Hello, I’m George Moulos, founder of Ecommerce Brokers. With over a decade of experience in building, buying, and selling online businesses, I’ve had the opportunity to explore various platforms that facilitate these transactions. Two prominent names in this space are Flippa and Acquire.com. In this article, I’ll provide a detailed comparison of these platforms, incorporating new insights and details to help you make an informed decision on Flippa vs Acquire.com.

If you’re looking to acquire a profitable online business, our Elite Acquirers service offers personalized guidance to navigate the complexities of the digital marketplace. Discover how we can assist you today.​

Flippa: The Established Marketplace

Founded in 2009, Flippa has grown into a comprehensive marketplace for buying and selling digital assets, including websites, e-commerce stores, SaaS businesses, and mobile apps. To date, Flippa has facilitated over $1 billion in digital asset sales, underscoring its significant role in the online business marketplace.

Acquire.com: The Startup-Centric Platform

Launched in 2020, Acquire.com (formerly MicroAcquire) focuses on connecting startups, particularly in the SaaS sector, with potential buyers. Despite its relatively recent inception, Acquire.com has rapidly gained traction by emphasizing a streamlined, user-friendly experience tailored to the startup community.​

Flippa vs Acquire.com: What Sets Them Apart

Flippa offers a diverse range of listings, encompassing various types of online businesses. This broad spectrum can be advantageous for buyers seeking different opportunities but may require more effort to navigate due to the sheer volume and variety.​

In contrast, Acquire.com specializes in startups and SaaS businesses, often highlighting growth potential and revenue metrics. This focus appeals to buyers interested in emerging companies with scalable models.​

Fee Structures

• Flippa: Charges a 5% success fee upon the completion of a sale. This straightforward commission-based model is standard across many online marketplaces.​
  
• Acquire.com: Operates on a different model. Sellers can list their businesses for free, while buyers choose from membership tiers:​
  
  • Basic (Free): Limited access, suitable for first-time buyers of smaller businesses.​
    
  • Premium ($390 USD/year): Enables communication with sellers and access to businesses with up to $250,000 in trailing twelve-month (TTM) revenue.​
    
  • Platinum: Grants access to businesses exceeding $250,000 in TTM revenue.​
    

Additionally, Acquire.com offers a “Managed by Acquire.com” service, which provides advisory support for a 5% fee upon sale completion. ​

Valuation Considerations

One notable aspect of Acquire.com is the valuation of listed businesses. Some startups may be priced higher than traditional online businesses, reflecting a focus on growth potential rather than current profitability. This approach aligns with startup valuation norms but may differ from the expectations of buyers accustomed to more conventional online business valuations. ​

Buyer Experience

Flippa allows buyers to browse and engage with listings without mandatory membership fees, providing open access to a wide array of opportunities. However, this openness can lead to a mix of serious and casual participants.​

Acquire.com’s tiered membership system aims to ensure that buyers are committed and vetted, potentially leading to more serious inquiries and negotiations. This structure can enhance the quality of interactions between buyers and sellers.​

Seller Experience

Selling on Flippa involves creating a listing and managing the sales process independently, which offers flexibility but requires proactive effort from the seller.​

Acquire.com provides options for sellers to list their businesses and, if desired, utilize the “Managed by Acquire.com” service for additional support during the sales process. This service can be beneficial for sellers seeking guidance and a more hands-on approach.​

Flippa vs Acquire.com: The Final Word

Both Flippa and Acquire.com offer valuable platforms for buying and selling online businesses, each with its unique strengths. Flippa’s extensive and varied marketplace is well-suited for those seeking a broad range of opportunities, while Acquire.com’s focus on startups and structured buyer memberships caters to individuals interested in emerging businesses with growth potential.​

When choosing between the two, consider your specific goals, the type of business you’re interested in, and the level of support you require during the transaction process. Conducting thorough due diligence and understanding the nuances of each platform will enhance your experience and success in buying or selling an online business.​Ready to take the next step in acquiring an online business? Elite Acquirers simplifies the process, from sourcing to closing. Book a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me, George Moulos, to discuss your acquisition strategy.