Buy a startup or buy an existing business?

[stepheny]

Is it better to start a new business or buy an existing business that someone is selling? I am looking at owning a business and am not sure which way would be better. I know that with buying a new business there are a lot of startup costs and gaining customers can be difficult and with buying an existing business, there is usually already a steady client base and all the initial costs are taken care of. I am interested in buying a bakery and have found a few on this website: buyabusiness.com . I am leaning towards buying a business that someone is selling instead of building my own from the ground up but am looking for comments from others on what they think would be the best option.