From shortlist to useful evidence
HuffmanStacks LLC | Field notes | 2026-11-01

A measured way to evaluate a scored business candidate before investing in a build.

Treat the score as a starting point
Understand the rubric and its assumptions. A high score is a reason to investigate, not proof of demand or an uncontested market.

Investigate the buyer’s work
Find the recurring task, its cost, and the person who can authorize a change. Use real evidence to challenge the candidate description.

Test the scenario
Vary price, delivery effort, recurring costs, and adoption. Label assumptions and estimates so an attractive spreadsheet does not become a promise.

Define the smallest proof
Choose an observable pilot outcome and a clear stopping condition. Preserve the evidence even if the candidate is rejected.

IN PRACTICE
A promising service candidate may be rejected after a pilot shows that delivery effort exceeds the assumed price. That is a useful result, not a failed scoring tool.

WORKING CHECKLIST
[ ] Treat the score as a starting point: record the decision and its evidence.
[ ] Investigate the buyer’s work: record the decision and its evidence.
[ ] Test the scenario: record the decision and its evidence.
[ ] Define the smallest proof: record the decision and its evidence.

General engineering guidance, not a certification or service agreement.
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