App Acquisition Process for Buyers
Last updated: January 24, 2026
A complete guide to buying mobile apps on whatsthe.app. Understand each step from making an offer to closing the deal.
Overview
The app acquisition process on whatsthe.app follows a structured workflow designed to protect both buyers and sellers. This guide walks you through each stage, from initial interest to final transfer.
Timeline: Most acquisitions take 2-6 weeks from initial offer to closing, depending on due diligence complexity and app store transfer times.
Browse & Research
Explore apps for sale, review metrics, and identify opportunities
Make an Offer
Submit an offer through the platform and negotiate terms
Sign LOI
Execute Letter of Intent to formalize the deal framework
Due Diligence
Review app metrics, code, and business details
Sign APA
Execute Asset Purchase Agreement with final terms
Escrow & Payment
Fund escrow and complete payment
Transfer Assets
Complete app store transfers and asset handover
Browse & Research
Start by exploring apps listed for sale on whatsthe.app. Review metrics, revenue data, and app details to identify opportunities.
What to Review
- Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) and revenue trends
- Active subscriptions and user growth
- App Store and Google Play ratings and reviews
- Tech stack and platform compatibility
- Asking price and valuation metrics
- Listing description and seller-provided information
Due Diligence Checklist
Before making an offer, review our Due Diligence Checklist to ensure you're evaluating all critical factors.
Make an Offer
Once you've identified an app you want to acquire, submit an offer through the platform. You can negotiate terms directly with the seller.
Offer Components
- Purchase Price: Your proposed acquisition price
- Payment Terms: How and when you'll pay (upfront, installments, etc.)
- Assets Included: What's included in the sale (source code, user data, accounts, etc.)
- Due Diligence Period: Time needed to review the app (typically 14-30 days)
- Closing Date: Target date for completing the transaction
Tip: Be prepared to negotiate. Sellers may counter your offer or request different terms. Keep communication professional and focused on reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
Sign Letter of Intent (LOI)
Once you and the seller agree on basic terms, you'll create and sign a Letter of Intent (LOI). This document formalizes the deal framework and typically includes exclusivity provisions.
LOI Contents
- Agreed purchase price
- Due diligence period (typically 14-30 days)
- Exclusivity period (seller agrees not to negotiate with others)
- Assets to be included in the sale
- Proposed closing date
Important: LOIs are typically non-binding except for exclusivity and confidentiality provisions. However, once both parties sign, you have an exclusive period to complete due diligence and finalize the deal.
Template Available
Download our LOI template or use the platform's built-in LOI generator.
Due Diligence
During the due diligence period, you'll thoroughly review the app's metrics, code, business operations, and legal standing. This is your opportunity to verify everything before committing to the purchase.
What to Verify
- Financial Metrics: Verify revenue, MRR, and subscription data matches what was advertised
- Code Quality: Review source code for quality, documentation, and technical debt
- User Data: Understand user base, retention rates, and growth trends
- Legal Compliance: Verify app store compliance, privacy policy, and data handling
- Intellectual Property: Confirm ownership of code, trademarks, and other IP
- Third-Party Dependencies: Review API keys, service accounts, and integrations
- Technical Infrastructure: Understand hosting, databases, and backend systems
Due Diligence Checklist
Use our comprehensive Due Diligence Checklist to ensure you don't miss any critical items.
Warning: If you discover material issues during due diligence, you can withdraw from the deal (subject to LOI terms). Document everything and communicate concerns promptly with the seller.
Sign Asset Purchase Agreement (APA)
After completing due diligence, you'll create and sign the Asset Purchase Agreement (APA). This is the definitive legal document that governs the sale.
APA Contents
- Detailed description of assets being purchased
- Final purchase price and payment terms
- Representations and warranties from seller
- Closing conditions and deliverables
- Indemnification provisions
- Post-closing obligations
- Dispute resolution mechanisms
💡 Verify Terms with LLM
The APA is a complex legal document with significant financial and legal implications. It's good practice to verify the terms using an LLM with thinking mode to ensure all provisions are correct and protect your interests.
While whatsthe.app provides a mobile app-specific APA template that's pre-filled with your deal terms, this is a starting point. Use an LLM with thinking mode to review the document, check for any missing provisions, verify that all terms match your agreement, and ensure everything is accurate before signing.
Mobile App-Specific Template
Our APA template is specifically designed for mobile app acquisitions and includes provisions for:
- App Store Connect and Google Play Console transfers
- Source code and IP rights
- User data and privacy compliance
- Third-party service accounts and API keys
- App store compliance warranties
Escrow & Payment
Once the APA is signed by both parties, you'll fund the escrow account. The funds are held securely until all transfer conditions are met.
Payment Options
- Escrow.com: Secure escrow service (recommended for transactions over $10,000)
- Wire Transfer: Direct bank transfer (for smaller transactions or when both parties agree)
- Milestone Payments: Payments tied to specific transfer milestones
Payment Options Guide
Learn more about payment methods and escrow services in our Payment Options guide.
Tip: Escrow protects both parties. Funds are only released when you confirm all assets have been transferred and verified. This gives you leverage to ensure a complete transfer.
Transfer Assets
The final step involves transferring all assets from seller to buyer. This includes app store accounts, source code, databases, and all related assets.
Transfer Checklist
- App Store Connect account transfer (iOS apps)
- Google Play Console account transfer (Android apps)
- Source code repository access
- Database backups and user data
- Domain name transfers
- Third-party service account transfers (API keys, etc.)
- Social media account transfers
- Marketing materials and brand assets
Transfer Checklist
Use our detailed Transfer Checklist to ensure nothing is missed during the asset transfer process.
Note: App store transfers can take 1-2 weeks. Plan accordingly and maintain communication with the seller throughout the process.
Common Questions
How long does the process take?
Most acquisitions take 2-6 weeks from initial offer to closing. Timeline depends on due diligence complexity, negotiation speed, and app store transfer times.
Should I verify the APA?
Yes, it's good practice to verify the APA terms using an LLM with thinking mode before signing. This helps ensure all provisions are correct, match your agreement, and protect your interests.
What if I find issues during due diligence?
You can withdraw from the deal (subject to LOI terms) or renegotiate terms. Document all concerns and communicate with the seller promptly.
Is escrow required?
Escrow is strongly recommended for transactions over $10,000. It protects both parties by holding funds until all conditions are met.