeping the business running. 2. Limits Scope: There is only so much that a single person can incorporate into a business. Therefore, sole proprietorships can lack new skills, innovation, and a range of talent. This can limit the capacity of the business. 3. Expansion is Stalled: Unless a sole proprietorship ends up earning large profits, it is very challenging for them to branch out to new markets due to limited capital. Further, a single person may find it difficult to manage a growing business. 4. May Generate Huge Losses: While a sole trader enjoys any profit that the business might make, they also end up becoming the sole bearer of the losses it incurs. This can leave the sole proprietor with huge financial debts and setbacks during tough times. 5. Difficulty in transferring ownership: Sole proprietorship concerns are considered difficult to sell in the market. Therefore, if the owner chooses to sell their business, they might have to settle for lesser than what they deserve, or worst-case scenario, fail to find a buyer for their business.
It is evident from the pointers mentioned above that sole proprietorship brings a mixed bag of pros and cons. Therefore, it is essential to make a choice based on the priorities that the business owner may have.