Picture this: you've got a passion for online retail, a keen eye for spotting potential, and a drive to succeed in the digital marketplace. But maybe you don't have the time or resources to create a brand new store from the ground up. That's where buying an existing Shopify store comes in – it's like a shortcut to your entrepreneurial dreams!
As the ecommerce boom continues in 2024, more entrepreneurs are looking to buy established Shopify stores rather than starting from scratch.
With over 4 million live websites powered by Shopify and the platform's market share growing to 32% of all US ecommerce sites, acquiring an existing store can provide instant access to revenue streams and customer bases.
In fact, the average Shopify store generates $72 per customer, making many of these businesses attractive acquisition targets. For those seeking to enter the lucrative world of online retail, knowing where to find quality Shopify stores for sale is crucial.
If you're looking to skip the hassle of building a Shopify store from scratch and instead want to hit the ground running with an established business, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll explore 12 fantastic platforms where you can find Shopify stores for sale in 2024.
Evaluate Value Of A Shopify Store Before Buying!
Imagine being able to browse through a curated selection of profitable Shopify businesses, each with its own unique niche, customer base, and growth potential. With the right acquisition, you could be well on your way to becoming the proud owner of an already-growing e-commerce empire.
When evaluating a Shopify store for potential purchase, it's crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of its value. Start by examining the store's financial health, including revenue trends, profit margins, and cash flow.
According to Shopify, a common valuation method is using a multiple of the company's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), typically ranging from 2-6 times EBITDA for small to medium-sized businesses.
By carefully considering the above factors, you'll be better equipped to determine a fair value for the Shopify store and make an informed purchasing decision.
For the most accurate valuation, consider hiring an expert like a Certified Valuation Professional who can factor in all the financial and operational variations of the specific business.
- Use Shopify's built-in analytics dashboard for key performance metrics
- Check the store's search engine rankings and SEO health
- Analyze customer reviews and feedback
- Assess the quality and uniqueness of the product offerings
- Evaluate the store's branding and design
Top 12 Places To Find Shopify Stores in 2024
| Places to Find Shopify Stores | Features |
|---|---|
| Flippa | Flippa confirms seller identities to foster trust and transparency |
| Empire Flippers | Explore funding opportunities through Empire Flippers' partnership with Boopos |
| Business Exits | Detailed insights into each Shopify store's performance and potential |
| BizBuySell | Easily narrow down listings based on criteria like location, revenue, and business type |
| Motion Invest | Funds are held in escrow until all terms of the sale are met, protecting both buyers and sellers |
| Acquire | Inspirational stories and testimonials from successful acquisitions |
| Website Closers | Expertise in negotiating seller notes for optimal deal structuring |
| Quiet Light | Buyer Qualification is a meticulous process to ensure buyers are serious and financially capable |
| BuySellEmpire | Connects a wide range of entrepreneurs, private equity firms, and individual investors |
| Investors Club | Access to high-quality, vetted Shopify stores not listed elsewhere |
| FE International | Expert guidance on preparing a business for sale to maximize value |
| Latona's | Unrivaled experience in online business sales |
1. Flippa
Flippa is the ultimate marketplace for buying and selling digital assets, including established Shopify stores. With its user-friendly interface, extensive listing options, and resilient buyer protection measures, Flippa has become a go-to platform for those seeking to acquire profitable online businesses.
Flippa has facilitated the sale of over 300,000 digital assets since its launch in 2009. Each month, the platform lists businesses worth over $41 million, making it a vital resource for digital entrepreneurs.
Key Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide selection of listings | 5% success fee can be high for large sales |
| Strong buyer protection measures | Paid plans required for advanced features |
| Verified financial data for accuracy | Initial learning curve for new users |
Pricing
- Starter: Free to join and browse listings. 5% success fee on the final sale price.
- Growth: $49/month
Includes advanced search, and access to seller identities—reduced success fee of 2.5%. - Professional: $199/month
Offers priority support, personalized deal matching, and a dedicated account manager. Further reduced success fee of 1.5%.
Free Trial: Limited free access to browse listings; paid plans required for advanced features.
2. Empire Flippers
Empire Flippers has established itself as a premier marketplace for buying and selling online businesses, including successful Shopify stores. Their Empire Flippers goes above and beyond to ensure that you have all the tools and information you need to succeed in your e-commerce venture.
Empire Flippers has a buyer pool that exceeds 1 million, with more than 1,200 businesses sold since its inception. This platform is known for its rigorous vetting process, ensuring high-quality listings.
Key Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Thorough vetting process | High subscription cost for exclusive access |
| Access to off-market listings | 5% success fee on final sale |
| Partnership with funding providers | Custom pricing for premium services |
Pricing
- Marketplace Access: Free to join and browse listings. 5% success fee on the final sale price.
- Exclusive Access: $297/month. Includes early access to new listings, advanced search features, reduced success fees (2.5%).
- Empire Elite: Custom pricing. Personalized deal matching, dedicated account management, and waived success fees.
