16 Best Marketplaces To Sell and Buy an Ecommerce Business in 2024

Entrepreneurship and starting your own business isn’t easy. Starting a brand from the ground up is challenging whether you’re in IT, health, or any other industry.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassles of a startup, you can buy an already-established business. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re guaranteed success, but that you won’t have to start from zero.

To help you out, whether you want to sell or buy a business, we’ve compiled a list of the best sites to buy and sell a business (both platforms and brokers).

1. Flippa

Flippa is, without a doubt, the leading online marketplace for buying and selling digital assets, and that includes ecommerce stores, blogs, SaaS businesses, and much more.

Flippa is known for its wide array of listings from various industries and company sizes. The marketplace is good for novices and pros because its extremely broad range of business ad listings means it attracts both beginner and experienced buyers.

Flippa Pricing

For 2024, Flippa brought back its entry-level package. For assets below $10k, the entry package is priced at just $29 for a 60-day term. This means that you can list your small business and not pay a ridiculous sum like you would with most other platforms.

For assets over $10k, they have a wide range of packages that start at $99 and go up to $1,499 and are billed every 6 months. In addition, there’s also a 10% success fee on the sale price if you end up closing a deal on your business. For example, if you sell a business for $10,000, you’ll pay $1,000 in total fees.

If you’re a buyer, you’ll be glad to know there are no Flippa fees for buyers.

Flippa Key Features

Flippa is probably the best place to buy an ecommerce business. It offers a variety of online businesses to suit basically any buyer — from small ecommerce stores to large SaaS companies.

In addition, it also provides verification icons for vetted listings, giving buyers more confidence in the financial and operational performance of the business.

Last but not least, it’s worth pointing out that Flippa has a ton of integrated tools for both buyers and sellers such as deal rooms, call scheduling, legal services, integrated payment services, and much more.

Flippa Pros

• User base: The platform boasts a huge audience, increasing your chances of finding the right buyer or seller.
• Diverse businesses: Whether you’re looking for a small project or a large-scale business, Flippa has them all.
• Verification process: The platform offers verification features to help ensure accurate listings.

Flippa Cons

• Varied listing quality: The quality of listings can vary widely, making it necessary to vet businesses thoroughly.
• Potential scams: Some users have reported scams, though Flippa's verification process helps mitigate this risk.
• Time-consuming: With so many listings, it can take time to find the right business, especially for high-quality opportunities.

You can sell a business on Flippa here.

You can buy a business on Flippa here.

2. Empire Flippers

Empire Flippers is right up there with Flippa as one of the best places to buy an ecommerce business. You can find plenty of cool businesses that are already profitable on Empire Flippers, allowing you to essentially buy a turnkey business that you can shape and mold any way you want to.

Empire Flippers Pricing

Empire Flippers doesn’t have traditional listing fees, meaning you won’t have to pay anything unless they manage to sell your business.

They work on a commission model. For anything under $700,000, the commission is a flat 15% on the sale price.

For businesses with a value between $700,000 and $5M, the commission is reduced to 8%. Finally, for any sale of a business above $5 million, the commission is just 2.5% on the final sale price.

There are no fees for buyers, but in most cases, a deposit of 5% is needed before you get access to the URL of the site.

Empire Flippers Key Features

Empire Flippers vets their listings to ensure accuracy and weed out any fake or misleading listings. They also offer an escrow service where all transactions are handled through Empire Flippers’ secure escrow system.

Empire Flippers Pros

• Vetted businesses: Buyers can trust that businesses listed on Empire Flippers have been thoroughly vetted.
• All-in-one platform: From valuation to closing, Empire Flippers handles every part of the transaction.
• Strong buyer network: The platform attracts a large number of serious buyers, increasing the chance of a successful sale.

Empire Flippers Cons

• Exclusivity: Empire Flippers want a 2-month exclusivity deal when listing your business.
• High listing requirements: Smaller or less profitable ecommerce sites may not qualify for listing.
• Higher fees: The commission and additional services come at a higher cost compared to self-service platforms.
• Competition: The high number of listings means there’s competition for attention from buyers.

You can sell a business on Empire Flippers here.

