Want To Buy/Sell a Business? Here are my favorite platforms!

Trade has been around ever since humans figured out how to communicate.

And now it is more convenient. 

It’s now easier than ever to practice one of the oldest forms of trading: buying and selling businesses.

So what is the best platform to buy and sell a business?

buying and selling business

Well, that’s what you’ll find out in this post.

Entering the world of online entrepreneurship is very exciting, especially if you have a knack for it.

Now, let’s get to the websites and see if some of them pique your interest. 


The Best Platform To Buy And Sell a Business

So I only considered the cream of the crop for this list, so I’m sure you’d be happy with anyone. 


Flippa

Flippa screenshot

Flippa is an online marketplace that facilitates the buying and selling of digital assets and businesses.

These include,

  • Blogs
  • e-commerce stores
  • Digital services
  • Amazon FBA
  • Shopify stores
  • Affiliate sites
  • Apps

It offers a platform for sellers to create listings of the asset or business they wish to sell and then choose to sell them as either a 30-day auction or a classified, selecting a minimum reserve (auction) or a fixed price (classified).

Flippa also provides a messaging and deal-closing experience through its Deal Room feature.

The platform has a Help Center that provides information on how to use Flippa and write the best listing description.

Flippa raised $11 million in its first venture-backed round in 2021 and is seeing over 600,000 monthly searches from users. 


I have bought a couple of online businesses (mostly websites). My recent purchase was of an aged domain from Odys. Watch this video to learn how I stole this deal from them.


Empire Flippers 

Empire Flippers is a popular online marketplace that specializes in buying and selling established online businesses, including Amazon Associates businesses, affiliate websites, e-commerce businesses, and many other types of online businesses.

The platform was founded in 2013 by Joe Magnotti (CEO) and Justin Cooke (CMO) and has sold over $310 million worth of businesses.

Empire Flippers provides a vetting process for sellers to ensure that only the highest quality businesses are listed on their marketplace. 


Digital Exits

It is safe to contact Digital Exits to buy or sell your internet business.

Sellers who list their online business for sale on this marketplace receive full help from the platform’s research team.

The platform will also assist sellers in managing the various components of their company.



Shopify Exchange

At Shopify Exchange, entrepreneurs can buy and sell Shopify stores.

It was launched in 2017 and has quickly become one of the most popular marketplaces for buying and selling e-commerce businesses.

Shopify Exchange allows sellers to list their Shopify stores for sale, and buyers can browse through the listings and purchase the stores that meet their requirements.

The platform offers a range of features, including traffic and revenue data, pricing guidance, and a secure payment system.

Buyers can also use the Exchange Marketplace to find apps and services that can help them grow and manage their businesses.


FE International 

FE international screenshot

FE International is an internet broker who will work directly with the sellers and purchasers, eliminating the need for a middleman.

You can easily buy or sell your company without fear of being defrauded.

They make sure that the seller is genuine and not a con artist.

FE International has a sales success rate of roughly 94%.


Side Projectors

Side Projectors is a marketplace for people who are seeking a modest project rather than a full-time business.

The platform is well-stocked with projects at lower cost levels.

With your money and time, you’ll be able to buy the projects and turn them into a new business.

The platform’s sole purpose is to connect buyers and merchants. 

The only drawback is that this platform does not have a payment gateway.


Website Properties 

For the past 20 years, Website Properties has been the marketplace for buying and selling internet businesses.

For instance, a Golf Membership Discounts website with $28,135 in cash flow was recently sold for $76,000.

Approximately 25,000 clients use the marketplace regularly to buy or sell their internet enterprises.

According to the company, it has an 85% success rate. 


If you want to buy or sell a business but are stuck at taking action, let’s go on a bike ride with me (in this video), and I will help you get past the block.


BizBuySell 

BizBuySell is the world’s largest business online marketplace, with 20 company sectors such as retail, education, and healthcare.

BizBuySell’s database contains franchise opportunities, asset sales, and business real estate, in addition to established enterprises.

There are currently over 45,000 business listings for sale on the marketplace.

One of the most appealing features of BizBuySell is that it provides both business broker support and a free appraisal. 

