Top 7 Platforms to Buy and Sell Online Businesses in 2025

Selecting the right websites to purchase an online business is crucial for your success. It involves exploring a company’s background and confirming the credibility of the seller. The top online business platforms can help you achieve your objectives effectively. This guide provides a detailed review and ranking of the seven best places to buy and sell online businesses, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Looking for the top choice to buy or sell an online business? I highly recommend Flippa.

Business operations are increasingly shifting online with remarkable speed. During 2020, the growth of eCommerce was accelerated by 4 to 6 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For entrepreneurs without existing credit, startup business credit cards can be a helpful tool to get started. While some prefer starting from scratch, purchasing an established company can be an effective way to leap into the online business world.

This comprehensive guide to buying and selling online businesses will cover:

Let’s begin.

Here are my top recommendations for trusted websites where you can buy, sell, and explore online businesses.

The premier platform for small online business transactions.

Flippa is a platform for buying and selling small online businesses, from startups to established ventures. Its extensive marketplace covers websites, apps, domains, and other digital assets. It is especially well-suited for those seeking affordable, smaller-scale online businesses.Buying and selling online businesses, websites, domains, or apps is easier than ever with popular marketplaces that help connect buyers and sellers. These platforms offer detailed information about available online businesses, including website traffic, financial data, demographics, and marketing channels, enabling buyers to make informed decisions.

For added confidence, buyers can purchase comprehensive Due Diligence Reports. These reports include in-depth analyses such as seller background, financial health, traffic sources, sales strategies, operational details, legal considerations, industry competition, pricing, and risk assessments. You can view an example of a Due Diligence Report here: Due Diligence Report. Additionally, first-time buyers can utilise the Flippa Finder service—a personalized concierge offering expert tips and guidance for just $50.

Sellers also benefit from these platforms, which allow them to list their businesses with all relevant information. If you’re selling a blog or eCommerce site, you can integrate your Google Analytics data to showcase real traffic and key metrics. Listings can be set up as auctions, which typically last 30 days, or classified ads with no time limit. To streamline sales, Flippa also offers a Website Broker service, where a professional takes over the listing process to highlight your business effectively and potentially increase the selling price.

Key features include financing options through partnerships with Guidant Financial, offering SBA and 401(k) business loans for amounts starting at $50,000 with a minimum credit score of 690. The platform provides secure transactions via Escrow.com, which safeguards both buyers and sellers by holding funds until the buyer confidently reviews and approves the purchase. Flippa also offers a free online business valuation tool to help owners gauge their business’s worth and identify ways to enhance its marketability. The platform segments businesses into various categories, such as apps, ecommerce, dropshipping, SaaS, and content, allowing for targeted searches based on specific criteria, including age and price range. Moreover, Flippa provides pre-built website templates to help entrepreneurs kickstart their online ventures quickly.

Some advantages of using Flippa include the ability to sponsor listings for greater visibility, verification of buyers and sellers through official IDs, secure payment handling via Escrow, and the opportunity to sell stores like Amazon FBA retail businesses. The success fees vary based on the final sale price, ranging from up to $99 plus a 10% success fee for sales under $10,000, to a maximum of $499 plus a 5% success fee for sales exceeding $100,000. To get started, visit Flippa.

Another prominent marketplace is Shopify Exchange, ideal for purchasing or selling businesses built on the Shopify platform. This marketplace caters specifically to ecommerce storefronts, offering a range of online shops ready for transfer.

Shopify Exchange is a platform where you can buy or sell ecommerce businesses built on Shopify. The site categorizes listings based on industry, location, business type, sales channels, and additional filters. You can also filter to see only established businesses. First-time visitors will notice a clean display of online businesses, allowing quick evaluation of key metrics like average revenue, monthly profit, and inventory value for ecommerce stores, all visible without needing to click into individual listings.

You can create listings for your Shopify store either publicly or privately, depending on your preference. Shopify Exchange also emphasizes secure transactions, offering features like anonymous messaging and escrow money transfers to protect both buyers and sellers.

Key features include a wide selection of starter stores under $100, ideal for newcomers looking to jumpstart their online business. Shopify guarantees safe transactions through partnerships with Escrow.com, ensuring secure money transfers. The marketplace offers a curated list of businesses handpicked by staff to help buyers find suitable opportunities, along with an auction feature to bid on businesses of interest. Additionally, market intelligence tools provide pricing and market insights to support informed buying and selling decisions.

Advantages of using Shopify Exchange include free guides that explain trading procedures, access to detailed analytics like site traffic, demographics, profit margins, and more. The platform performs thorough business evaluations to ensure accuracy in the analytics provided, and sellers can choose private listings to keep their business identity confidential until a sale is finalized. A free valuation tool is also available to assist sellers in pricing their businesses correctly.

