Use this as a private working list
Mark each item ready, missing, needs reconciliation or not applicable. Assign an owner and next action. An organized file helps reviewers understand the business; it does not mean every issue has been resolved. Start with broad goals and agree on a private sharing process before sending sensitive records.
Download the blank readiness checklist (CSV) ·
| Workstream | Records/questions | Next decision |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership and scope | Legal seller, included assets, entities, debt, property/lease and authorized decision makers | What exactly is being offered? |
| Financials | Three years of statements/tax returns, current YTD, monthly records, POS/bank/processor reconciliation | Which earnings are supported? |
| Adjustments | Expensed owner costs, personal expenses, recurrence, replacement labor and rent | What changes under the buyer? |
| Memberships | Aggregate paid-member roll-forward, collections, plan obligations and transfer terms | What recurring revenue is evidenced? |
| Equipment | Asset/serial list, age, service records, condition, downtime and written quotes | What work and reserve are needed? |
| Property/lease | Executed documents/amendments, access, options, consents and responsibilities | What operating control transfers? |
| Environmental/wastewater | Actual discharge destination, relevant authority file, existing reports/approvals/notices | Which professional/authority questions remain? |
| Process | Disclosure plan, NDA/qualification approach, visits and permitted contacts | Who receives what information? |
| Transition | Employees, customer obligations, vendor systems, training and agreed responsibilities | What can actually be promised? |
Sequence the unresolved work
Separate quick document retrieval from professional investigation, consent and capital work. Put dependencies against the purchase/financing timetable. If the lease requires consent, identify that condition before promising a closing date. If a repair needs a specialist, obtain a proper scope and quote.
Do not mark an item “not applicable” only because the record is missing. Record why it is not applicable or identify who must decide. Keep a separate questions log so unresolved issues are not hidden in a large document folder.
Separate the price from cash at closing
Use the seller proceeds calculator to organize debt payoffs, costs, holdbacks and any seller note. Treat the result as a planning worksheet tied to actual agreements.
Use the right next resource
Work through the earnings bridge, confidentiality planning and environmental/wastewater diligence. Legal, tax, lender and technical questions need the appropriate professionals. The checklist does not collect or review your records.