An online business marketplace is a space where sellers can list their businesses or websites for sale with detailed descriptions and financial information.
An online business marketplace is pretty simple to use: sellers list their businesses on the marketplace, providing details like what they do and their asking price. Buyers browse listings, filter by criteria like price and industry, and contact sellers for more information. Sellers get access to a large pool of potential buyers and have a higher chance of getting the right deal for their business.
The Geekflare team has researched and listed out the best business marketplaces based on pricing, industry, pros, cons, and specific features.
- Flippa – Largest Marketplace for Online Business
- The Website Flip Brokerage – Best for Personalized Guidance
- IndieMaker – Best for Small Sites
- Investors Club – Best to Sell to Accredited Investors
- Motion Invest – Best to Buy or Sell Content Sites
- Empire Flippers – Best to Buy or Sell Vetted, Established Business
- FE International – Best for High-Value Deals
- Trustiu – Best for Transparency in Sales Process
- BizBroker24 – Best for Variety of Business
- Quiet Light – Best for Free Initial Valuation
- Website Closers – Best for Broker-Assisted Deals
- Latona’s – Best to Buy or Sell E-Commerce Business
- Niche Investor – Best for Niche-Focused Business
- Side Projectors – Best to Buy or Sell Side Hustles
- Show less
Flippa
Largest Marketplace for Online Business
Flippa is an online marketplace specifically designed for buying and selling digital assets, including websites, domains, apps, and online businesses. It was launched in 2009 by Mark Harbottle and Matt Mickiewicz, and at first, it focused on buying and selling only websites and domains.
Over the years, Flippa expanded its offerings to include a wider range of digital resources, and has grown to have over 3 million users worldwide who choose it because of its user-friendly interface, transparent transaction process, and active community engagement.
You can sell your online business by visiting Flippa and clicking on “start selling.” Then, choose your business type and fill in all the information requirements they present. You want to be as specific as possible because this will help you get in front of the right eye. Some of the details you need to share include which monetization methods you used and your current financial data.
Flippa Features
For buyers, Flippa provides good search and discovery functionalities, which makes it easier for them to locate digital assets. They can filter results based on specific criteria like niche, revenue, traffic, and price range.
For sellers, Fllippa offers tools to understand how much your website or business value is and how you can find the best buyer for it. You will have access to a free valuation tool that will give you an idea of how much you can expect to get from your website.
Flippa also offers a range of listing options that incorporate detailed descriptions, financial data, traffic statistics, and other important information you can add to catch your ideal audience. If you are selling an e-commerce store, you can easily integrate your Google ads information to export your data and show potential buyers how much traffic you are getting.
Once a deal is initiated, Flippa facilitates the transaction process by offering secure payment gateways and escrow services.
Additionally, Flippa has a vibrant community of buyers and sellers, offering support forums, educational resources, and networking opportunities. This space is a great option for sellers to get access to selling tips and also connect with platform experts they can learn from.
Flippa Pros
Valuation tool to help sellers understand how to price their website or business
User-friendly interface
Active community and support network
Flippa Cons
As it is a large platform, there can be a lot of competition
Transaction fees can increase depending on the size of the deal
Pricing
If you want to sell something on Flippa, you’ll pay a starting fee of $39. When your item sells, you’ll also pay a success fee. This fee is between 3% and 10% of the selling price, depending on how much it sells for. The higher the selling price, the lower the percentage fee.
Read our in-depth Flippa review.
The Website Flip Brokerage
Best for Personalized Guidance
Website Flip Brokerage was founded by Mushfiq S. in January 2021, and it was an initiative based on selling sites through a private newsletter. However, nowadays, this small initiative has grown into multiple services based on personalized guidance, and it has more than 61,000 users. Website Flip Brokerage is unique for its team of experts who are available to help clients through every step of buying or selling.
