Questions clients will ask post sale

If you are thinking of selling your accountancy practice or are thinking of buying an accountancy practice, here are some of the most asked questions by clients post sale. 

You will need to know the answers to ALL of them:-

  • Who is going to look after me and can I meet them?
  • I haven’t given you permission to give my information to your successor.
  • Have you given them all my information without my permission?
  • How do I know if they are any good?
  • I have been your client for years, what if I don’t like them?
  • Who do I phone when I have a question?
  • Will I be charged more?
  • What’s happening to the office?
  • Will I have to submit my information in a different way?
  • Will payroll continue to work in the same way?
  • Do I have to change my Standing Order in any way?
  • Where is the buyer’s office?
  • Can I drop my records off to their office?
  • How will my records at HMRC be affected?
  • Who will keep all my paper records?
  • What about the work that is going on at present?
  • Can I still use the portal and see upcoming tax liabilities, deadlines and documents?
  • Who will chase me for my information?
  • You are not just my accountant you are my friend.  How can I work with a different accountant when you know so much about my business? 

These are actual questions that clients have asked post completion. You will need the answers. 

Remember when an accountancy practice is sold a client will be well outside of their comfort zone when you advise them of the situation.  You need to be aware of that and be sympathetic to their concerns.

These questions and many more issues will be discussed between due diligence and completion.  It is important that the buyer and the seller have the same answers to all these questions.  Be warned that if a client is confused in any way, they will leave. 

If you want to sell an accountancy practice or buy an accountancy practice please get in touch with me, Nicola Draper, on 01788 816440 or email me at n.draper@draperhinks.co.ukLet me see how I can be of assistance.  I look forward to talking to you.