Two businesses with the same asking price may call for very different checks. Regulation, customers, employees and seasonality vary by industry. A sector-specific checklist is therefore more useful than a generic price comparison.
Practical example
A café's appealing terrace may depend on a municipal permit that cannot simply be assumed to transfer.
What to check before moving forward
The commercial lease
Read the commercial lease before assuming the premises can be used on unchanged terms. Term, rent, deposits, assignment provisions and permitted uses need review under the contract and applicable law.
Licences and permits
Identify licences, notifications and permits required for the activity and premises. Do not assume they transfer automatically; check with the relevant authority.
Inventory condition and price
Count stock physically and review condition, age and saleability. Agree whether inventory is included in the asking price, priced separately or adjusted at completion.
Actual cash flow
Analyse actual cash receipts and payments, collection periods, suppliers and reinvestment needs. Attractive accounting profits do not guarantee enough liquidity to service debt and keep trading.
Seasonal trading
Study at least a full annual cycle where trading is seasonal. Compare peak and quiet months, temporary staff, rent, inventory and off-season liquidity needs.
How to use this guide
Start by requesting sources for each important claim and noting what remains unverified. Cross-check answers against records, visit the operation where appropriate and bring material risks to an adviser before committing. Never fill missing financial figures with your own assumptions.
Evidence worth requesting before you proceed
A sales description is a starting point, not proof. These documents help distinguish verifiable facts from expectations:
- Applicable food-safety records and inspections
- Lease agreement and addenda
- Physical stocktake and inventory valuation
Request information appropriate to the negotiation stage and respect confidentiality arrangements. Sensitive documents may be shared only after a buyer is identified.
Final takeaway
A sound transaction starts by defining what changes hands, checking the facts and documenting the agreement. Use this guide as a map of questions, not a replacement for a review tailored to the actual business.
General information only; not personalised legal, tax or financial advice. Rules depend on the transaction and may change.