Rating Buyer Seriousness
Use the following criteria as a guide for judging the seriousness of potential buyers:
Positive signs
- Has an interest in the business deeper than the financials
- Has sector or relevant experience – ease of transition
- Has enough money to buy a business
- Located near the business or intends to employ a manager
- Has previously run or is currently involved in successful businesses
Negative signs
- Has a current full time job – problems may arise when comes time to leave the job
- Is only interested by financial performance – indicates low level of seriousness and interest
- Has no experience in the sector – may cause difficulty during and post transition period
- Requires significant external financing – may be problematic in negotiations
- Is reluctant or uncooperative in providing background information – may be hiding something
- Enquires about multiple businesses across a range of sectors – indicates low level of interest in said particular business