Pricing on Shopify Exchange is based on a service fee calculated from your business’s sales price, which includes fees for escrow and marketplace services.

Another prominent option is Empire Flippers, which specializes in a more personalized buying and selling experience.

Empire Flippers serves as a platform where you can buy or sell online businesses. It streamlines the transaction process by personally vetting both buyers and sellers to reduce complications and ensure trust.

The listings on its homepage display key details such as revenue sources, niche markets, monthly profits, and the asking prices.

The platform provides buyers with numerous advantages: they only deal with verified, legitimate businesses, thanks to Empire Flippers’ rigorous vetting process. It supplies comprehensive data, including URLs, analytics, and profit and loss statements, enabling buyers to make informed, data-driven decisions. Additionally, after purchasing, their team assists with the smooth migration of the business. For sellers, Empire Flippers promotes their listings extensively to a broad audience of potential investors, increasing the chances of finding a suitable buyer. It also supports negotiations to structure deals that work well for both parties.

Key features include the ability to search for businesses based on different monetization strategies like affiliate marketing, advertising, dropshipping, or e-commerce. The platform requires only a 5% refundable deposit upfront, giving buyers access to detailed business data before completing the purchase. They also offer a wide selection of podcasts from industry leaders and experts to guide buyers in making smart choices. Customer support is readily available to answer questions and assist with setup, while investment opportunities allow users to diversify their portfolios for better returns.

The platform’s advantages include the ability to transfer ownership on behalf of sellers, a free valuation tool to assess a business’s worth, and dedicated support teams to facilitate the buying or selling process. Representatives often set up conference calls between buyers and sellers to ensure transparent and effective communication. There is also a provision to renegotiate deals if the business earns less than expected, and new listings are posted weekly to keep options fresh.

In terms of costs, Empire Flippers does not charge a fee for listing a business. Instead, it earns a commission only if the sale is successful, with rates varying based on the sale price: 15% for sales under $700,000, 8% for sales between $700,000 and $5 million, and 2.5% for sales exceeding $5 million.

A different platform, FE International, is highly recommended for those interested in acquiring larger-scale online enterprises.

FE International connects investors with online business sellers by offering expert advisory services. This platform grants straightforward access to a network of verified, eager investors looking to purchase established online businesses.

Additionally, users can browse current listings with essential details such as annual revenue, net profit, and asking price, making it easier to find suitable options. The platform also updates listings marked as “under offer,” helping users avoid investing time in businesses that are likely to be sold soon.

FE International further simplifies the buying process by providing summarized benefits of each business opportunity in clear bullet points. To help sellers determine their business’s worth, they offer a valuation service.

Key features include a vast international network of over 50,000 pre-qualified investors, professional brokerage services that prepare detailed business prospectuses, private listing options to protect sensitive information, tailored marketing strategies to attract buyers, and comprehensive sales support—including negotiation, closing assistance, and post-sale help.

Advantages of working with FE International include expert guidance during transactions, business valuation services, access to global buyers without legal or compliance concerns, discreet handling of sales, and offices located in major global financial hubs such as New York, San Francisco, Hong Kong, and London.

The platform charges a 2.5% fee on the final sale price, with no upfront listing costs. For valuation services, interested users must contact FE International for a quote.

SideProjectors is a specialized marketplace ideal for buying and selling undeveloped or semi-developed projects. It features a wide selection of side projects, including SaaS, eCommerce sites, blogs, website themes, mobile applications, domain names, and browser extensions. Buyers can filter options based on project type, status, price, submission date, and target market.

When viewing a listing, detailed information is available, including a project summary, development process, items included, reasons for selling, and potential future opportunities. SideProjectors facilitates transactions for both completed and incomplete projects, enabling creators to recover some of their investments.Key Features:

SideProjectors does not charge commissions on sales or listings because it functions solely as a connecting platform, not a payment processor.

Ideal for buying or selling large-scale tech companies.

Digital Exits is a platform designed to facilitate the sale of online businesses with annual profits between $250,000 and $5 million. It specializes in tech companies and offers assistance from a team of advisors to maximize your business’s value. Features include assistance in crafting effective marketing plans, creating compelling executive summaries, and managing the sale process from start to finish, including eventual business migration. Digital Exits is backed by a network of high-capacity buyers, with a collective purchasing power of over $668 million, making potential buyers just a click away.

Contact the platform directly to obtain detailed pricing information.

Best suited for selling profitable online businesses.

Latona’s specializes in connecting buyers and sellers of high-value companies through mergers and acquisitions brokerage services. They provide an extensive list of opportunities ranging from online boutiques, Amazon stores, to media and lifestyle platforms. Notably, Latona’s does not charge any fees to buyers, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest. The platform also features advanced filtering tools that allow users to search for businesses with potential SBA loan options or within specific budget ranges, such as listings under $300,000. Additionally, each transaction is handled with dedicated brokers to ensure smooth buying or selling processes.

