1. Could the business run for 30 days without you?

If every decision goes through you, a buyer is really buying a job.

2. Do your filed tax returns match your internal books?

Banks lend on filed tax returns, so the price follows them.

3. Do you have three years of clean financial statements?

Buyers and lenders want a track record, not one good year.

4. Is your revenue steady or growing?

A rising trend supports a higher price.

5. Does any one customer bring in more than 15% of your sales?

Spread out customers mean less risk for a buyer.

6. Is your lease secure for five or more years, or transferable?

A buyer cannot buy a business that may have to move next year.

7. Are your key employees likely to stay after a sale?

Trained, loyal staff are among the most valuable things a buyer gets.

8. Is your equipment in good working order?

Deferred maintenance comes straight off the price.

9. Are your main processes written down?

Even a simple operations binder shows the business can be learned.

10. Do you know what you will do after the sale?

Owners with a plan for life afterward are far more likely to reach the closing table.