What should be on my checklist when buying a print shop?

A print shop looks like a room of machines, but what you are buying is a set of customer habits, a team that knows how to get jobs out the door, and a library of files. Machines matter, yet they are only one line on the list. Build the checklist around how work comes in, how it is made, and how it gets paid for, then check each stage against records.

Customers and repeat work

Ask for the customer list by account, with how long each has ordered and what they usually order. A shop that reprints the same forms, labels or brochures every few months is different from one that lives on one-off jobs. Find out who holds each relationship. If the owner takes every call personally, ask how the buyer would be introduced, and whether any large account has a standing agreement.

Jobs in progress, proofs and files

Ask what is on the floor today. Deposits taken for unfinished work, jobs awaiting proof approval and reprints owed to customers may become open items at closing, so list them and ask your lawyer how to settle who finishes and who pays. Ask where the artwork files live, who can open them, and whether customers own their files or the shop does. Back-ups of that library are worth seeing.

Suppliers and the people who run the presses

Ask which paper, ink and finishing suppliers the shop relies on, what credit terms they extend, and whether those terms would carry over to a new owner. Then look at the staff. Press operators and finishers hold knowledge that is not written anywhere. Ask what each person does, who could cover an absence, and whether key people plan to stay.

Premises, power and equipment

Presses and cutters often need particular floor space, ventilation and electrical service. Read the lease for those needs and for how long it runs after you take over. For machines, see what to check about equipment when buying a print shop, and ask your lawyer about anything you read in a lease or supply contract.