You can buy a business on Empire Flippers here.

3. Acquire.com

Acquire.com (formerly called MicroAcquire) is a marketplace that allows customers to buy and sell small-to-medium-sized businesses. The platform specializes in SaaS, ecommerce, and app-based businesses.

Acquire.com Pricing

Acquire.com has a $100 per month listing fee. They also have closing fees upon sale of a business depending on the size of the deal:

• Under $250k million – 6%
• $250k-1 million – 5%
• Over $1 million – 4%

Compared to some of the other platforms mentioned above, like Quiet Light, that’s significantly cheaper. However, you do need to pay $100/month to list your business.

For buyers, it’s free to browse listings, but they also offer a Premium account for $390/year that will allow you to access startups up to $250k in TTM revenue. The Platinum package, set at $780/year, gives you access to vetted startups of all sizes.

Acquire.com Key Features

Sellers can list their business with minimal effort and receive offers quickly. Because of its lower success fees, it’s ideal for smaller businesses that can retain a larger portion of the sales figure. The site also has an intuitive interface that makes listing a business easy and buying an ecommerce business even easier.

Acquire.com Pros

• Streamlined process: Acquire.com offers a simple, easy-to-use platform for buying and selling.
• No broker fees: The platform is largely self-service, meaning lower costs for both parties.
• Access to small buyers: Ideal for smaller or mid-sized businesses looking for a buyer.

Acquire.com Cons

• Self-service model: Unlike full-service brokerages, the platform doesn't offer much hands-on support.
• Limited due diligence: Buyers and sellers need to conduct their own due diligence, as the platform offers limited assistance.
• Smaller transactions: While it serves small and mid-sized businesses well, it's not ideal for larger enterprises.

You can sell a business on Acquire.com here.

You can buy a business on Acquire.com here.

4. Niche Investor

Niche Investor is a marketplace dedicated to buying and selling niche online businesses, primarily in the content and affiliate site space. The platform typically targets smaller, revenue-generating websites and is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to offload or acquire digital properties.

Niche Investor Pricing

You have two options when selling a business with Niche Investor.

If you list it on their marketplace, there’s a $25 listing fee and a 5-20% success fee.

Alternatively, if you sell it directly to them, there are 0% success fees and 0% listing fees. Obviously, you’ll get a lower price, but for a lot of people, the fact they can sell their business and cash out immediately is worth it.

Niche Investor Key Features

Niche Investor sets itself apart by focusing specifically on niche content and affiliate websites. Additionally, the platform offers curated listings, ensuring that businesses are pre-vetted before being listed, which helps maintain a level of quality and trust for both buyers and sellers.

Niche Investor Pros

• Targeted listings: The focus on niche websites means that both buyers and sellers are more likely to find relevant matches.
• Low fees: The platform keeps costs down with a straightforward fee structure, making it accessible to smaller businesses.
• Active community: The community aspect offers networking and advice for buyers and sellers.

Niche Investor Cons

Limited to niche sites: Niche Investor is best suited for content-driven websites and affiliate models, so it may not be a good fit for ecommerce or listing a SaaS business for sale.

Smaller market: The niche focus of the platform may mean a smaller buyer pool compared to more general marketplaces.

You can sell a business on Niche Investor here.

You can buy a business on Niche Investor here.

5. Quiet Light

Quiet Light is a boutique online business brokerage specializing in helping entrepreneurs buy and sell high-value businesses. They offer personalized services with a focus on profitability and smooth transitions.

Quiet Light Pricing

Quiet Light has no upfront listing fees but works on commissions after sales, like most other ecommerce merchant platforms. Their fee is based on the total sale value and here are their rates:

• Under $1 million – 10%
• $1-2 million – 9%
• $2-3 million – 8%
• $3-4 million – 7%
• $4-5 million – 6%
• $5-6 million – 5%
• $6-7 million – 4%
• $7 million and above – 3%

Quiet Light Key Features

Quiet Light provides detailed (and free) business valuations based on multiple metrics to help sellers get the best price possible. They also have podcasts and various guides to help you when selling or buying a business.