Website Flip Brokerage is a helpful tool for those who have never sold or bought a business before and want to get personalized help to make the most out of it. They’ve improved how they evaluate deals, looking at earnings, website traffic, and other important factors.
Website Flip Brokerage Features
Website Flip Brokerage offers a pretty simple selling process. All you have to do is submit your site for review and, once that’s done, the team will get back to you.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Website Flip Brokerage offers three different ways to sell your business, and they’ll save you some cash on fees. Firstly, they might buy your site themselves if they’re interested. They’ve also got a newsletter full of potential buyers who will receive your offer right in their inbox. Plus, they’ll put your site out there on social media so you can get in front of more buyers.
Website Flip Brokerage Pros
Personalized guidance from experienced professionals
Content distribution features that help sellers reach more buyers
It focuses on client satisfaction and success
Website Flip Brokerage Cons
Services may be more expensive compared to self-service platforms
Limited to a smaller client base due to a personalized approach
Pricing
According to their website, they have over 200 deals and can help you sell your content site or SaaS agency for just a 3% fee.
IndieMaker
Best for Small Sites
IndieMaker is an online marketplace platform that was launched in 2018 with the goal of providing resources and support for independent makers and creators. Its target audience includes individuals passionate about turning their ideas into tangible products or projects, ranging from software applications to physical goods.
Traditionally, breaking into industries such as tech or consumer goods required significant resources and connections. However, IndieMaker has helped level the playing field by offering accessible tools, knowledge-sharing communities, and networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
IndieMaker Features
IndieMaker emphasizes on transparency and collaboration. Members are encouraged to share their experiences, successes, and failures openly, fostering a learning culture and mutual support.
Indiemaker focuses on an affordable and straightforward solution by facilitating the buying and selling of small-scale businesses, particularly e-commerce ventures. The platform offers accessible tools and resources for business valuation and transaction management, supporting successful business exchanges within niche markets.
IndieMaker Pros
Affordable solutions tailored to small business owners and potential customers
User-friendly platform catering to niche business models and online business ideas
Simplified business valuation processes
IndieMaker Cons
Limited listings compared to larger online marketplaces
Reduced features and resources compared to premium platforms
Pricing
IndieMaker typically employs a fee structure comprising flat fees or a percentage of the sale price.
Investors Club
Best to Sell to Accredited Investors
Investors Club is a leading digital platform founded by entrepreneur Andrej, facilitating the buying and selling of online businesses. Customers commend the Investors Club’s supportive team, known for their patience and assistance throughout transactions. The platform has an excellent track record of successful deals.
Investors Club Features
Investor’s Club offers a curated marketplace with handpicked businesses that have been vetted by the team, together with a private deal flow for exclusive business opportunities. They are also well-known for providing strict reports based on transparent information about past performance and potential risks.
Additionally, Investors Club provides services like free site migration, a free website valuation estimation tool, free legal documentation, and a standard asset purchase agreement. The platform offers a free membership and a premium membership that includes instant access to listings, unlimited access to PDF due diligence reports, real-time data in an Ahrefs dashboard, seller interview questionnaires, downloadable P&L statements, priority support, and more.
Investors Club Pros
Tailored solutions for business owners targeting accredited investors
A curated selection of high-value business listings, particularly in e-commerce
Secure environment for successful business exchanges with accredited investors
Investors Club Cons
Access is limited to accredited investors, which reduces the pool of potential customers
Multiple criteria to be satisfied by business owners to list their businesses on Investors Club
Pricing
Their fees are one of the lowest in the market (7% commission on each transaction)
Motion Invest
Best to Buy or Sell Content Sites
Motion Invest was created by Spencer Haws back in 2020, and it focuses on people who want to sell and buy content sites. A website can be listed for sale on the Motion Invest marketplace if it is a legit content site that’s making at least 20 dollars per month.
Motion Invest testimonials mention that sellers sold their sites in less than 48 hours, which makes it a great option if you are looking for short-term results.
