Buying an established Print shop

[PrintNewbie]

Hello forum, I am a complete newbie here and this is my first post. I am also a newbie to printing business but I do have background in graphic design and IT related services as an entreprenuer.

This forum seems like a good place to seek some advice about getting into this print business. I am planning to acquire a 20yr old established absentee owned print shop with around 225k cash flow. Asking price is 450k with a total gross sales of 1+ million.My plan is to buy it cash down and run it on absentee owner basis for 6 months while I learn the business inside out before venturing into it full time and trying to make a difference in terms of management, growth, sales strategy etc.
Any feedback about what pitfalls to watch for, how important is the printing industry experience, pricing etc. is greatly appreciated. Pretty much any input you can give will be greatly greatly appreciated.

 

[rossio]

I kind of thought...every morning awakened a fool, I only should catch him.

 

[rolandman]

never leave your business unattended, your employees will yake the piss,

besides i get withdrawl stmptoms if im awat for more than an hour during the day