[Newbiesaukee]

As others have said this is very common practice. Once you sign the confidentiality agreement, the information from the seller will be given to you. I do understand your point that your would like to speak to your potential customers, but anyone willing to purchase this type of business usually has the experience (or access to people who have the experience) to be able to understand the customer base.

Also, you certainly can negotiate what you will or will not do in your purchase agreement with respect to these issues.

Only point is, this is so common in this type of commercial transaction it really doesn't raise any specific "red flags" that you need to worry about. You will be able to get more information as you proceed to negotiate the purchase terms.