Ask this: “What terms make this business pay for itself?”
My Term Stack:
Seller carry: seller finances part of the purchase
Earn out: you pay more only if targets are hit
Holdback: money stays back for surprises
Transition in writing: training, handoff, intros, lease assignment
Rule:
If it only works with full cash up front, it’s not a deal. It’s a donation.
Copy paste on your next call:
“Your price makes sense. I can get there on terms. What amount will you carry and what milestones should the rest be tied to?”
Comment "TERMS" and I’ll drop the follow up questions that get sellers to say yes.