When purchasing a website directly from an individual, it’s important to ask for proof of their earnings and traffic claims. Relying solely on their word can be risky, so consulting industry experts can help you verify figures and provide guidance on boosting visibility, increasing traffic, and creating passive income streams. Once you’ve agreed on a deal, it’s wise to formalize the arrangement with a legal contract rather than relying on personal agreements or verbal promises.

Understanding your website’s value is the first step if you’re planning to sell. Consider factors such as the cost of content creation, annual revenue, traffic statistics, and website design. Many online marketplaces provide automated valuation tools to help determine your site’s worth. For example, Flippa offers a valuation tool that analyzes these metrics and provides an estimated value. Once you decide to sell, list your website in the ‘For Sale’ section on reputable marketplaces or seek references from industry contacts. Always remember that having a written agreement is crucial when closing any business transaction and should be prioritized over verbal promises.

Statistics indicate that by 2040, nearly all purchases—around 95%—will be made through ecommerce stores, and this sector is growing annually at about 23%. Buying or selling an ecommerce website can be quite profitable under the right circumstances. When buying, focus on the actual state of the business rather than potential. Key metrics to assess include annual revenue, operational costs, brand recognition, cost of goods sold, and gross profit margin. Understanding why the business is for sale and whether there’s room for revenue growth is also essential. Investigate the platform used, supply chain partnerships like drop-shipping providers and order fulfillment services, and the customer base to gauge the site’s profitability. For example, a site generating $4,000 daily in organic sales is promising, but if most revenue depends on paid ads, you need to evaluate whether that’s sustainable and worth the investment. Analyzing bank statements and profit and loss reports helps confirm the business’s health. Valuation methods like the earnings multiple, where you divide the sale price by the annual net income, can help you decide on a fair price based on how many years it will take to recoup your investment. Doing thorough research and consulting experts can protect you from fraud and bad deals. When selling, enhancing the website by improving its design and expanding sales channels can significantly increase its value and attract better offers.

When selling ecommerce websites, recommendations from peers can significantly help. Leverage your business contacts to spread the word and generate interest. However, avoid relying solely on word of mouth; always formalize the sale with legal contracts, preferably with the assistance of an attorney.

Valuing SaaS companies differs from traditional internet businesses because they are entirely cloud-based and operate on subscription models. These businesses are often highly profitable due to their scalability and broad applicability across different sectors, making them easy to buy and sell online.

When acquiring a SaaS business, you typically have two main options: a private purchase or through a vendor. Multiple factors influence your decision beyond just the method of purchase.

Key considerations when buying a SaaS business include:

Selling a SaaS business can be highly profitable, especially if you understand your potential buyers. Typical buyers include individuals, private investment portfolios, micro funds or syndicates, private equity firms, and strategic industry players. These investors often target deals ranging from $100K to $15 million.

After identifying potential buyer types, evaluate your SaaS business carefully. Most valuation methods revolve around EBITDA or Seller Discretionary Earnings (SDE). Typically, SaaS valuations start with SDE but may shift to revenue-based metrics after reaching certain thresholds. Since revenue is a key indicator, it’s critical to include it in your assessment. Always consult legal professionals before finalizing any sale, as SaaS businesses can be valued in the millions of dollars.

Apps like Facebook, which is just 16 years old, have amassed staggering valuations—Facebook’s net worth is approximately 530 billion dollars. The app market is bustling, with countless options for nearly every need. Mobile app downloads have surged by 45% in recent years, making app investments very attractive.

Purchasing an app makes sense if you see its potential to strengthen your position in a competitive market. Begin by defining the industry segment and service type you’re interested in. Once identified, look for suitable apps either through your network or on online marketplaces. When evaluating an app, consider its user interface and overall friendliness, but don’t rely solely on appearances.

Focus on key metrics such as whether the app is free or paid, current download volume, monthly user traffic, typical user age groups, user reviews, and monetization methods. These factors provide a comprehensive view of the app’s value and growth potential beyond initial impressions.

Understand your own business and identify factors that can support your objectives. Also, assess areas where improvements are possible.

Try to determine why the app owner wants to sell. Investigate issues related to the source code, its current functionality, and ownership rights. Gaining an industry perspective on the app’s competitors and market valuation can also be valuable, especially since many apps are available and overpricing is common. For instance, an app listed on ‘Apptopia’ might average around $7,500, so if you’re asked for $15,000 for a similar app, you should question the price.

selling

Developers who lack interest in the business aspects often put their apps up for sale. If you’re one, start by announcing it to your network of contacts. Building an online presence via social media can significantly improve your reach to potential buyers. Be sure to promote your sale intentions actively.

