Definition of a “turn key” business

[Mueller Landscape Inc]

I am interested in your thoughts of what a real "turn key" business might be.

[MarcSmith]

put your money on the table and you get it....customers, equipment, staff, current revenue, current debt, property,

[Az Gardener]

I think a turn key business is one that can operate with an absentee owner. If it's "turn key " it should be a money making machine complete with the management to run it. Otherwise you are buying a job.

[rodfather]

It's not a business if it can't run without you...otherwise it is just a job as Dave mentioned.

[Mueller Landscape Inc]

Well so far we have 3 posts in agreement that a turn key business operates without the owners present. Why is this? What does it take to achieve this? Does this type of model increase value or decrease value of this business?

Anyone else?

[rodfather]

Simple. It takes a lot of work and patience. It takes trained, dedicated employees. It takes having the systems in place to just about run themselves all alone. It takes time proven policies, practices, and procedures that everyone is commited to. I could go on, but you get the point...

Value? Much higher vs...