How do I prepare my gas station for the handover to a buyer?

Once a buyer is lined up, the best thing you can do for a smooth closing is make the station easy to run on day one. A gas station depends on routines that live in your head: when the truck comes, which pump sticks, who covers a sick day. Writing them down protects the buyer, and it protects you from calls after the sale.

One binder for the forecourt

Gather the tank and pump records, inspection paperwork, service histories and any correspondence about equipment into one organized place. Add a simple page describing how daily readings are taken and who checks them. Ask your lawyer which records must be passed to the buyer and which stay with you, since that depends on your agreement and your location.

Contacts and accounts

List the fuel supplier or dealer, equipment technicians, the point-of-sale and card providers, and the distributors who serve the store: snacks, tobacco, lottery and others. Note which accounts are in your name and which will change at closing. Give the buyer a name and number for each, so they know whom to call on the first weekend.

People and routines

Prepare a staff list with roles and schedules, and ask your lawyer how and when employees should be told. Write short instructions for opening, closing and receiving a fuel delivery. If you can, offer a few training days where the buyer works beside you. The guide to selling a convenience store covers related ground.

Agree the support in writing

Agree with the buyer how long you will be available after closing. Put the arrangement in the agreement so both sides know what to expect.