The broker will assist you in determining the actual cost of the business you like.

Then they can provide advice depending on your objectives and budget.


Exit Adviser 

Exit Adviser has a For-Sale-by-Owner (FSBO) platform that allows you to buy a business directly from the owner, bypassing the middleman. 

This model allows you to conduct your negotiations with the seller.

You can better understand the business they sell when you speak directly with the owner.

ExitAdviser can help you locate the best alternative for you, whether you’re looking to buy online or locally.

It offers companies from 17 different countries in various areas, such as retail, wholesale, leisure, and so on.


FAQ

What are Escrow services?

Escrow services are a type of transaction service that provides a secure way for buyers and sellers to conduct business.

When using an escrow service, a third party holds onto funds or assets until the transaction is completed.

This can include holding onto funds for a real estate transaction, holding onto funds for a business sale, or holding onto assets until certain conditions are met.

Escrow services are often used to help ensure that both parties in a transaction are protected and that the transaction is completed successfully.

The use of an escrow service can help to reduce the risk of fraud, as well as provide a neutral third party to help resolve disputes that may arise during the transaction process.

What is the best place to buy a website business?

All of the platforms discussed above are vetted and handpicked for their reputation and authenticity.
You can use any of the listed places to buy a website business.

Where you can find a business to buy?

There are several places where you can find a business to buy, including:

Online marketplaces: Websites like BizBuySell, BusinessesForSale, and BizQuest allow you to search for businesses for sale by location, industry, and other criteria.

Business brokers: These are professionals who specialize in helping buyers find businesses to buy. They can help you identify potential businesses for sale and guide you through the buying process.

Industry associations: Many industry associations have resources for buying and selling businesses within their industry. These resources can help you identify potential businesses for sale and connect with sellers.

Networking: Networking within your industry or community can help you identify potential businesses for sale. You can attend events, join professional organizations, and connect with other business owners to learn about potential opportunities.

Direct outreach: You can also reach out to businesses directly to inquire about potential opportunities. This can be a more time-consuming approach, but it can also result in finding unique opportunities that are not publicly listed.

It’s important to do your research and due diligence before buying any business and to consider factors such as the business’s financials, operations, and potential for growth.

Empire Flippers vs FE International – what is the difference?

Empire Flippers and FE International are both online business brokers that specialize in the sale of online businesses, including e-commerce stores, SaaS businesses, and content websites.

However, there are some differences between the two platforms:

Quality of listings: Empire Flippers is known for its high-quality listings, which are carefully vetted and curated by the platform’s team. FE International also has high-quality listings, but the platform has a wider range of businesses for sale, including smaller businesses that may be more affordable for first-time buyers.

Listing fees: Empire Flippers charges a listing fee to sellers, which can be a percentage of the sale price or a flat fee, depending on the business being sold. FE International does not charge a listing fee to sellers.

Valuation process: Empire Flippers has a more extensive valuation process, which includes a detailed review of the business’s financials, operations, and other factors. FE International requires sellers to provide their own P&L statements, which are then reviewed by the platform’s team.

Brokerage fees:
Both platforms charge a commission on the sale of businesses, but the fees may vary depending on the size and complexity of the business being sold.


Final Thoughts 

Many consumers are now gravitating toward internet businesses, and now is the best moment to capitalize on this trend.

Yes, I understand that many people will be hesitant to purchase an online business due to the risk of fraud.

This happens a lot when dealing with strangers over the internet. 

However, rest assured that all of the platforms mentioned above have the best buyer protection and security measures in place.

This ensures that no one is duped out of their hard-earned money.

Best of luck!

Disclosure: This article might contain affiliate links to the resources I refer to. It's at no cost to you, and it's how we pay the bills. Get more info here.

Brooks Conkle Banner Image
Brooks Conkle

Brooks is an entrepreneur, father, husband, & follower of the golden rule. He has over 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur after graduating with a Finance degree from Auburn University. Addicted to starting new business projects, he believes in creating multiple income streams and a life of flexibility. Business should work around your life, not the other way around. He creates content on his website, sharing his projects to help other hustlers in marketing, personal finance, and online business.