Starting a new Shopify store from scratch may not be everyone’s cup of tea. For those looking to take a shortcut to success, buying an established Shopify store can be a viable option. In this guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of buying Shopify stores for sale. Until the end, we ensure you make an informed decision and set yourself up for Shopify business success. Let’s take a look!

Why Should You Buy a Shopify Store?

Before deeply diving into how to buy Shopify stores for sale, we will walk through why to do that. There are a lot of reasons to own Shopify stores for sale. In which, the most common reason can be:

• Reduced risk & faster Start-up: Building an eCommerce business from scratch involves product selection, building brand recognition, and customer acquisition. This can take months, if not years, to achieve profitability. According to a Small Business Administration around 20% of businesses fail in their first year, and 50% within five years. Buying an established Shopify store with a track record of sales and a customer base bypasses this initial struggle.
• Customer base & revenue stream: An existing store comes with a built-in audience you can leverage. Data from Shopify shows that acquiring a new customer is 5x more expensive than retaining an existing one. Inheriting a customer base allows you to start generating revenue immediately and focus on growth strategies.
• Established brand & credibility: Building brand trust takes time and consistent marketing efforts. An existing store with positive customer reviews and brand recognition gives you a head start. Studies by Nielsen show that 60% of consumers are willing to pay more for products from brands they trust.

Where to Find Shopify Stores for Sale

To help you find the best marketplace for buying Shopify stores, we have compiled a list of the top 6 most prominent options available today. Each marketplace has its own advantages and disadvantages, so we will provide you with a comprehensive overview to assist you in making an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and conditions.

1. Flippa

Flippa is an online marketplace specializing in buying and selling websites, domains, and online businesses. It has become a platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals looking to enter the online business world. 

Like any marketplace, Flippa has pros and cons worth considering.

• Pros of Flippa:
  • Wide range of price ranges: Flippa allows users to buy and sell businesses in any price range, making it accessible to individuals with different budgets and asset sizes. 
  • Ease of navigation: Flippa is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for buyers and sellers to navigate the platform.
  • Marketplace for small to medium-sized businesses: Flippa fills a market need by providing a platform for owners of small to medium-sized businesses to buy and sell their assets. This sets it apart from other platforms that may require higher valuations. 
  • Versatility in selling: Flippa allows users to sell various assets, including websites, domain names, apps, and FBA online businesses.
  • Thorough inspection: Flippa conducts a thorough inspection of each listing before sales begin. This includes checking financial indicators, statistics, and other parameters, ensuring quality and reliability.
  • Post-payment: Flippa charges fees to sellers only after the transaction has been completed, providing a level of security for both buyers and sellers.
• Cons of Flippa:
  • Scams: Flippa has been criticized for having a higher number of scams compared to other platforms. It is important for users to exercise caution and perform their own due diligence before making any transactions.
  • Steep fees: Flippa charges fees for its services, which some users may find to be on the higher side. It is important for sellers to consider these fees when deciding to sell on the platform

2. Empire Flippers

Empire Flipper refers a curated marketplace that specializes in buying and selling online businesses, including Shopify stores They are known for their rigorous vetting process, ensuring that the businesses listed on their platform are of high quality. Prices for Shopify stores here typically start at around $20,000 and can go up to several million dollars for highly profitable businesses.

Here are some pros and cons of using Empire Flippers:

Pros:

• Wide range of online businesses: Empire Flippers offers a wide range of online businesses for sale, including e-commerce stores, content websites, SaaS businesses, and more. This variety allows buyers to choose businesses that align with their interests and expertise.
• Vetted listings: Empire Flippers thoroughly vets the businesses listed on their marketplace. They verify financials, traffic, and other important metrics to ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of the listings. This helps buyers make informed decisions and reduces the risk of scams .
• Transparent information: Empire Flippers provides detailed information about each business listing, including financials, traffic sources, growth opportunities, and more. This transparency allows buyers to evaluate the potential of a business and make informed decisions.
• Supportive community: Empire Flippers has an active community of buyers and sellers who share their experiences, insights, and tips. This community can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the buying and selling.
• Broker assistance: Empire Flippers offers broker assistance to buyers and sellers. Their experienced brokers can help navigate the complexities of buying or selling an online business, providing guidance and support.