The platform also connects sellers with seasoned brokers who have experience in the online business market to help them out. Potential buyers can also read success stories from previous clients who were satisfied with their purchases and went on to grow their newly acquired business.

They even have testimonials from ecommerce flippers who buy, grow, and then resell businesses for a living.

Quiet Light Pros

• Experienced team: All of the brokers at Quiet Light have firsthand experience in owning, buying, and selling online businesses.
• Personalized support: Sellers and buyers receive tailored advice and assistance throughout the process.
• High success rate: Quiet Light has a reputation for successfully closing a large percentage of deals.

Quiet Light Cons

• Limited listing volume: With a boutique approach, there are fewer listings compared to larger platforms.
• Exclusive focus: Quiet Light caters more to established businesses, which may limit opportunities for smaller sellers.

You can sell a business on Quiet Light here.

You can buy a business on Quiet Light here.

6. Side Projectors

As its name would imply, Side Projectors is a marketplace that focuses on buying and selling small online businesses, side projects, and startups. The platform caters to entrepreneurs, developers, and creatives looking to offload projects they no longer have time for.

Side Projectors Pricing

SideProjectors is completely free. They do not charge anything for the posting or buying a project or business. They make their money off of selected affiliate sponsors and some ads. For $3 per month, you can become a SideProjectors member and support them (you’ll also have no ads, get customized project alerts, etc.)

Side Projectors Key Features

Side Projectors stand out by catering specifically to side projects, which are often too small for larger marketplaces. The platform has a niche audience of buyers looking for starter projects to expand upon or scale. If you’re looking for subscription businesses for sale, Side Projects is probably your safest best.

Side Projectors Pros

• No listing fee: You can advertise and sell your business for free with the platform.
• Niche audience: The platform’s focus on side projects means you can find online businesses for sale under $5,000 on Side Projectors.
• No success fees: Sellers get to keep 100% of the sale proceeds.
  
  

Side Projectors Cons

• Limited scope: The platform is focused on smaller businesses and side projects, so it’s not ideal for larger deals.
• Fewer buyers: Side Projectors has a smaller buyer base compared to larger marketplaces.
• Less support: The platform offers limited broker support.

You can buy and sell a business on Side Projectors here.

7. FE International

FE International is a premier M&A advisory firm that specializes in selling established ecommerce, SaaS, and content businesses. They focus on larger, high-value transactions and provide full brokerage services. FE International has brokered lots of deals, but one of their biggest ones is the Acquisition of LinkBuilder.io by Next Net Media.

FE International Pricing

FE International doesn’t charge a listing fee and they also don’t advertise their success fees since they vary depending on the size of the deal. The typical range is between 10% to 15% of the closing price.

FE International Key Features

The firm specializes in mergers and acquisitions, offering a higher level of service for larger transactions. From valuation to closing, FE International offers end-to-end support for ecommerce business sales. Since they specialize in high-value acquisitions and mergers, they might not be the ideal choice for smaller businesses.

FE International Expanded Pros

• Expert advisory: Sellers benefit from the firm’s deep expertise in M&A.
• Global reach: The platform attracts top buyers from across the globe.
• Professional service: FE International handles all aspects of the transaction, including marketing, due diligence, and closing.

FE International Cons

• High-value businesses only: The platform is best suited for ecommerce stores with significant revenue and profit.
• Smaller pool: Their site currently only has a dozen or so businesses you can choose from.
• Premium fees: Full-service brokerage comes at a higher cost compared to self-service platforms.
• Longer sales process: Larger, more complex transactions take more time to finalize.

You can sell a business on FE International here.

You can buy a business on FE International here.

8. Business Exits

Business Exits is a specialized online marketplace and business brokerage that focuses on the sale of established online businesses, including ecommerce, SaaS, and digital media companies. They cater to entrepreneurs looking for streamlined, expert-led transactions.

Business Exits Pricing

Like most other full-service brokerage firms, Business Exits does not charge any upfront fees for listing a business or getting a valuation. They only take a commission once the business is sold, but the pricing isn’t transparent. The commission is estimated to range from 8% to 12% of the sale price.

