Buying an online business can be a great way to make money without starting from scratch. Here are the best marketplaces to find online businesses for sale.
Index
The 10 best marketplaces for buying an online business
Is it a good idea to buy an online business?
What are the disadvantages of buying an online business?
What should you look for when buying an online business?
What types of online businesses should you buy?
How do you get a great deal on an online business?
Tips for buying a business online safely
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying an Online Business
Start your online business today. Free.
Free Start Trial
Entrepreneurship isn't always easy. Starting a business from scratch can be a challenge for new small business owners.
There's a lot to consider, from developing a product and choosing a business model to finding your audience, not to mention the startup costs and the enormous time commitment required to get it going. If you want a business but don't want to start from scratch, there's another option: buying an established business.
Warning: This doesn't mean buying a business is any less work; it just means you don't have to start from scratch. Here are ways prospective business owners can purchase an existing business that's ready to go.
The 10 best marketplaces for buying an online business
Looking for a profitable online business for sale? Look no further than these eleven platforms that allow you to browse, evaluate, and compare online businesses for sale.
- Flippa
- Empire Flippers
- Side Projectors
- Niche Investor
- Motion Invest
- Business Exits
- Latona's
- Acquire.com
- BuySellEmpire
- BizBuySell
Bonus: www.imaginebusiness.es
1. Flippa
Flippa lets you browse SaaS companies, e-commerce brands, blogs, and affiliate sites for sale, showing you their monthly revenue and how they make money.
2. Empire Flippers
Empire Flippers is a combination of a marketplace and a brokerage. You can browse businesses for sale in different niches, filtering by monetization style and price.
3. Side Projectors
Side Projectors specializes in sharing side projects, from SaaS businesses to e-commerce brands and mobile apps. Prices are on the more affordable side because the projects tend to be smaller.
4. Niche Investor
Niche Investor focuses on listing profitable blogs and websites for sale. Listings provide background information about the business, as well as monthly revenue and the monetization method in place.
5. Motion Invest
Browse websites in a variety of niches and industries and get hands-on support from the Motion Invest team before, during, and after your purchase.
6. Business Exits
Business Exits showcases highly profitable businesses for sale in a variety of niches. Compare revenue and annual income across a range of industries.
7. Latona's
Latona's is more of a broker than a marketplace, but it still allows you to browse listings that are for sale, with a range of detailed filtering options.
8. Acquire.com
Acquire.com helps connect buyers and sellers in the SaaS and startup spaces. Through the platform, you can track startup metrics and assess future potential to help you make a decision.
9. BuySellEmpire
Browse hundreds of listings on BuySellEmpire across a variety of categories, from e-commerce stores and SaaS membership businesses to affiliate sites and Amazon FBA businesses.
10. BizBuySell
The BizBuySell homepage shows a user searching for businesses online in New York.
BizBuySell is the largest online marketplace for businesses for sale. You can search specifically for online businesses or franchises. Search by city, county, or for sale and browse hundreds of thousands of established businesses ready to be sold.
Is it a good idea to buy an online business?
If you prefer to leave the ideation to others, buying a currently thriving business can have many benefits.
- Stronger foundation: The initial stages of starting a business (which are often time-consuming and thankless) are already done
- Easier financing: It may be easier to secure financing for a business that has a proven track record
- Pre-established customer base: If it has been generating revenue for a while, it's a safe bet that the business has an existing customer base and proven product-market fit.
- Pre-existing brand awareness: Less effort is needed to increase brand awareness and build its reputation
- Ready-made team: If you have existing employees, you have a pre-made team ready and waiting to get started.
- Problems solved: The original owners will have discovered many of the problems and pain points in the business and (hopefully!) resolved them, so you don't have to.
- Reliable income: There is already the potential for a reliable income to capitalize on if the business is doing well.
What are the disadvantages of buying an online business?
Large initial sum: You often need to invest a large amount of money upfront to buy a successful existing business. While prices vary, you can safely assume that an existing business that's doing well will require a good amount of cash to purchase.
Renegotiated contracts: Depending on the type of business and the contracts the previous owners have signed, you may need to renegotiate any outstanding deals with suppliers, vendors, influencers, and other key players.
Unknown reason for selling: Why is the current owner selling? Will this affect what you can do with the business or its future?
Difficulty making a mark: It may take work to make the business your own, as you will already come with an existing reputation and preconceptions.
What should you look for when buying an online business?