Cons

• Higher price range: Some users have mentioned that Empire Flippers tends to list businesses at higher prices. This can make it challenging for buyers with limited budgets to find suitable options.
• Limited selection: Compared to other marketplaces, Empire Flippers may have a smaller selection of businesses for sale. This is because they focus on vetting and curating high-quality listings, which can result in a more limited inventory.
• Competitive bidding: Due to the popularity of Empire Flippers, there can be competitive bidding for desirable businesses. This may drive up the prices and make it more challenging to secure a deal.
• Seller fees: Empire Flippers charges fees to sellers for listing and selling their businesses on the platform. While these fees are standard in the industry, they can be a consideration for sellers looking to maximize their profits.

3. FE International

FE International is a global marketplace for buying and selling online businesses. They have a team of experienced brokers who can help you find the right Shopify store for your needs. FE International also offers a variety of financing options to help you purchase a store.

FE International caters to a high-end market, with prices typically starting at around $50,000 and reaching into the multi-million dollar range for premium Shopify stores.

Pros:

• Expertise in website brokerage: FE International has a strong reputation and expertise in website brokerage. They have a team of experienced professionals who can guide buyers and sellers through the process of buying or selling an online business.
• Extensive network: FE International has a wide network of potential buyers and sellers, which can increase the chances of finding the right match for a business transaction.
• Valuation services: FE International offers valuation services to help determine the worth of an online business. This can be useful for both buyers and sellers in negotiating a fair price.
• Mergers and acquisitions: FE International also specializes in mergers and acquisitions, allowing businesses to expand and grow through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

Cons:

• Fees: Like any brokerage service, FE International charges fees for their services. These fees can vary depending on the size and complexity of the transaction. Buyers and sellers must consider these fees when evaluating the overall cost of using FE International’s services.
• Limited transparency: Some users have reported limited transparency in buying or selling a business through FE International. Buyers and sellers need to have clear communication and expectations with the company to ensure a smooth transaction.
• Limited scope: FE International primarily focuses on website brokerage and online businesses. If you are looking to buy or sell a business in a different industry, you may need to consider other brokerage firms that specialize in that specific industry.

4. BizBuySell

BizBuySell is a general marketplace for buying and selling businesses of all types, including Shopify stores for sale. They have a large selection of businesses for sale, and they offer a variety of tools to help you find the right business for your needs. Plus, BizBuySell offers a wide range of prices, from under $10,000 for smaller stores to over a million dollars for well-established businesses.

Here are some pros and cons of using BizBuySell:

• Pros
  • Wide selection of businesses: BizBuySell has a large database of businesses for sale, offering a wide selection for potential buyers to choose from.
  • Access to detailed information: The platform provides detailed information about the businesses listed, including financials, industry, location, and more. This allows buyers to make informed decisions .
  • Opportunity for negotiation: BizBuySell facilitates direct communication between buyers and sellers, allowing for negotiation on price and terms.
  • Marketplace for established businesses: BizBuySell primarily focuses on the sale of established businesses, which can be advantageous for buyers looking for businesses with existing customer bases, revenue streams, and established operations.
• Cons:
  • Competition: Due to its popularity, BizBuySell can be a competitive marketplace, with multiple buyers vying for the same businesses. This can make it challenging to secure a desired business.
  • Broker fees: While BizBuySell allows for direct buyer-seller communication, many businesses listed on the platform are represented by brokers. If a buyer chooses to work with a broker, they may need to pay a commission fee, which can be a significant expense.
  • Quality of listings: Not all businesses listed on BizBuySell may be of high quality or meet the buyer’s expectations. It is important for buyers to thoroughly research and evaluate the businesses before making a purchase.