Motion Invest Features
One of Motion Invest’s attractive features for sellers is the $1,000 non-refundable payment to be made by buyers to lock a site for purchase. This payment is deducted from the final sale price, and it can be a good way to make sure potential buyers don’t back off at the last minute.
Unlike some other platforms, Motion Invest doesn’t charge brokerage fees. This means a straightforward transaction process for both buyers and sellers, with no unexpected costs eating into your profits.
Another key benefit is their extensive due diligence process. Before listing a site, Motion Invest conducts thorough checks to reduce risks for both buyers and sellers. This reassures buyers and helps sellers secure better deals.
Sellers receive full support throughout the process. From a free valuation tool to transferring the domain to the new buyer, Motion Invest ensures everything runs smoothly. Plus, sellers receive their funds promptly after the sale, minimizing any waiting time.
To top it off, Motion Invest provides a user-friendly interface for sellers to list their sites.
Motion Invest Pros
Specialized focus on content-based websites appealing to potential customers
Free 8-step valuation tool
A dedicated support team providing assistance to buyers and sellers
Motion Invest Cons
Limited to content sites, excluding other business models
A smaller pool of listings compared to broader online marketplaces
Pricing
Motion Invest charges a fee when a website sells. The fee changes depending on how much the website sells for:
- If it sells for less than $20,000, the fee is 20%.
- If it sells for $20,000 to $50,000, the fee is 15%.
- If it sells for $50,000 to $100,000, the fee is 10%.
- If it sells for $100,000 to $500,000, the fee is 7%.
- If it sells for over $500,000, the fee is 5%.
Empire Flippers
Best to Buy or Sell Vetted, Established Business
Established in 2011, Empire Flippers has earned its reputation by focusing on building a space for vetted businesses and serious buyers. Empire Flippers offer sellers a high-profit margin for their businesses by taking the average of the last 6 to 12 months of net profit and then multiplying that by a multiple ranging from 20X to 60X+.
Empire Flippers Features
Empire Flippers checks out every business before putting it up for sale, meaning that all their listings go through a pretty strict vetting process. To ensure the privacy of sellers, they implement a fee for buyers who want to check out your site in detail. This way, your details are visible to a limited number of people who are genuinely interested in your offer, rather than anyone who finds you.
You also get business valuation, marketing, and negotiation assistance to make sure you find the best buyer for your site. Buyers can make offers on websites they like, and Empire Flippers helps with negotiating.
Empire Flippers recommend keeping all messages and payments on their site to stay safe. They work with all kinds of buyers, whether they’re new or experienced, as long as they have enough money.
Empire Flippers Pros
Focus on established businesses with proven track records
A rigorous vetting process
Good customer support for both sellers and buyers
Empire Flippers Cons
Higher barrier to entry
Transaction fees may be higher compared to other platforms
Pricing
Empire Flippers have a commission-based pricing method that follows the below rules.
- Under $700,000: Flat 15% commission on the sale price.
- 8% commission on the amount between $700,000 and $5M.
- 2.5% commission on the amount above $5M.
They also offer a commission calculator if you want more specific values.
FE International
Best for High-Value Deals
FE International specializes in facilitating high-value deals for various online business models, including e-commerce and SaaS companies. This platform is a globally acclaimed M&A advisor specializing in technology businesses, and it has a track record of over 1,500 successful transactions and $50b of acquisitions on their portfolio.
FE International Features
FE International has experts who can accurately value the seller’s business. These professionals know the market well, giving sellers realistic expectations and helping them plan their sales strategy. Sellers also get personalized advice and support throughout the selling process. Advisors guide them from getting ready to sell to completing the sale smoothly.
FE International has connections with buyers worldwide, increasing the chances of finding the right buyer who values the business properly. They ensure the seller’s information stays confidential until they decide to share it with serious buyers. The platform also uses effective marketing techniques to showcase businesses to potential buyers, which helps sellers find a good deal faster.