Free Trial: No free trial; paid membership is required for exclusive features.
3. Business Exits
Business Exits is a trusted platform for buying and selling established online businesses. With a decade of experience, they provide comprehensive store data, verified financial information, and a transparent buying process.
Business Exits has successfully facilitated over $100 million in business sales, with an impressive track record of satisfied clients. Their platform ensures high-quality listings and detailed performance insights.
Key Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive performance insights | 10% success fee can be high for larger sales |
| Professionally crafted marketing materials | Premium features require higher fees |
| Dedicated account managers | Limited free resources |
Pricing
- Standard: 10% success fee based on the final sale price of the Shopify store.
- Premium: 8% success fee, with additional benefits such as priority support and enhanced marketing materials.
Free Trial: No free trial; success fee applies after sale completion.
4. BizBuySell
BizBuySell is the leading marketplace for buying and selling businesses since 1996. It connects buyers and sellers, offering comprehensive listing information, including financial data, traffic metrics, and seller insights.
BizBuySell has facilitated the sale of over 100,000 businesses, making it a leading platform for business transactions. With over 1 million monthly visitors, it is a top choice for buyers and sellers alike.
Key Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive experience and market presence | Some features require additional fees |
| Comprehensive listing and financial details | Basic membership has limited features |
| Advanced search capabilities | Listing fees for sellers |
Pricing
- Basic: Free to search listings and access limited resources. Pay a one-time fee of $59.95 to post a single business for sale ad.
- Edge: $19.95/month or $179.95/year. Includes additional features like advanced search filters, buyer matching alerts, and valuation insights.
Free Trial: Basic access is free; advanced features require a paid plan.
5. Motion Invest
Motion Invest connects buyers with profitable, established Shopify stores. Their platform is designed to be user-friendly and transparent, ensuring that all listed stores meet high standards of quality and profitability.
Motion Invest has facilitated the sale of over $10 million in digital assets. Their rigorous vetting process ensures that only high-quality stores are listed, providing buyers with confidence in their investments.
Key Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detailed store information and financials | Higher subscription costs for premium access |
| Secure escrow service | Limited free features |
| Rigorous vetting process | Fees based on final sale price |
Pricing
- Basic: Free to join and browse listings. 5% success fee on the final sale price.
- Pro: $99/month. Early access to new listings, advanced search features, reduced success fee (3%).
- Elite: $499/month. Personalized store matching, dedicated account manager, and waived success fees.
Free Trial: Basic access is free; advanced features require a paid plan.
6. Acquire
Acquire is a prominent marketplace for e-commerce acquisitions, including Shopify stores. Their platform is user-friendly, catering to both seasoned investors and new entrepreneurs.
Acquire has facilitated over $50 million in transactions, with a growing user base of over 500,000. Their focus on international transactions makes them a preferred choice for global buyers and sellers.
Key Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Facilitates international transactions | High subscription fees for premium access |
| Mobile-friendly platform | No free trial for premium services |
| Personalized notifications | Custom pricing for certain features |
Pricing
- Platinum: $780/year. Access all startups, priority customer support, expert advice.
- Premium: $390/year. Access startups up to $250k in TTM revenue, standard customer support.
- Basic: Free. View public listings of all startups but no customer support.
Free Trial: No free trial; paid plans required for premium access.
7. Website Closers
Website Closers specializes in tech and internet business transactions. With a legacy of $2 billion in successful transactions, they offer a seamless bridge between ambitious buyers and eager sellers.
Website Closers has completed transactions worth over $1 billion, with a 90% success rate in closing deals. They have facilitated the sale of businesses ranging from $1 million to $1 billion, making them a trusted name in the industry.
Key Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive buyer and investor network | Success fee applies on final sale |
| High close rate | No free trial for premium features |
Pricing: The Commission Fees are not publicly listed but typically range from 6% to 15% depending on the size of the sale. The exact commission structure varies on a case-by-case basis.
Free Trial: No free trial; success fee applies on final sale.
8. Quiet Light
Quiet Light offers a supportive journey for those looking to buy and sell online businesses. Their platform is built on transparency and a deep understanding of the e-commerce industry, providing buyers with vetted Shopify stores and sellers with dedicated support.
Quiet Light has facilitated over $250 million in business transactions, with 51% of transactions in 2021 selling above the asking price and 47% of transactions coming from referrals. Additionally, 85% of their listings sell within 90 days or less.
Key Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Thorough vetting of acquisitions | Success fee applies on final sale |
| Custom marketing strategies for sellers | No free trial for premium features |
| Exclusive access to high-potential stores | High success fee for larger sales |
Pricing: Success-fee model based on the final sale price upon the successful closing of a deal.
Free Trial: No free trial; success fee applies after sale completion.
9. BuySellEmpire
BuySellEmpire focuses on transparency and personalized service, connecting a wide range of investors with profitable online businesses. They offer a seamless, supportive journey from discovery to acquisition.
