Guide / Dataset acquisition
Preparing a dataset
for a sale discussion.
You do not need a polished sales brochure or to share confidential records to begin a conversation. You do need a clear account of what the information contains, how you obtained it and what uses may be permitted.
Start with what the records represent
Describe the entities recorded, their geographic and historical coverage, approximate row count, field definitions, available identifiers and the main reason the collection might be useful. Explain when collection started, when it was last updated and whether future updates can be provided.
Be clear about the level of coverage: a list of selected organisations is not the same as a comprehensive national register. Known gaps are important commercial information, not necessarily disqualifying flaws.
Document rights and permitted uses
Owning a copy of a database is not necessarily the same as holding every right required to sell or license it. Identify who gathered or commissioned the data, which contracts or third-party rights apply, and whether it contains personal, confidential or licensed material.
A transaction may depend on copyright, database rights, privacy regulation, contractual restrictions and other requirements. Where legal status is uncertain, obtain appropriate advice before offering the dataset or sending a sample. The initial website form is not designed to receive sensitive data.
Describe quality realistically
State the file formats, field dictionary availability, missing-value prevalence, duplicates, known inconsistencies and update process. Do not silently remove questionable records just to make the dataset look cleaner. An accurate description with documented limitations is more valuable than an unsubstantiated “100% complete” claim.
Explain whether source references, collection dates and unique keys are available. Such metadata can materially affect the ability to validate, integrate and reuse the dataset.
A practical first-enquiry checklist
- 01
Subject and coverage
What is represented, at which locations and dates, and roughly how many records exist?
- 02
Source and rights
Who collected the records, what rights are controlled, and what restrictions are known?
- 03
Structure and quality
Which formats, identifiers and supporting definitions exist, and what limitations are apparent?
- 04
Commercial intention
Are you considering a sale or licence, and what questions would you like a prospective buyer to answer?
Once you have this information, read our dataset-acquisition page and send a brief initial description. Detailed samples and due diligence can follow only when appropriate arrangements are in place.
Ready to discuss your data?
Start with a description of the records and what you want to achieve. We can then agree an appropriate next step.
Start an enquiry