Pricing an app for sale can be challenging. The price depends on several key factors: whether you built the app yourself or hired a developer, your annual revenue including subscriptions, user base size, and average download numbers per year. Be cautious not to overprice, considering the competitive landscape with numerous apps in every niche. Adopting industry-standard pricing and being responsive to buyer queries will help you sell more effectively. Prompt, polite communication with potential buyers is essential, especially amid fierce competition.

domain names

As more businesses establish an online presence, unique and attractive domain names have become highly valuable. In the first quarter of 2020, there were roughly 367 million domain registrations worldwide, highlighting the significance of owning a memorable web address. Buying or selling quality domain names can thus be a profitable venture.

buying

When choosing a domain name, aim for something engaging that clearly reflects your business. The domain should be relevant and, ideally, memorable—avoiding overly abstract names unless they become iconic, like ‘Google.’ Before purchasing, verify that the domain isn’t already owned or infringing on trademarks by using tools like the Hostinger Domain Checker.

Finding available domain names that match your focus is straightforward online. The process is quick and usually completed through email: after selecting your domain, you’ll receive purchase details, receipts, and an activation link. You just log in, verify your account, and start using the domain immediately.

selling

To sell a domain, begin by accurately valuing it. Simply owning a business for some time doesn’t automatically mean the domain is worth a premium. Research comparable sales on platforms like Flippa to gauge the market value. Review listings to see what similar domains are selling for and price yours accordingly.

When offering your domain for sale, use industry contacts and online marketplaces. Emphasize your other business interests and the domain’s advantages to make it more attractive. Make your contact information publicly accessible, such as through the WHOIS directory, to facilitate buyer inquiries. Staying responsive and transparent will help you secure a good sale.

Not everyone prefers to build an online business from the ground up. Purchasing an existing business offers several advantages, especially if it has a solid track record of earning revenue and generating cash flow immediately. When evaluating a potential purchase, focus on key factors to ensure you’re making a wise investment.

A crucial indicator of a business’s health is its monthly traffic. It’s equally important to assess the diversity of this traffic. Look for a balanced mix of sources such as organic search, paid advertising, direct visits, social media engagement, and referrals. Using tools like Google Analytics can help you analyze how visitors arrive at the site. Additionally, examine whether the site has high-quality backlinks, which add value and credibility. Tools like Ahrefs and Open Site Explorer are useful to evaluate backlink profiles and overall site authority.

Avoid businesses with declining or stagnant revenues unless you have considerable experience to turn things around. Preferably, select a business with a consistent growth pattern. Review financial data on a monthly basis to understand its trajectory and predict future performance.

Scrutinize expenses such as hosting fees, domain renewals, digital marketing costs, and SEO investments. Ensure the current owner invests wisely and expenses are reasonable. Be wary of hidden costs like payment processor fees, plugin or integration reimbursements, or any costs that seem suspiciously low or unmentioned. It’s generally unwise to purchase a business where expenses outweigh or closely match the income—such imbalance can threaten profitability.

Often, a business may appear at its maximum potential, but there are usually ways to add value. For example, the owner might not have utilized Conversion Rate Optimization services or marketing campaigns that you could implement. Exploring these avenues can help scale the business further. Nonetheless, steer clear of businesses showing negligible or no potential for growth.

Knowing the reason behind the sale is essential. If the explanations raise red flags—such as consistent unprofitability or declining traffic—it’s wise to look elsewhere. Understanding the owner’s motivations helps you assess whether existing issues can be managed or remedied.

Evaluating customer reviews and satisfaction levels offers valuable insight into the business’s reputation and stability. An established business with positive customer feedback generally presents a lower risk, especially if you prefer not to start from scratch. However, it’s crucial to verify these aspects to avoid investing in a potentially unprofitable operation.

Pricing an online business involves several important steps. Here’s a guideline for assessing its worth:

Identify the core model—whether it’s a full-service platform, product sales, lead generation, real estate, advertising, subscription services, or others. The valuation should align with your strategic goals and future plans.

Review financial statements such as balance sheets and profit & loss reports. Focus on metrics like annual revenue, gross and net profit margins, and cost of goods sold (COGS). These figures reveal the business’s financial strength and sustainability.

Different businesses require different valuation approaches. For example, an eCommerce store’s worth is often calculated by multiplying its annual revenue by three. Content sites or blogs may be valued at six times their revenue. Although these rules of thumb are helpful, leveraging valuation tools from marketplaces like Flippa or FE International can provide more precise estimates.

Compare total annual expenses to revenue. Avoid businesses where expenses consume more than 75% of revenue, as such high costs can lead to profitability issues, especially during inflationary periods. The appropriate valuation depends on your understanding of the market, your budget, and your future aspirations.

Creating a compelling online business is key to attracting buyers. Here are some tips to enhance your online property’s appeal: