Due Diligence Checklist
Last updated: January 24, 2026
A comprehensive guide to verify everything before purchasing a mobile app. Use this checklist to ensure you're making an informed decision.
💡 Tip: Apps listed on whatsthe.app have verified revenue data from Apple and RevenueCat. However, you should still verify all claims independently before completing a purchase.
Legal Disclaimer
This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or technical advice. Always consult with qualified professionals (lawyers, accountants, technical experts) before making a purchase decision.
Financial Verification
Verify all revenue claims and financial metrics before making an offer.
Verify Revenue Data
Request direct access to App Store Connect or Google Play Console to verify revenue claims. Check at least 6-12 months of historical data. Look for trends, seasonality, and anomalies.
Verify Subscription Metrics
Check active subscriptions, churn rate, customer lifetime value (LTV), and average revenue per paying user (ARPPU). Verify these match what's displayed on the listing.
Review Payment Processor Statements
Request Stripe, RevenueCat, Adapty, or other payment processor statements. Verify net revenue after fees, refunds, and chargebacks.
Check for Outstanding Liabilities
Verify there are no pending refunds, chargebacks, or disputes. Check for any outstanding payments owed to contractors, agencies, or service providers.
Verify Operating Costs
Understand monthly operating costs (hosting, APIs, third-party services, marketing spend). Calculate net profit, not just revenue.
Review Tax Obligations
Understand any tax obligations or liabilities that may transfer with the business. Consult with a tax professional.
Technical Verification
Review Source Code Quality
If source code is included, review code quality, architecture, documentation, and technical debt. Check for security vulnerabilities and outdated dependencies.
Verify Tech Stack
Confirm the technology stack matches what's listed. Verify frameworks, languages, databases, and third-party services are still supported and maintainable.
Check Infrastructure Dependencies
Understand hosting requirements, scalability limitations, and infrastructure costs. Verify you can maintain or migrate the infrastructure.
Verify Third-Party Integrations
List all third-party APIs, SDKs, and services. Verify API keys can be transferred, check for rate limits, and understand costs of each service.
Test the App
Download and thoroughly test the app. Check for bugs, performance issues, and user experience problems. Test on multiple devices and OS versions.
Review App Store Compliance
Check App Store and Play Store ratings, reviews, and compliance status. Verify there are no pending violations or policy issues.
Legal & IP Verification
Verify Ownership
Confirm seller actually owns the app and has the legal right to sell it. Check App Store Connect and Google Play Console ownership records.
Check for IP Disputes
Search for any trademarks, copyrights, or patents that might conflict. Verify the app name, logo, and branding don't infringe on others' IP.
Review License Agreements
Check open-source licenses used in the codebase. Ensure compliance with GPL, MIT, Apache, and other licenses. Verify third-party assets have proper licenses.
Check Privacy Policy & Terms
Review privacy policy, terms of service, and GDPR compliance. Ensure they're legally sound and transferable.
Verify No Pending Legal Issues
Check for any pending lawsuits, disputes, or regulatory issues. Request seller to disclose any known legal problems.
Review Contractor Agreements
If contractors were involved, verify work-for-hire agreements and that IP rights were properly assigned. Check for any ongoing payment obligations.
Business & Operations
Review User Metrics
Verify active users, retention rates, growth trends, and user acquisition channels. Check for any anomalies or suspicious patterns.
Check Customer Support Load
Review support ticket volume, response times, and customer satisfaction. Understand what support infrastructure you'll need to maintain.
Review Marketing & Growth
Understand how the app acquires users. Check marketing spend, conversion rates, and growth channels. Verify you can maintain or improve these channels.
Verify Social Media & Brand Assets
Check social media accounts, website, email lists, and brand assets are included in the sale. Verify follower counts and engagement metrics.
Understand Post-Sale Support
Clarify what support (if any) the seller will provide after the sale. Get documentation, knowledge transfer, and transition support commitments in writing.
Transfer Verification
Verify Transfer Process
Understand the transfer process for App Store Connect and Google Play Console. See our transfer checklist for details.
Confirm All Assets Included
Verify all assets listed in the sale are actually included: source code, design files, domains, social accounts, documentation, etc.
Use Escrow for Payment
Use an escrow service to hold funds until all transfers are verified complete. See our payment options guide for recommendations.
Important Notes
Take Your Time
Don't rush the due diligence process. It's better to spend extra time verifying everything than to discover issues after the purchase. Most sellers will understand and accommodate reasonable verification timelines.
Get Everything in Writing
Document all claims, promises, and agreements in the purchase agreement. Include warranties, representations, and what happens if claims turn out to be false.
Consult Professionals
Work with a lawyer experienced in software acquisitions, an accountant to review financials, and a technical expert to evaluate the codebase. Their fees are worth avoiding costly mistakes.