How do I prepare my cabinet shop’s customer list and project records for a buyer?

Start with the list. For each customer, record the job type, such as kitchens, vanities or built-ins, the year, the approximate size and how they found you. Mark repeat clients, builders, designers and referrals separately, because they show where work comes from. Buyers also like to see how far ahead the shop is booked, so list jobs in progress and quoted.

Then tidy the project files. Each should hold the quote, the signed agreement, drawings, material orders, change notes, invoices and any follow-up. If photos exist, add them. A buyer will sample files to see how you work, so a complete file does the talking. Where files are incomplete, tell the buyer instead of hoping it goes unnoticed.

Handle privacy with care. Early on, share a summary without names, and give full details only once a buyer is serious and has agreed to keep them confidential. Ask your lawyer how to handle client information in the sale. A buyer can also learn a lot from a few reference calls, so ask satisfied customers whether they would speak with one. Keep a short note of lessons from past jobs, such as which materials or suppliers caused delays, because it shows how the shop learns.

Key takeaways

• List customers by job type, year and source, marking repeat and referral work.
• Make each project file complete, and say plainly where one is not.
• Share names only once a serious buyer has agreed to confidentiality.