Business Exits Key Features

The platform connects sellers with qualified buyers worldwide. They emphasize that they use a data-driven approach to business valuation, analyzing key metrics such as revenue, growth potential, and market trends. All of this helps sellers understand the true worth of their business and have realistic expectations for the sale price.

Business Exits Pros

• Professional support: The platform offers one-on-one service with experienced brokers.
• Comprehensive valuations: Sellers benefit from detailed evaluations, ensuring they get the best price for their business.
• Wide range of business sizes: Business Exits works with a variety of companies, from startups generating $100,000 in annual revenue to more established businesses earning millions.
• Access to a global buyer network: Access to a global pool of vetted buyers increases the chances of a successful sale.

Business Exits Cons

• Longer sales cycle: Full-service brokerage firms like Business Exits can take longer to sell a business compared to direct platforms.
• Main focus is on digital businesses: Although Business Exits works with a variety of industries, their primary focus is on digital and tech-based businesses.

You can sell a business on Business Exits here.

You can buy a business on Business Exits here.

9. OpenStore

OpenStore is a very unique ecommerce marketplace that specifically focuses on acquiring Shopify businesses. Unlike traditional marketplaces or brokers where individual buyers and sellers interact, OpenStore operates more like an acquirer. They directly buy ecommerce businesses from Shopify store owners, offering an efficient exit process without the need for back-and-forth negotiations with potential buyers.

OpenStore Pricing

OpenStore does not charge any listing or commission fees. The company makes its money from the profit it generates from the businesses it acquires. As such, OpenStore does not have listing fees or success fees since its profit is calculated into the selling price.

OpenStore Key Features

OpenStore offers instant cash buyouts for eligible Shopify stores, streamlining the selling process and making life for sellers a lot easier. On top of that, they also handle all the administrative and legal work involved in the sale, leaving sellers with very few worries.

OpenStore Pros

• Fast transactions: Sellers typically receive an offer within a day, and deals are closed relatively quickly compared to other platforms.
• No hassle: OpenStore takes care of all the paperwork and formalities, simplifying the sale process.
• Cash offers: The platform provides an immediate cash exit for sellers who want to sell quickly.

OpenStore Cons

• Limited to Shopify: OpenStore only works with Shopify-based businesses, which can be limiting if you’re on a different ecommerce platform.
• Lower valuations: Sellers may receive lower offers compared to what they could get in a competitive marketplace since it’s OpenStore buying the business directly.
• No negotiation: Offers from OpenStore are final, with no room for negotiation.

You can sell a business on OpenStore here.

You can view a list of businesses on OpenStore here.

10. BizBroker24

BizBroker24 is a business brokerage firm that specializes in the sale of internet-based businesses, such as ecommerce stores and SaaS companies. With over a decade of experience, BizBroker24 caters to entrepreneurs looking to sell mid-sized to large online businesses.

BizBroker24 Pricing

BizBroker24 does not charge an upfront fee, an advance fee, or a marketing fee. They work on a success fee basis, which although isn’t disclosed, is estimated to be somewhere between 8% and 12% depending on the size of the business and the final sale price.

BizBroker24 Key Features

BizBroker24 has a very strong international presence, helping sellers find buyers from different parts of the world. The platform specializes in high-revenue transactions, typically over $1 million, so if you’ve got a business that’s worth north of $1m, you should definitely consider them.

BizBroker24 Pros

• Access to global buyers: BizBroker24’s international presence gives sellers access to a wide range of global buyers.
• Full-service brokerage: Sellers benefit from a hands-on approach, including marketing, negotiations, and legal support.
• Confidential listings: Sellers can protect their business’s sensitive information by listing it confidentially and revealing details only to vetted buyers.

BizBroker24 Cons

• Not suitable for small businesses: The platform focuses on larger transactions, making it less suitable for smaller businesses.
• Longer timelines: Large-scale transactions often take more time to complete.

You can sell a business on BizBroker24 here.

You can buy a business on BizBroker24 here.

11. Website Closers

Website Closers is a business brokerage firm that specializes in selling online businesses, including ecommerce stores, Amazon FBA businesses, and SaaS companies. Unlike most other platforms that cater to smaller websites and entrepreneurs, Website Closers focuses on established and renowned businesses.