FE International Pros
Expertise in handling high-value transactions across different business models
Comprehensive brokerage services covering all aspects of the transaction process
Experienced team providing support and guidance throughout the deal
FE International Cons
Higher service costs associated with handling high-value deals
Limited accessibility to smaller-scale business owners due to focus on high-value transactions
Pricing
There’s no clear information on pricing displayed on their website, so the best way to get an accurate idea of this is to contact them and go through the free valuation.
Trustiu
Best for Transparency in Sales Process
Trustiu is an online business sale marketplace launched in 2018 by a team dedicated to transparency in digital property transactions. Acting as a middleman, Trustiu ensures fairness for both buyers and sellers by thoroughly vetting properties before listing them on the marketplace. Their expert team evaluates properties in detail, helping buyers make informed decisions and ensuring sellers get fair prices for their assets.
Trustiu’s commitment to transparency and security aims to empower entrepreneurs and online businesses to engage confidently in digital transactions, creating a trustworthy environment for all.
Trustiu Features
Trustiu sets itself apart by focusing on providing transparency throughout the sales process for both buyers and sellers. With a focus on e-commerce and other successful business models, it ensures clear communication, detailed documentation, and honest representation of listings. The platform’s commitment to transparency builds trust among participants, facilitating successful transactions within the online marketplace.
Trustiu Pros
Clear communication and documentation for buyers and sellers
Honest representation of listings, fostering trust among participants
Facilitation of successful transactions through transparent practices
Trustiu Cons
Limited focus on niche markets or specialized business models
Smaller pool of listings compared to broader platforms
Pricing
Their commission will vary, but it goes between 8% and 10% per transaction.
BizBroker24
Best for Variety of Business
BizBroker24 was launched back in 2006 by a team of business experts. With a track record of over $100 million in closed transactions, BizBroker24 has established itself as a trusted platform for buying and selling a variety of websites and internet businesses across various industries.
BizBroker24 has a network of 15,000 pre-qualified international buyers and investors, strategically positioning businesses for maximum value.
Bizbroker24 Features
From e-commerce ventures to niche-focused businesses, BizBroker24 provides a platform for buyers and sellers from various industries. So this can be a suitable option for you if your website or business can be used for different niches or if you plan to sell various sites on different occasions.
Another great aspect of BizBroker24 is that they partner with business brokers to make these transactions easy and secure. BizBroker24 also teams up with Escrow.com, a trusted payments platform, to keep things secure when buying and selling internet businesses. This partnership helps protect both buyers and sellers from risks like chargebacks.
BizBroker24 Pros
A variety of businesses and websites for different industries, including e-commerce and content sites
Comprehensive platform offering support for buyers and sellers
Extensive network and experienced team facilitating successful transactions
BizBroker24 Cons
Higher competition due to their low entry barrier
Limited focus on specialized niches or industries
Pricing
BizBroker24 doesn’t have upfront fees, but there aren’t many details on pricing available on their website. You should contact their team for a clearer pricing guide.
Quiet Light
Best for Free Initial Valuation
Quiet Light is a brokerage firm that specializes in helping people sell their online businesses. It was founded by Joe Valley and Mark Daoust, and their main goal is to provide reliable guidance and fair prices to those looking to sell their ventures.
Quiet Light has a commitment to educating their clients. They offer a variety of resources like podcasts, articles, and videos, aimed at teaching people about the ins and outs of buying and selling online businesses.
Quiet Light Features
Quiet Light offers a low-pressure environment which is unique in this industry. Their goal is to give you a consultation experience where you feel relaxed and informed. In this no-obligation chat with one of their advisors, you’ll get a clear picture of your business’s value and how ready it is for the market. They want you to feel empowered to make the right decisions for your next steps.
