What should I ask a photography studio’s receptionist before I buy?

A receptionist hears the first call and the last complaint. Ask how clients find the studio and what they ask for most. Find out how far ahead sessions book, which seasons are busy, and what happens when a photographer is ill. Ask how deposits and balances are collected and whether late payers are common.

Then ask about clients. Which ones return? Which request the owner by name? Are there complaints about turnaround or lost images, and how are they handled? Ask who writes the gallery emails and who keeps the calendar, since those routines may be undocumented. A receptionist can tell you what the owner really does each day. Ask how the studio handles the days when the owner is away. The answer shows how much of the business depends on one person.

Finally, check how they feel about the sale. Respect that they may be anxious, and clear the conversation with the seller first. Cross-check what you learn against booking records and invoices. Your lawyer can advise on how to treat staff information, and your accountant can verify the numbers the receptionist describes. Write down what you hear soon after, so nothing is lost.

Key takeaways

• Ask how bookings arrive, and which sessions fill first.
• Listen for client complaints and for work that depends on the owner.
• Get the seller’s consent first, and verify answers against records.
• Ask how the studio handles the days when the owner is away.