App Acquisition Process for Sellers
Last updated: January 24, 2026
A complete guide to selling your mobile app on whatsthe.app. Understand each step from listing your app 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 listing your app to receiving payment.
Timeline: Most sales take 2-6 weeks from first offer to closing, depending on due diligence complexity and app store transfer times.
List Your App
Create a listing with accurate metrics and app details
Receive Offers
Review offers from potential buyers and negotiate terms
Sign LOI
Execute Letter of Intent to formalize the deal framework
Due Diligence
Provide access for buyer to review app and business details
Sign APA
Execute Asset Purchase Agreement with final terms
Receive Payment
Payment held in escrow until transfer is complete
Transfer Assets
Complete app store transfers and asset handover
List Your App
Create a compelling listing that accurately represents your app. Include key metrics, revenue data, and what's included in the sale.
Listing Essentials
- Accurate revenue metrics (MRR, subscriptions, etc.)
- App Store and Google Play ratings
- Tech stack and platform information
- Asking price and valuation rationale
- What's included (source code, user data, accounts, etc.)
- Reason for selling
- Post-sale support availability
Seller Prep Checklist
Before listing, review our Seller Prep Checklist to ensure your app is ready for sale.
Important: Be honest and transparent in your listing. Buyers will verify everything during due diligence, so accuracy builds trust and speeds up the process.
Receive & Negotiate Offers
Interested buyers will submit offers through the platform. Review each offer carefully and negotiate terms that work for you.
Evaluating Offers
- Price: Is the offer fair based on your app's metrics?
- Payment Terms: Upfront payment vs. installments vs. earnout
- Buyer Credibility: Does the buyer have the resources to complete the purchase?
- Timeline: Does the proposed closing date work for you?
- Assets Included: Does the offer include everything you want to sell?
Tip: You can counter-offer or negotiate terms. Be professional and focus on reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. Consider the buyer's perspective and be flexible where possible.
Sign Letter of Intent (LOI)
Once you and the buyer agree on basic terms, the buyer will create a Letter of Intent (LOI). Review it carefully before signing, as it typically includes exclusivity provisions.
LOI Contents
- Agreed purchase price
- Due diligence period (typically 14-30 days)
- Exclusivity period (you agree not to negotiate with others)
- Assets to be included in the sale
- Proposed closing date
Important: The exclusivity provision means you cannot negotiate with other buyers during the exclusivity period. Make sure you're comfortable with the buyer and terms before signing.
Legal Review
While LOIs are typically non-binding except for exclusivity, consider having a lawyer review it, especially if the exclusivity period is long or the terms are complex.
Due Diligence
During the due diligence period, the buyer will thoroughly review your app's metrics, code, business operations, and legal standing. Be prepared to provide access and answer questions.
What Buyers Will Review
- Financial Metrics: Revenue, MRR, subscriptions, and financial records
- Code Quality: Source code review, documentation, and technical architecture
- User Data: User base, retention rates, and growth trends
- Legal Compliance: App store compliance, privacy policies, and data handling
- Intellectual Property: Ownership of code, trademarks, and other IP
- Third-Party Dependencies: API keys, service accounts, and integrations
- Technical Infrastructure: Hosting, databases, and backend systems
Preparation Tips
- Organize all documentation before due diligence begins
- Be responsive to buyer questions and requests
- Provide accurate information - dishonesty can kill the deal
- Be transparent about any issues or concerns
- Consider preparing a data room with all relevant documents
Tip: The better prepared you are, the smoother due diligence will be. This builds buyer confidence and can speed up the process.
Sign Asset Purchase Agreement (APA)
After due diligence is complete, the buyer will create the Asset Purchase Agreement (APA). This is the definitive legal document that governs the sale.
APA Contents
- Detailed description of assets being sold
- Final purchase price and payment terms
- Your representations and warranties
- 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, ensure accurate representations, and limit your liability exposure 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
Note: Pay special attention to representations and warranties sections. These define what you're promising about the app. Make sure they're accurate and that you can fulfill them.
Receive Payment
Once the APA is signed by both parties, the buyer will fund the escrow account. Funds are held securely until all transfer conditions are met, then released to you.
Payment Methods
- 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 the buyer confirms all assets have been transferred and verified. This ensures you get paid once everything is complete.
Platform Fees: whatsthe.app charges a platform fee (3% for transactions $10,000+, 4% for transactions under $10,000). This fee is typically paid by the seller and is invoiced after the transaction completes.
Transfer Assets
The final step involves transferring all assets from you to the 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 buyer throughout the process. Be responsive to their questions and requests.
Post-Sale Support: Consider offering post-sale support (typically 30-90 days) to help the buyer transition smoothly. This can be included in the APA and may help justify a higher price.
Common Questions
How long does the process take?
Most sales take 2-6 weeks from first 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, ensure accurate representations, and limit your liability exposure.
What if the buyer finds issues during due diligence?
The buyer may withdraw from the deal (subject to LOI terms) or renegotiate terms. Be transparent about any issues upfront to avoid surprises. Honesty builds trust and can save deals.
When do I get paid?
Payment is typically held in escrow until all assets are transferred and verified by the buyer. Once the buyer confirms completion, funds are released to you (minus platform fees).
What are the platform fees?
whatsthe.app charges a platform fee: 3% for transactions $10,000+, 4% for transactions under $10,000. This fee is typically paid by the seller and is invoiced after the transaction completes.