Business Checklist – For Buyer

Use this checklist to rate the factors that are important to you. Use it as a scorecard to keep a record of your visit – and your impressions. Although impressions are important, they do not replace a thorough investigation of the business itself. Your business broker may supply you with some basic financial information. You may also want to make notes about the factors you feel are important – or not – as the case may be. We suggest that you use a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. This will allow you to provide a rating for each business that you visit. This may provide an easy way to compare the various businesses you will look at.

Business Checklist

Date

Name of business

Address

Rating

General Impressions — Exterior

Location

Parking (if applicable)

Exterior appearance

Signage __

Physical condition of property

General Impressions — Interior

Interior appearance

Layout

Condition of equipment/fixtures __

Refurbishing required

Financial Impressions

Down payment

Sales

Cash flow

Rent _

Lease

General Questions

Would you take pride in owning this business? _

Do you think you could increase the business?

Do you know why the seller is selling? _

Does the business appear well maintained?

Do you have sufficient funds available to handle the down payment?

Would the existing cash flow handle your current needs?