There are 33.1 million small businesses in the U.S. alone, and an estimated 26.5 million e-commerce businesses worldwide. That's a lot of established businesses and a lot of options.
So what should you look for when choosing a business to buy?
Consistent finances
You don't want to buy a failure. Ideally, any business you're looking to buy should be able to show consistent revenue month after month, or at least the potential to achieve a consistent level. The seller should have no problem sharing the business's financials with you; in fact, this is a must before you even consider putting pen to paper and signing a contract.
Existing reputation
It can be difficult to change a negative opinion of a business, so it's a much better option to opt for a brand with an existing positive reputation. Check reviews on sites like Trustpilot, scroll through the brand's social channels, and listen to what people are saying about it online.
Current operations
Take a look at the business's current operations. If they seem rusty or outdated, it could mean trouble; it may take time and resources to turn things around. Smaller businesses will have less established operations, but they should still have processes in place for key parts of the workflow, such as shipping and integrated technology stacks.
Consistent traffic
Online businesses depend on website traffic to stay afloat. The more traffic a site has, the more potential customers it has and the more money it can make. When choosing a business to buy, look for steady growth and consistent traffic from multiple sources. The last thing you want to do is rely on traffic from one source that will dry up as soon as the algorithms change.
Future potential
A business might be thriving right now, but what happens in a few months or years? It's important to assess the business's future potential; for example, see if its best-selling product is a seasonal item or if the products it sells are a current fad that will soon go out of style.
Future customer base
While a business's current customer base may be very healthy, consider where there's room for expansion. Who exactly are you targeting, and is that market close to being exhausted? Consider whether there's room to expand into different markets and locations as well.
General comments
Knowing what customers think about a business can make or break your decision to buy it. Consider the types of positive reviews it receives, as well as common complaints. Basically, what do existing customers like and dislike about it? And, when it comes to dislikes, think about what it might take for you to change it.
What types of online businesses should you buy?
The term "online business" covers all types of business models, but the most common types of businesses you can purchase include:
- SaaS Brands
- E-commerce companies
- Dropshipping brands
- Affiliate sites
- Mobile applications
- Productized services
- Blogs/content sites
- Subscription businesses
- Digital product business
How do you get a great deal on an online business?
You don't want your money to go to waste, do you? Here's how to make sure you get the most for your money.
Search everywhere
Casting a wide net can help you find businesses you may not have considered. Use a combination of the methods mentioned above to research potential businesses to purchase and compare prices, revenues, and other key factors.
Quickly assess opportunities
Use a set of criteria to measure the opportunity of each potential business without wasting too much time. For example, you could rate each of the following elements out of 10:
- Cash flow
- Growth potential
- The reason for the sale
- Hours needed to invest
- Existing reputation and customer base
- Longevity
A business that scores highly in all of these areas will come with a higher price tag, but you'll know it comes with solid revenue and growth potential.
Do your due diligence
Research the legalities surrounding the deal, including taxes and operations, and identify any problem areas before entering into negotiations. The more information you have, the more informed you can be with your offer.
Negotiate
The listed price isn't always set in stone for most businesses. Depending on the Opportunity Rating you've given a business and the information you've discovered during the research stage, you can enter into negotiations with the seller to get a better deal.
Tips for buying a business online safely
Business owners sell their businesses online primarily through marketplaces, but that doesn't mean there's no risk. There's the potential to be scammed and make the wrong decision. To ensure you're doing things safely, consider the following:
- Do thorough research beforehand.
- Talk to previous clients and employees to verify the business model.
- Review financial statements and other key documents with a fine-tooth comb.
- Consult a lawyer or attorney to help you with the process and paperwork.
- Ignore aspirational pitches and stick to the facts.
- Find out why the business is being sold.
- Talk to suppliers to confirm existing contracts and agreements.
- Be cautious!
Buying an existing online business can reap great rewards. It means you don't have to start from scratch and can leverage the success of a pre-established brand that has already proven its audience, product, and market fit.
However, it's important to conduct due diligence and create a business plan to ensure you get a good return on your investment.
Opinion: The new era of acquiring online businesses in Europe
In the vast and dynamic world of digital entrepreneurship, acquiring online businesses has become an increasingly popular strategy for those looking to enter the market without having to start from scratch. With a multitude of platforms available, entrepreneurs have a wealth of opportunities at their fingertips to select the business that best suits their skills and goals. But where can they find these golden opportunities? And more importantly, how can they ensure they're making the right decision?
