Looking Beyond Flippa: Top Marketplaces to Buy and Sell Online Businesses (and Some Unexpected Gems)
You want to buy or sell an online business? Flippa is a popular choice. It serves digital entrepreneurs. Flippa started in 2009. It connects sellers and buyers of websites, SaaS startups, and e-commerce stores. They have facilitated over 300,000 sales and have 3 million users.
However, not everyone prefers Flippa. You may be put off by the fees. Or maybe you seek a different marketplace vibe. You are in luck! The internet offers many platforms. Many alternatives exist to explore. Let’s look at some solid Flippa alternatives, plus some unexpected options.
Flippa: A Quick Rundown
Before discussing alternatives, let’s recap what Flippa offers. It acts as a marketplace for digital assets. Sellers list their blogs, SaaS startups, and social media accounts. You can find a wide range of digital businesses. They cater to startups, agencies, content sites, and e-commerce stores.
Blake Hutchison leads Flippa, which operates from Melbourne, Australia, and Austin, Texas. They manage financial transactions through FlippaPay, a tool powered by AscendantFX and Trolley. This method is designed to safeguard digital funds effectively.
Is Flippa trustworthy? Generally, yes. Users have sold over $1 billion in digital assets. With 1.3 million visitors each month, it maintains significant traffic. However, you should still exercise caution. In the past, some sellers made unverified claims, leading to a lack of confidence. It is wise to research thoroughly.
Regarding fees, Flippa ranges from $29 for entry packages. Success fees vary from 3% to 10%. If you need legal templates or private listings, these cost $199 each. Keep these fees in mind when planning your digital business budget.
Empire Flippers: The Curated, White-Glove Alternative
Next up is Empire Flippers. This marketplace strives for high-quality listings. They offer a more personalized experience than Flippa. Their aim is to provide supportive service throughout the transaction process. They operate like an online business boutique.
They’ve made over $480 million in sales. Empire Flippers has established a strong reputation. Buyers and sellers seeking premium service often prefer them. If you want personalized support and do not mind higher fees, this may suit you.
eBay: The Old Faithful Giant
eBay is an iconic online marketplace. While many use it for decluttering, it also serves for selling business assets. eBay offers extensive global reach for listings. You can attract various potential buyers online using eBay’s platform.
Though eBay’s fees can be high, they offer massive visibility. This platform is versatile too. It suits selling used goods and also smaller established websites and online businesses. Think of it as a reliable option for reaching a vast audience.
Facebook Marketplace: The Local and Social Option
Facebook Marketplace is where many local transactions happen. This platform can help you sell or buy online businesses. It benefits from high visibility since many use Facebook daily.
Best of all? Listing on Facebook Marketplace often incurs no selling fees. That makes it budget-friendly for sellers. Though it targets local markets, caution is essential on open platforms. Still, if you target local audiences, it is worth considering.
Craigslist: The Bare-Bones Classic
Next is Craigslist. It may lack a modern design but remains functional. Millions still use Craigslist monthly. Think of it as an online community notice board. It does what it intends without flashiness.
Like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist usually avoids fees for listings. This makes it an economical option for ads and services, including website sales. However, exercise caution due to potential scams that can arise.
Motion Invest: Content Site Specialists
For those focused on content-driven websites, there’s Motion Invest. This marketplace specializes in content transactions. It supports buyers and sellers of blogs and niche sites efficiently.
Beyond Marketplaces: Thinking Outside the Box (Office Space?)
Now for something different: consider co-working spaces. Names like Regus, WeWork, and Impact Hub appeared on some lists as alternatives to Flippa. They mainly cater to physical office needs, not solely online businesses.
However, they reflect another aspect of business exchanges. These spaces facilitate networking and provide resources for modern entrepreneurs. Though not a direct alternative for online assets, they showcase diverse marketplaces.
Quick Tips for Online Business Transactions (Wherever You Sell)
No matter which platform you choose to buy or sell, keep some principles in mind:
- Check Website Legitimacy: Use tools like Norton Safe Web or VirusTotal to ensure safety before buying.
- Grammar Police: Errors can indicate potential fraud; examine listings closely.
- Domain Deep Dive: Verify domain registration; know who owns it.
- Contact and Privacy, Please: Legitimate sites need clear contact info and privacy policies.
- Social Media Snooping: Check for active social media accounts; signs of neglect might arouse suspicion.
Fees, Payments, and Other Practicalities
Now let’s discuss money matters. We covered Flippa’s fees already; consider eBay’s fee structure also. Remember to read the fine print! Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace usually shine with low costs but might offer less security.
Regarding payment methods, FlippaPay seems robust for transactions. Other platforms may use PayPal, Escrow.com, or bank transfers directly. Escrow services offer extra security for larger transactions but may levy their own fees around 5.2% for $100 transactions.
minimum for smaller deals). Escrow.com is BBB accredited. Good to know.
Quirky fact – apps like Cash App, PayPal, and Venmo allow money transfers using credit cards. This could help if you manage business funds.
Search Beyond Google (Seriously)
When discussing alternatives, let’s mention other search engines. If privacy is a concern, check DuckDuckGo, Startpage, and Brave Search. They provide better privacy than Google. Just a useful digital tip.
Traffic Talk: Where Are the Eyeballs?
For context, the internet traffic leaders are Google, YouTube, and Facebook. Google gathers a massive 139.9 billion visits monthly. YouTube gets 77.9 billion, while Facebook has 12.6 billion. This illustrates the scale of these platforms and where online users spend their time. Insightful for buying or selling businesses.
Final Word: Your Marketplace, Your Choice
There you have it – a broader view beyond Flippa. Whether you prefer Empire Flippers, eBay’s reach, Facebook Marketplace’s locality, the simplicity of Craigslist, or the expertise of Motion Invest, find the platform that meets your needs. Research thoroughly, remain alert, and happy trading in the digital space!