Website Closers Pricing

There are no costs associated with listing a business or getting a valuation on Website Closers. They operate on a success-fee basis, meaning they take a commission only after the business is sold. This fee generally ranges from 10% to 15% of the final sale price.

Website Closers Key Features

Website Closers specializes in online business sales, including ecommerce and tech-based companies. They have a very useful business valuation calculator that anyone can use to gauge how much their business is worth.

Website Closers Pros

• Wide range of business sizes: Website Closers handles transactions for both small and large businesses.
• Full-service brokerage: The platform provides comprehensive services, including marketing, valuation, and legal assistance.
• High closing rates: Website Closers boasts a strong track record of successfully closing deals.

Website Closers Cons

• High broker fees: As a full-service brokerage, Website Closers charges higher fees than more automated platforms.
• Exclusive listings: Sellers must go through a vetting process to be listed.
• Longer transaction times: Comprehensive service can result in a longer sale process.

You can sell a business on Website Closers here.

You can buy a business on Website Closers here.

12. BuySellEmpire

BuySellEmpire is a business brokerage firm that facilitates the sale of all sorts of online businesses. They offer personalized support throughout the selling process, helping business owners achieve a smooth and profitable exit.

BuySellEmpire Pricing

BuySellEmpire operates on a commission-based model, which means sellers don’t pay upfront fees for listing their business or receiving an initial valuation. The fee structure is based on a successful sale, usually ranging from 8% to 12% of the final price. This fee is only collected when the business successfully sells, making it a low-risk option for sellers.

BuySellEmpire Key Features

You can find an awesome ecommerce business for sale on BuySellEmpire. They provide a full-service experience with a dedicated team guiding sellers from listing to final negotiations. Just like other brokers on this list, they also have a free valuation tool for potential sellers.

BuySellEmpire Pros

• Easy to use: The platform is user-friendly, with a straightforward process for listing and buying businesses.
• Broker assistance: Sellers receive support from professional brokers, making the process smoother.
• No upfront fees: Sellers only pay a commission when the sale is completed, reducing financial risk upfront.

BuySellEmpire Cons

• Limited scope: While the platform covers a range of businesses, it focuses mainly on established digital assets.
• Not ideal for startups: BuySellEmpire is more focused on established businesses with proven revenue, so newer or smaller companies may not be the best fit.
• Fewer listings: Compared to larger marketplaces, BuySellEmpire has a smaller selection of businesses available.

You can sell a business on BuySellEmpire here.

You can buy a business on BuySellEmpire here.

13. Latona's

Latona's is a niche mergers and acquisitions broker that specializes in established online businesses such as ecommerce and software-as-a-service. They tend to focus on mid-to-large-size businesses and deals.

Latona's Pricing

Just like any other broker, Latona’s works on commissions. Their commission fee is performance-based, typically ranging from 10% to 15% of the sale price, depending on the size of the transaction. This fee is only payable after a successful sale.

Latona's Key Features

Latona’s stands out for its hands-on approach to brokering deals, offering a more personalized experience compared to larger and automated platforms. Another big benefit is the business value calculator which gives good estimates.

Latona's Pros

• Boutique service: Sellers can receive personalized attention and guidance from experienced brokers.
• Due diligence: Latona’s thorough due diligence helps streamline the sale and attract serious buyers, increasing the likelihood of a successful transaction.
• Focus on established businesses: Latona’s is ideal for owners of mature, profitable online businesses seeking high-value exits.

Latona's Cons

• High threshold: The platform focuses on larger transactions, making it less accessible for small business owners.
• Higher fees: As a full-service brokerage, Latona’s charges premium fees compared to self-service platforms.
• Slower transaction times: High-value deals often take longer to negotiate and close.

You can sell a business on Latona’s here.

You can buy a business on Latona’s here.

14. Motion Invest

Motion Invest is a marketplace that specializes in buying and selling smaller content websites, particularly those generating revenue through advertising and affiliate programs. Unlike traditional brokerages, Motion Invest buys sites directly from owners, but they also have a marketplace where you can browse listings.

