Am I an Auction Candidate?

First, the basics.

Timing and decision authority shape almost everything else.

Question 1

How quickly do you need this resolved?

Within 60 days (court-ordered, lease expiration, lender deadline) 60 to 120 days (motivated but flexible) 4 to 9 months (want a good outcome, willing to wait) No deadline, optimizing for price

Question 2

Who has the authority to make the final sale decision?

Sole owner with full authority Partners or family members in alignment Partners or family members not yet in agreement Court-appointed (trustee, receiver, executor, special master) Corporate officer with board or shareholder approval needed Lender or secured creditor driving the decision

The financial picture.

Liens, minimums, and prior sale attempts often determine the right path.

Question 3

What's the financial position of the assets?

Free and clear, no liens, no minimum required Secured debt, but proceeds expected to clear comfortably Secured debt, and proceeds might clear Underwater. Debt exceeds expected proceeds Specific minimum required for tax, estate distribution, or partner buyout

Question 4

Have you previously attempted to sell these assets?

No, this is the first attempt Yes, but more than 2 years ago Yes, within the last 2 years

Question 4a

What was the primary reason it didn't work?

Couldn't get the price I wanted Buyers wouldn't commit. Deals fell through Didn't know how to market it effectively Listed with a broker or dealer who couldn't sell it Market conditions or timing Other

The assets themselves.

What you're selling, who might buy it, and how it'll move.

Question 5

Which best describes what you're selling?

Equipment, inventory, or specialty assets with multiple potential buyers Real estate (commercial, land, specialty residential) Mixed business assets (full liquidation) Single high-value item with a narrow buyer pool (under ~20 logical buyers) Consumer goods, low-value items, or assets requiring heavy disposal

Question 6

How many qualified buyers exist for these assets?

Many (national or international demand, active secondary market) Moderate (regional demand, established category) Few (niche, specialized, 5 to 20 logical buyers) Very few (1 to 3 logical buyers worldwide) Not sure

Question 7

How ready are the assets for sale?

Inspectable, documented, clear title and provenance Mostly ready, some prep needed Significant prep, cleaning, or documentation work required Condition uncertain or documentation problematic

Question 8

How will buyers access and remove the assets?

Centrally located, accessible, normal removal Multiple locations but manageable Difficult access, specialized rigging, or environmental concerns Landlocked, hazardous, or removal-prohibitive

Finally, your priorities.

What matters most, and whether legal or fiduciary requirements shape the path.

Question 9

What matters most to you in this sale?

Certainty of sale by a specific date Maximum net proceeds, willing to wait Clean exit with minimal involvement Maintaining confidentiality during the sale

Question 10

Are there tax, legal, or fiduciary considerations?

Court-supervised, bankruptcy, or estate requiring documented market price Need defensible fair-market-value documentation Standard sale, no special documentation requirements Complex tax-optimization strategy in play

First, the basics.

The financial picture.

The assets themselves.

Finally, your priorities.

Strong Candidate