5. Website Closers

Website Closers is a brokerage firm specializing in selling online businesses, including Shopify stores for sale. It has a team of experienced brokers who can help you find the right Shopify store for your needs and negotiate the best possible price.Website Closers lists businesses starting from around $50,000 to several million dollars for high-revenue, established Shopify stores.

• Pros:
  • Expertise in online business transactions: Website Closers has extensive experience in facilitating the buying and selling of online businesses. They understand the unique challenges and considerations involved in these transactions.
  • Valuation services: Website Closers offers valuation services to help sellers determine the fair market value of their online businesses. This can help set a realistic asking price and attract potential buyers.
  • Confidentiality: Website Closers understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality during the buying and selling. They take measures to protect the sensitive information of both buyers and sellers.
  • Negotiation assistance: Website Closers can provide negotiation assistance to help buyers and sellers reach mutually beneficial agreements. They have experience in navigating the complexities of deal structures and terms.
• Cons:
  • Fees: Using Website Closers’ services typically involves paying fees. These fees can vary depending on the size and complexity of the transaction. It’s important for buyers and sellers to consider these costs when deciding whether to use their services.
  • Subjectivity of valuation: While Website Closers provides valuation services, the valuation of an online business can be subjective. Different buyers may have different opinions on the value of a business, and it’s important for sellers to manage their expectations accordingly.
  • Dependency on the broker: Buyers and sellers who choose to work with Website Closers will need to rely on the expertise and availability of the broker assigned to their transaction. It’s important to establish clear communication and expectations to ensure a smooth process

6. Business Exits

Like many platforms mentioned above, Business Exits is a marketplace for buying and selling businesses, including Shopify stores. This platform has a large selection of businesses for sale. Also, it offers various tools to help you find the right Shopify stores for sale. Business Exits features a range of prices, typically starting at around $50,000 and going up to several million dollars for high-performing Shopify stores.

Pros:

• Wide range of businesses: Business Exist offers a diverse selection of businesses for sale, including Shopify stores. This provides buyers with a variety of options to choose from based on their interests, industry preferences, and investment goals.
• Specialized platform: Business Exist focuses on buying and selling businesses, making it a dedicated marketplace for entrepreneurs looking to enter or exit the business world. This specialization can provide a more streamlined and targeted experience for users.
• Valuation assistance: Business Exist may offer valuation services to help sellers determine the fair market value of their businesses. This can benefit sellers unsure about pricing their businesses and want to attract serious buyers.
• Transaction support: Business Exist may support the transaction process, including negotiations, due diligence, and paperwork. This can help buyers and sellers navigate the complexities of buying or selling a business.

Cons:

• Fees: Using Business Exist’s services typically involves paying fees. These fees can vary depending on the size and complexity of the transaction. It’s important for buyers and sellers to consider these costs when deciding whether to use their services.
• Subjectivity of valuation: While Business Exist may offer valuation assistance, the valuation of a business can be subjective. Different buyers may have different opinions on the value of a business, and it’s important for sellers to manage their expectations accordingly.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Marketplace to Buy Shopify Store

1. Reputation and trustworthiness

The credibility of a marketplace is fundamental to protecting your investment. Look for platforms with an established history and positive reviews from both buyers and sellers. Trustworthy marketplaces typically offer the following:

• Verified listings: Reliable marketplaces should have a robust verification system that ensures all stores listed are legitimate. Listings should be supported by real data and evidence of the store’s past performance. Marketplaces that employ third-party audits or verification processes are often more trustworthy.

• Secure transactions: The payment process should be protected by encryption and fraud detection mechanisms to ensure that both buyers and sellers are safeguarded from scams. Look for marketplaces that use secure payment gateways and offer escrow services, where the funds are held until both parties meet the terms of the deal. For instance, Shopify Exchange offers an escrow service to hold the buyer’s payment until the store’s assets (like the domain and Shopify account) are successfully transferred.