Motion Invest Pricing

Motion Invest does not charge sellers upfront fees to list their websites. Instead, they take a commission of 10-15% (varies depending on different factors) on successful sales through the marketplace. If you sell directly to Motion Invest, they’ll give you an all-cash offer for your site based on its valuation.

Motion Invest Key Features

If you’re interested in buying an ecommerce business, don’t sleep on Motion Invest. It stands out by offering both a marketplace and a direct purchasing option. Sellers can either list their sites for sale or sell directly to Motion Invest, ensuring a quicker, guaranteed transaction.

Motion Invest Pros

• Specialized focus: The emphasis on content websites makes it easier for buyers to find exactly what they’re looking for.
• Quick transactions: The streamlined process allows for fast sales, often faster than traditional brokerages.
• Affordable listings: Many listings on Motion Invest are priced affordably, making it a good option for first-time buyers.

Motion Invest Cons

• Limited listing variety: The platform focuses primarily on content websites, which might not suit buyers looking for other types of businesses.
• Smaller transactions: Motion Invest handles mainly smaller websites, making it less suitable for high-revenue businesses.

You can sell a business on Motion Invest here.

You can buy a business on Motion Invest here.

15. BizBuySell

BizBuySell is one of the biggest online marketplaces for buying and selling businesses. They have businesses of all sizes and in most industries, including ecommerce, brick-and-mortar, and franchises.

BizBuySell Pricing

BizBuySell charges a flat listing fee starting at $59.95 for a six-month basic ad. A premium Showcase Ad costs $79.95. If you opt for broker services, additional fees (typically 5-15%) may apply based on the final sale price.

BizBuySell Key Features

BizBuySell is known for its massive reach and a broad array of listings, from small ecommerce stores for sale to multi-million-dollar enterprises. It also offers a robust suite of tools, including a detailed business valuation calculator and options for sellers to find brokers if they need professional help.

BizBuySell Pros

• Extensive listings: BizBuySell is one of the largest business marketplaces, offering a wide variety of industries and business types.
• Valuation support: Sellers benefit from built-in tools to help assess the value of their business.
• Broker connections: For sellers looking for professional help, the platform connects them with experienced brokers.

BizBuySell Cons

• High competition: With so many listings, it can be difficult for sellers to stand out.
• Varying listing quality: The large number of listings means that the quality of businesses can vary significantly.
• Additional costs: Working with brokers and paying for premium listing features can increase costs.

You can sell a business on BizBuySell here.

You can buy a business on BizBuySell here.

You can sell a franchise on BizBuySell here.

16. Investors Club

InvestorsClub is an online platform that connects investors with a curated selection of investment opportunities, primarily in the startup and growth-stage business sectors. They aim to make investing more accessible and efficient for both individual and institutional investors.

Investors Club Pricing

You can post a job for free on Investors Club if you want to do it yourself. They also have a paid service where they’ll take care of everything for you, in exchange for a 5-20% commission of the sale depending on the size of the business.

For buyers, browsing the ads is free, but you can upgrade to their $59 per month plan if you don’t want to see ads or you want to see the live URL of the businesses.

Investors Club Key Features

InvestorsClub focuses on providing a streamlined experience for investors, emphasizing quality over quantity. They conduct thorough due diligence on all listed opportunities, ensuring that investors have access to vetted and promising projects.

Investors Club Pros

• Vetted listings: Buyers can trust that all listings are verified and profitable.
• Lower fees: Sellers benefit from lower commissions compared to other platforms, while still getting access to a large buyer base.

Investors Club Cons

• Niche focus: Investors Club focuses on highly profitable businesses, so smaller stores may not be a fit.
• Fewer listings: Due to its exclusivity, there are fewer listings compared to larger, public marketplaces.

You can sell a business on Investors Club here.

You can buy a business on Investors Club here.

Common Ecommerce Marketplace and Broker FAQs

What are marketplaces and brokers?

Marketplaces and brokers for buying and selling ecommerce websites are places where digital assets, like online businesses, can be bought and sold.

