What happens to team orders and league accounts when you buy a hockey shop?

Team sales are the part most likely to be half finished on the day of closing. A jersey order may have a deposit paid, a supplier mid-production and a team waiting on delivery. Nobody did anything wrong. It just needs to be written down, so the buyer and seller each know what they are taking on.

Deposits and open orders

Ask the seller for a list of every open order: the team, what was ordered, what was paid, what the supplier has been paid and when it is due. A deposit the seller kept is money for goods the buyer may have to deliver. Many agreements deal with this by an adjustment at closing or by leaving the order with the seller to finish. Your lawyer and accountant can tell you which suits your deal.

Custom work and suppliers

Custom jerseys, socks and team gear are made to order and cannot be sold to anyone else if a team backs out. Ask which supplier accounts the orders sit on, whether the supplier will deal with you, and who bears the cost if an order is cancelled. A short call with each main supplier before closing avoids surprises. The guide to selling a sporting goods store covers team accounts from the seller’s side.

Receivables and relationships

Teams and associations often pay on invoice. Ask which invoices are unpaid, how old they are, and whether the buyer or seller keeps what comes in. The contact at each association matters as much as the invoice, so ask the seller to introduce you in person. A joint visit to the main associations helps the accounts stay with the shop.