BuySellEmpire boasts a 90% deal closing success rate and has facilitated the sale of businesses worth over $100 million. Their competitive rates and expert due diligence make them a top choice for both buyers and sellers.
Key Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive rates | Success fee applies on final sale |
| High success rate | No free trial for premium features |
| Expert due diligence services | Limited free resources |
Pricing
- 4%: For businesses above a $10 million sale price.
- 5%: For businesses between $5 million and $10 million.
- 6%: For businesses between $500k and $5 million.
- 7%: For businesses under $500k.
Free Trial: No free trial; success fee applies after sale completion.
10. Investors Club
Investors Club is a premier destination for buying and selling vetted Shopify stores. They offer a streamlined, transparent marketplace with a focus on high-quality listings and strategic acquisitions.
Key Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality vetted listings | Premium membership fee |
| Free legal documents | No free trial for premium services |
| Transparent fee structure | Limited features for free members |
Pricing
- Free Membership: Basic access to listings, seller information, ability to make offers and ask questions.
- Premium Membership: $399. Includes detailed due diligence reports, Ahrefs dashboard access.
Free Trial: Basic access is free; premium membership requires a paid plan.
11. FE International
FE International is a game-changer in the world of online business acquisitions. With over two decades of experience, they have facilitated successful transactions for numerous entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners.
FE International has closed over 1,000 deals, totaling more than $500 million in sales. Their expert guidance and financial verification process ensure maximum value and successful transactions for both buyers and sellers.
Key Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Independent financial verification | Success fee applies on final sale |
| Expert guidance for sellers | No free trial for premium features |
| Access to off-market stores | High success fee for larger sales |
Pricing: Success-fee model based on the final sale price upon the successful closing of a deal.
Free Trial: No free trial; success fee applies after sale completion.
12. Latona's
Latona's connects buyers and sellers of profitable online businesses, offering extensive experience and personalized service. They have been at the forefront of the online business brokerage space for over a decade.
Latona's has over a decade of experience and has facilitated transactions worth millions of dollars. Their tailored strategies and active marketplace make them a trusted advisor in the online business space.
Key Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tailored strategies for sellers | Success fee applies on final sale |
| Extensive experience in online sales | No free trial for premium features |
| Active buyer marketplace | High success fee for larger sales |
Pricing: Success-fee model based on the final sale price upon the successful closing of a deal.
Free Trial: No free trial; success fee applies after sale completion.
By exploring these platforms, you can find the best Shopify stores to invest in and grow your e-commerce portfolio. Each marketplace offers unique features and benefits, so consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the right platform for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I trust buying from a Shopify store?
Yes, Shopify is a secure platform with SSL certificates for all stores, rigorous security measures, and compliance with PCI standards, making it safe for transactions.
How can I ensure the Shopify store I'm buying is profitable?
Evaluate past revenue trends, customer base, and market demand, and conduct a comprehensive financial analysis to assess profitability.
What are the key features to look for when buying a Shopify store?
Look for established supplier relationships, social media presence, domain name strength, and access to customer data and insights for growth potential.
What are common scams to watch out for when buying a Shopify store?
Be cautious of stores with inflated revenue claims, counterfeit products, and ensure the store complies with legal standards to avoid scams.
What are the advantages of buying an existing Shopify store over starting from scratch?
Buying an existing store offers a head start with an established customer base, proven business model, and avoids the initial setup and growth challenges.
How can I evaluate the growth potential of a Shopify store for sale?
Assess the store's market demand, competition, scalability, and review its financial performance and customer feedback for insights into growth potential.
What are the steps to making a test purchase on my own Shopify store?
Follow Shopify's guide to make a test purchase, which helps understand the buying process from a customer's perspective and ensures your store is set up correctly.
What are the challenges of exiting a Shopify platform if I decide to sell my store?
Migrating store data, products, and themes to another provider can be difficult due to Shopify's proprietary platform, requiring significant effort for a smooth transition
Closing Remarks!
And there you have it, the grand tour of the top 12 marketplaces to find Shopify stores for sale in 2024. Each platform we've explored offers its own unique blend of services, from rigorous vetting processes and verified financials to personalized brokerage services and comprehensive exit planning.
In 2024, finding the perfect Shopify store for sale has never been easier. With a variety of platforms offering diverse options, aspiring entrepreneurs can find the right fit for their business goals.
But, Why Is This Important?
As the e-commerce industry continues to grow, finding a well-established Shopify store can give you a significant head start. The platforms mentioned offer thorough vetting to ensure you are investing in a profitable and sustainable business.
In summary, these 12 marketplaces provide the tools and support needed to make informed decisions. Investing in a Shopify store through these platforms not only saves time but also reduces risk, allowing you to focus on growing your new venture.
Explore these platforms today and find the perfect Shopify store for sale that aligns with your business aspirations. The right marketplace can make all the difference in your entrepreneurial journey, ensuring a smooth transition and a solid foundation for future success.