Marketplaces are more DIY, where sellers can list information about their business, like how much money they make, how many visitors they get, and other important metrics. People who are interested can then look through these listings, which is a lot like shopping online.

On the other hand, brokers offer a more personalized and hands-on service. They offer a full range of services and work closely with both buyers and sellers. Brokers help people decide if a business is worth buying, get it ready to sell, market it to potential buyers, negotiate the deal, and see the deal through to the end.

How do I buy and sell e-commerce websites?

Marketplaces let many sellers put up ads for their online businesses that they want to sell. They're like eBay or Amazon, but for online stores. If you want a less hands-on approach, you can go to a broker and let them take care of the sale process for you for a commission on a successful sale.

How do I get paid or pay for an ecommerce business?

Both marketplaces and brokers offer safe ways to make transactions. During the deal, they hold the money in escrow, which protects both sides. Brokers also provide extra services, like helping with due diligence and negotiations, which make the process go more smoothly and quickly.

Should you buy a web-based business?

If you'd rather not come up with your own ideas, buying a business that is already doing well can be very helpful. It's easier to build on something that’s already established because the hard, time-consuming first steps of getting the business up and running have already been taken care of.

You’ll also have access to better funding since the brand is already established and you’ll have brand awareness that you’d otherwise have to build up with a brand new business. In addition, if the business is doing well, you might have a source of steady income from the get-go.

Why wouldn't you want to buy an online business?

If you want to buy a successful business that's already up and running, you usually have to put down a lot of money upfront. Different businesses have different prices, but you can be sure that a successful one will cost a lot of money to buy. Depending on the type of business and the contracts the previous owners signed, you may need to change any deals with suppliers, vendors, influencers, and other important people.

When you buy an online business, what should you look out for?

In the U.S. alone, there are over 30 million small businesses. Around the world, there are about 26.5 million e-commerce businesses. You have a lot of options with all those well-known businesses. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for when buying a business.

Consistent numbers for money

You don't want to get a money sinkhole. You should be able to see that the business you want to buy consistently makes money every month, or at least has the potential to do so. The seller shouldn't have any trouble giving you the financials of the business. In fact, you should ask for these before you even think about signing a contract.

Established reputation

Due to the fact that it can be hard to change people's minds about a business, it's ideal to choose a brand that already has a good reputation. Find reviews on sites like Trustpilot and read what people are saying about the brand on social media.

Good traffic

Website traffic is important for online businesses to stay open. People who visit a website are more likely to buy something, which means it can make more money. When looking to buy a business, make sure it has steady growth and traffic from a number of different sources.

Customer base

The customers that are already buying from a business may be great, but look for ways to grow. What kind of people is it aimed at, and is that market almost full? Think about whether you have room to expand into new markets and places.

When you buy an online business, what kind should it be?

There are many types of businesses that can be called "online businesses," but the most common ones that you can buy are:

• SaaS companies
• E-tail businesses
• Brands that dropship
• Affiliate web pages
• Phone apps
• Services that are sold
• Blogs and content sites
• Services that charge for things
• Companies that make digital goods

How can I save a lot of money on an online business?

The first thing would be to consider and weigh your options. Don’t be blinded by one single business, but explore your options on various different platforms and see if you can find a better deal. Make sure you buy a business that has the right demographics you’re looking for, since that’s one of the hardest things to build. Brand reputation is up there as well.

How can I buy an online business without getting hurt?

All of the marketplaces and brokers mentioned above are good and safe places to buy an online business. That being said, keep in mind that marketplaces are more DIY, so do your due diligence before you buy a website. If you’re worried about losing money or getting hurt, just go with a broker who will verify all details and information on your behalf.

Which line of business makes money the quickest?

Drop shipping or selling digital goods is the fastest way to make money online. You don't have to pay much to get these business models up and running, and you can start making money right away. If you buy an already established drop shipping ecommerce website from one of the brokers above, you can start making money immediately.

Is it dangerous to buy an online business?

Just like with anything else, it can be risky to buy an online business. Do a lot of research ahead of time and look at financials and other important documents to make sure the businesses you're buying online are real. If you need to, talk to a lawyer about the process and the accompanying paperwork.