How do I check a cooking school’s online class recordings before buying?

Begin with the content itself. Watch recordings from different periods and instructors. Check the picture and sound quality, whether the recipes are complete, and whether the material is still useful. Out-of-date techniques or poor audio can make a library less valuable than it looks.

Then look at ownership and permissions. Who filmed and edited the videos? Did instructors or guests agree in writing to be recorded and to have their image used? Are music, recipes or branding borrowed from others? Your lawyer can say what actually transfers to you, so bring them the list of questions.

Next, find out how the recordings earn money. Are they sold as a course, bundled with in-person classes or given away to build interest? Ask for viewing and purchase records, refund rates and customer feedback. Check where the files live and who holds the logins, so nothing is lost at closing. Finally, consider the work to keep it going. Does the school update the library, or has it stalled? Ask whether an instructor leaving would affect the catalogue. If the recordings matter to your plan, make their transfer a clear part of the deal, with the files and logins handed over at closing.

Key takeaways

• Watch recordings from different periods for quality, relevance and completeness.
• Confirm in writing who owns the footage and who agreed to appear in it.
• Review sales and viewing records, and secure the files and logins.