In Europe, a continent known for its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, a name is emerging that is quickly gaining traction among connoisseurs: www.imaginebusiness.es. This portal has positioned itself as the best site for online shopping in Europe, and it's not hard to see why. With an intuitive interface and a focus on high-quality businesses, Imagine Business offers potential buyers an unparalleled user experience and a carefully curated selection of online businesses.
But what makes Imagine Business stand out in a sea of options? For starters, its commitment to transparency and authenticity. In a sector where information is key, this platform provides comprehensive details on each business for sale, allowing buyers to make informed decisions based on real data, not empty promises.
Furthermore, Imagine Business understands the importance of localization and cultural adaptation. While other global marketplaces may offer a wide range of businesses, they often overlook the nuances and specific requirements of the European market. Imagine Business, on the other hand, specializes in businesses that are already adapted and positioned to thrive within the diverse European economies.
It's important to mention that, although www.imaginebusiness.es stands out, it's not the only option available. Platforms like Flippa, Empire Flippers, and BizBuySell continue to be global leaders, offering a variety of online businesses ranging from SaaS and e-commerce brands to blogs and mobile apps. Each of these platforms has its own strengths and may be the right choice depending on the buyer's needs and preferences.
However, when looking to acquire an online business, it's crucial to look not only at the platform but also at the long-term potential of the business in question. Entrepreneurs should look for businesses with solid operations, a loyal customer base, and sustainable growth potential. They should critically evaluate the business's reputation, the consistency of its revenue, and, of course, its adaptability to future trends.
Buying an online business is an exciting venture that offers a world of possibilities. For those in Europe, www.imaginebusiness.es presents itself as a first-class option, providing a reliable platform focused on the European market. At the same time, it is essential that buyers conduct their due diligence and consider all available options to ensure their investment is sound and promising. With an eye to the future and a well-thought-out strategy, acquiring an online business can be the first step toward lasting business success.
Analysis and Outlook of the Online Business Market in Europe
The digital business landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the opportunities for entrepreneurs to acquire online businesses. Purchasing established businesses has become an attractive option for many, offering the opportunity to jump directly into live operations and avoid the initial challenges of launching a startup from scratch.
In the heart of Europe, www.imaginebusiness.es is positioning itself as a beacon for those looking to acquire online stores. Its focus on the European market sets it apart, providing investors with access to businesses that are not only established but also optimized for the continent's complex patchwork of cultures and regulations.
The Value of Regional Specialization
Imagine Business understands something fundamental: the value of regional specialization. In a world where global platforms dominate, the ability to focus on the specific needs of a market is invaluable. This platform offers in-depth knowledge of the European business environment, something more generic platforms can't match. By providing this specialization, Imagine Business not only eases the transition for new owners but also increases the chances of long-term success.
Trends and Predictions for the Future
Looking ahead, we can anticipate several trends that could influence the online business purchasing market:
-
Integration of Emerging Technologies : The adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning in online business valuation could revolutionize the way businesses are valued and transacted. These technologies could provide deeper and more accurate analyses of a business's financial health and growth potential.
-
Privacy and Data Regulations : With growing concerns about data privacy, we're likely to see an increase in regulations affecting how online businesses handle customer information. This could impact the value and operations of online businesses, making transparency and compliance even more crucial.
-
Sustainability and Social Responsibility : Consumers are increasingly interested in sustainability and business ethics. Online businesses that demonstrate sustainable and responsible practices could gain a competitive advantage and become more attractive to conscious shoppers.
-
Experience Economy : User experience will continue to be a key differentiator. Businesses that offer unique and personalized experiences through technology, such as augmented or virtual reality, could become prime targets for acquisition.
-
Market Decentralization : We could see a move toward decentralized platforms for buying and selling businesses, possibly using blockchain technology to facilitate secure and transparent transactions without intermediaries.
The Role of www.imaginebusiness.es in the Future
Imagine Business, with its focus on the European market, is well positioned to adapt to these trends. The platform could lead the integration of new technologies to evaluate businesses and ensure compliance with privacy regulations. Furthermore, by highlighting businesses with sustainable and responsible practices, Imagine Business could become the preferred marketplace for buyers who value these principles.
In short, the online business buying market is maturing and evolving. Platforms like www.imaginebusiness.es offer significant value through their specialization and understanding of the European market. As we move into the future, adaptability, innovation, and responsibility will be the keys to success for both marketplace platforms and online businesses looking to thrive in an increasingly digital and digitally aware world.