The buyer’s working notes
Follow the numbers.
Know what you’re buying.
Practical financial checks for buying and running a business. Start with the question in front of you, then follow the figures back to the records.
Verify earnings
Seller earnings do not match bank deposits: what to investigate
How buyers can investigate differences between reported revenue and bank deposits without confusing cash receipts, revenue and profit.
Read the guide HVAC acquisitionsBuying an HVAC business: financial checks before closing
Questions for HVAC buyers about recurring service revenue, owner add-backs, job margins, equipment and the cash needed after closing.
Read the guide E-commerce acquisitionsBuying an e-commerce business: checking profit behind the listing
Trace store sales to processor payouts and profit. Check refunds, advertising, inventory and the costs that continue after an acquisition.
Read the guide After the purchaseYour first month of finance after buying a business
A practical first-month finance checklist for new business owners: access, cash planning, opening records, reporting and responsibility.
Read the guide