How do I prepare my pest control technicians' route books for a buyer?

Begin by gathering the route books from each technician. Many are kept in different ways: paper, spreadsheets or an app. Move them into one layout so a buyer can compare routes fairly. Check each entry against billing, and mark accounts that are paused, late or lost, so nothing looks better than it is.

Next, decide what to share and when. Customer names and addresses are sensitive. A buyer might first see a summary with names removed, and receive details only after signing a confidentiality agreement. Your lawyer can advise on how to handle customer information properly, and on what to say if a buyer asks for more.

Finally, add the knowledge that is not on paper. Which houses have difficult access, which customers prefer a call before arrival, which technician knows each route best? A short guide for each route helps a new owner keep service smooth. If you prepare an information memorandum for buyers, route summaries fit naturally in it, and your accountant can check that the numbers match your statements. Have each technician review their own route sheet for errors. They know where the entries are wrong, and their sign-off adds credibility. Date every version you share, so you always know which route book each buyer has seen and when.

Key takeaways

• Put every route into one format and check it against billing.
• Share names only after a confidentiality agreement is signed.
• Write short notes on access, preferences and who knows each route.