BTB Buyer Guide
Questions to Ask a Business Seller
Good questions help a buyer understand the story behind the listing and identify what needs documentary support.
BTB guide · Updated September 30, 2026
What buyers should understand
Ask how revenue is generated, why earnings changed, which expenses are being added back, how dependent the business is on the owner, whether customers or suppliers are concentrated, which employees are critical, what assets and inventory are included, what contracts or leases matter, why the owner is selling, and what transition support is proposed.
Practical example
A seller's answer is a lead for due diligence—not automatic proof. Record important claims, request supporting documents and compare the answers with financial statements, contracts and other evidence before relying on them.
Use this inside BTB
Educational information only. Verify legal, tax, accounting, financing and transaction questions with qualified professionals and current source material.
Related buyer guides
SDE explained · Valuation · Due diligence · Seller financing · Making an offer