Quiet Light’s valuations of your business aren’t just based on numbers. They dig deep into what makes your business special. That means looking at things like the systems you’ve developed, how you keep your customers happy, and how you bring new team members on board. It’s a thorough approach that ensures they give you a valuation that truly reflects what your business is worth.
Quiet Light Pros
Free initial valuation service providing insights into business worth
Specialization in successful business models such as e-commerce
Comprehensive assessments to help with the decision-making processes
Quiet Light Cons
Their free help is limited to the initial valuation services, so you need to pay additional fees for full brokerage services
A narrow focus on specific business models may exclude other opportunities
Pricing
Quiet Light offers a free initial valuation service, with additional fees applicable for full brokerage services based on each sale.
Website Closers
Best for Broker-Assisted Deals
Website Closers was launched back in 2013 by Jason Guerrettaz and Ron Matherson and it focuses on broker-assisted deals to help you find the most attractive opportunities and guide you through the process. Website Closers focus on the sale of businesses in the technology, internet, and the digital space.
Website Closers Features
Website Closers specializes in broker-assisted deals, providing expert guidance and support throughout the buying or selling process. With a focus on e-commerce and other successful digital business models, it offers personalized assistance to potential customers and business owners.
By joining the email list, prospective buyers gain access to exclusive updates on new listings, with Website Closers launching 1–2 businesses for sale every business day of the year. Their blog has plenty of helpful guides for anyone who is looking to sell their website.
Website Closers Pros
- Expert guidance and support for broker-assisted deals
- Helpful educational content for buyers and sellers
- Focus on successful business models such as e-commerce
Website Closers Cons
- Higher service costs associated with broker-assisted deals
- Limited accessibility to smaller-scale business owners
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Website Closers typically charge fees based on the level of assistance required for broker-assisted deals. You should contact their team so they can share specific pricing based on the type of assistance you are looking for.
Latona’s
Best to Buy or Sell E-Commerce Business
Launched back in 2008 by Rick Latona, this site focuses specifically on “cash flow positive digital assets”, which means they only accept profitable sites that meet two requirements:
- They have annual profits of at least $20,000 up to $100,000,000
- They have been established with positive trading for at least one year
With a special focus on e-commerce but also adding SaaS and content sites to their network, Latona’s offers a clear breakdown of what makes a website valuable and helps sellers understand how much they can earn from their assets.
Latona’s Features
With a focus on successful business models, it offers a curated selection of high-quality listings and professional support services. The platform’s experienced team ensures successful transactions and optimal outcomes for buyers and sellers alike. On the other hand, buyers can browse through the listings to find e-commerce businesses that align with their interests, investment criteria, and expertise.
If you are looking at your e-commerce website and thinking “What can I even charge for this?” they have a free consultation to help you answer this question.
Latona Pros
Specialization in e-commerce business transactions
Free Consultation
As they focus on successful, profitable businesses, there is less competition
Latona Cons
You have to meet their requirements to be part of their network
Smaller players may find it difficult to get listed on the platform
Pricing
Latona’s charges sellers 15% of the final sale.
Niche Investor
Best for Niche-Focused Business
Niche Investor was launched back in 2018 by a group of seasoned entrepreneurs with a clear vision to democratize online business ownership. Since then, it has facilitated the buying and selling of over 500 websites, from established ones making money to new starter sites.
Niche Investor claims to have an average sales multiple of 36x and made over $4 million in sales volume, which makes it a good option if you are looking for favorable numbers and a multi-niche approach rather than a nicheless one.
Niche Investor Features
If you are a seller, you can easily start on Niche Investor by using its free valuation tool to get an idea of how profitable your business or website is. When it comes to selling, they use a safe Escrow payment system to make sure everything goes smoothly. Additionally, you have the option to accommodate buyers who prefer installment payments by offering flexible payment plans.
Niche Investor fosters transparent communication between buyers and sellers, facilitating direct interaction. This includes the opportunity for buyers to engage in calls with listing agents and even participate in group calls with site owners, allowing for detailed discussions and inquiries regarding potential acquisitions.