• Customer support: Excellent customer support is essential in case issues arise during the buying process. The marketplace should offer responsive support, including dedicated help desks, phone support, and live chat options to guide you through the transaction and answer any questions promptly.

2. Variety and quality of listings

A well-rounded marketplace should provide a diverse range of stores to choose from, catering to various industries, niches, and budgets. When evaluating the quality of the listings, consider the following:

• Comprehensive listings: Every store listing should include detailed, transparent information about the store’s operations, such as traffic statistics, revenue breakdowns, customer demographics, product performance, and growth trends. High-quality marketplaces often require sellers to provide this type of data to ensure transparency.

• Historical performance: Stores with a proven track record are typically more reliable investments. Look for stores that have a consistent sales history and positive growth patterns. Historical performance data should include metrics like monthly revenue, traffic trends, and conversion rates.

• Niche relevance: Ensure that the stores listed align with your interests, expertise, and knowledge. The more familiar you are with the niche, the more likely you are to succeed in managing and growing the store. Make sure the marketplace has a sufficient selection of stores in your desired sector or market.

3. Valuation and pricing

Understanding how stores are valued and how the pricing is determined is essential for assessing whether you’re getting a fair deal. Here’s what to consider:

• Transparent valuation methods: The marketplace should provide clear explanations of how store valuations are determined. This may include metrics such as multiple of earnings, average traffic, and revenue generation. Reputable marketplaces often rely on third-party valuation experts or established models to ensure accuracy.

• Fair pricing: The pricing should be competitive yet reasonable, reflecting the store’s value and performance. Be sure to compare similar stores across different platforms to determine if the price is in line with market standards. Be cautious of underpriced listings, which may indicate hidden issues with the store.

• Valuation tools: Many marketplaces provide valuation calculators or tools to help you assess the worth of a store based on various factors like traffic, sales performance, and expenses. These tools can give you an estimate and a clearer understanding of the store’s true value.

4. Due diligence support

Performing due diligence is critical to ensuring that the store you’re buying is as advertised and that there are no hidden risks. A reliable marketplace should assist you in this process by offering:

• Access to data: A transparent marketplace will provide you with access to a wealth of data, including the store’s financial records, traffic reports, and operational details. Make sure the marketplace gives you the tools to scrutinize the store thoroughly before making any commitments.

• Due diligence services: Some marketplaces offer professional due diligence services where experts help verify financial statements, traffic data, and business operations. These services are invaluable in mitigating risks and ensuring that the store’s claims are accurate.

• Seller transparency: To avoid fraudulent transactions, it’s crucial that the marketplace discloses relevant details about the seller. This should include their business history, prior sales, and any customer feedback they may have received. A transparent seller profile helps you make an informed decision and reduces the risk of scams.

5. Post-purchase support

Once you’ve acquired the Shopify store, you’ll likely need assistance to ensure a smooth transition and continued success. Consider marketplaces that offer post-purchase support, including:

• Transition assistance: The marketplace should provide support in transferring ownership of the store, including domain name, social media accounts, email lists, and any other assets related to the store. Some platforms even offer transition consulting to help you take over the operations with minimal disruption.

• Operational support: After the acquisition, you may need help with day-to-day operations, especially if you’re new to running an e-commerce store. Look for marketplaces that offer access to resources such as training, guides, and expert consultations. Some even provide ongoing operational support services, such as helping with inventory management or marketing strategies.

• Community and Networking: A strong network of other store owners can be an invaluable resource for advice and collaboration. Look for marketplaces that foster a community where you can interact with other buyers and sellers. This network can help you navigate challenges and discover new growth opportunities.

Wrap-up

Ultimately, opting for Shopify stores for sale can be a straightforward and impactful method to kickstart your eCommerce business. However, it is important to emphasize that finding a suitable Shopify store is difficult. Therefore, we kindly urge you to carefully review our comprehensive 5-step guide and consider the marketplaces we recommend. We sincerely hope you will soon discover a Shopify store for sale that meets your requirements and brings you satisfaction!