Niche Investor Pros
Different listing options including by niche, asking price, monetization, and earning
Extensive support and expertise in niche-focused ventures
Niche Investor Cons
Limited focus on broader markets or industries
A smaller pool of listings compared to platforms with a broader focus
Pricing
If you choose to list your site on their marketplace, Niche Investor will charge $25 listing fee, and a 5-20% success fee that you will pay after the sale. However, if you sell directly to them, there are no fees involved.
Side Projectors
Best to Buy or Sell Side Hustles
Side Projectors was founded by a passionate community of individuals, and has its roots in a local hackathon back in 2013. Since then, it has evolved into a pretty big ecosystem where like-minded individuals come together to explore opportunities, collaborate, and showcase their side hustle projects.
Beyond its transactional aspects, Side Projectors also offers a culture of feedback and discussion. Users can showcase their projects to receive valuable insights, engage in discussions with peers, and iterate on their creations.
Side Projectors Features
Side Projectors offers a convenient platform to list, sell, and buy side projects. It simplifies the process by offering a lump price system for project valuation, making transactions transparent and easy to understand.
SideProjectors lets you showcase your project for feedback, find co-founders, or explore diverse project categories like online businesses or developer projects. SideProjects offers active feedback channels and discussion forums that help the platform evolve, ensuring it remains a valuable resource for side project enthusiasts.
Side Projectors Pros
Specialization in side hustles, appealing to individuals seeking additional income streams
User-friendly interface, facilitating easy browsing and listing of side projects
Side Projectors Cons
Limited focus on full-scale businesses or larger ventures
A smaller pool of listings compared to platforms with broader focuses
Pricing
Side Projectors offers a monthly subscription of 3% for anyone who wants ongoing engagement in the community, but other pricing options should be discussed with their team.
With that, we come to the end of the list of the online marketplaces for business sale/purchase. Here’s a quick comparison table of the platforms discussed.
Company | Pricing | Commission Percentage | Vetting Process | Buyer/Seller Focused |
---|---|---|---|---|
Flippa | Starting at $39 | 3% and 10% of sale price | Moderate | Both |
The Website Flip | Variable | 10-15% | Moderate | Seller |
IndieMaker | Variable | 10-15% | Moderate | Both |
Investors Club | Variable | 10-15% | Rigorous | Buyer |
Motion Invest | Variable | 15% | Moderate | Seller |
MicroAcquire | Free | 0% | Moderate | Seller |
Empire Flippers | Variable | 15-20% | Rigorous | Both |
FE International | Variable | 12-15% | Rigorous | Both |
Trustiu | Variable | 10-15% | Moderate | Both |
BizBroker24 | Variable | 10-15% | Moderate | Both |
Quiet Light | Variable | 10-12% | Rigorous | Seller |
Website Closers | Variable | 10-12% | Rigorous | Both |
Latona’s | Variable | 10-15% | Moderate | Both |
Niche Investor | $25 listing fee | 5-20% after sale | Moderate | Both |
Side Projectors | Variable | 10-15% | Moderate | Both |
Decide whether you need a good free valuation tool or personalized guidance, and go for the platform that prioritizes that. Also, if you go for one of the premium, high-vetting options, make sure that you meet all the requirements they list. If you don’t, you can work on the requirements and get back to the platform once you have achieved them.
Once you have decided which platform you will choose, make sure to check their customer reviews and do some research on popular sites to see what people say about their work. You want to know how the real results reflect their promises, and go into it with a clear expectation of what you will be dealing with.
FAQs
Yes. If you have an established business with clear numbers, you can sell it. All you need to do is find the online business marketplace that better fits your needs and requirements.
You may sell your online business when the market is going well and also when you have decided you no longer want to focus on it. It is more profitable to sell an online business that is performing well rather than let it sit there until numbers go down.