The online business marketplace has grown significantly, creating a need for expert brokers who can facilitate seamless transactions between buyers and sellers. Quiet Light Brokerage stands out as a leader in this space, offering specialized services to those looking to buy or sell digital businesses. Founded by Mark Daoust in 2006, Quiet Light has built a strong reputation through its experienced brokers, competitive commission structure, and efficient transaction process.
In this article, we’ll explore how Quiet Light connects online business buyers with sellers, detailing its unique approach, valuation process, and advantages over competitors.
Key Takeaways
- Entrepreneur-Driven Brokerage – Quiet Light’s brokers have firsthand experience running and selling online businesses, ensuring expert guidance.
- Comprehensive Buyer & Seller Support – From valuation to closing, Quiet Light ensures a smooth, transparent, and secure transaction process.
- Competitive Commission Structure – Sellers benefit from lower-tiered commissions compared to competitors like Empire Flippers and FE International.
- Diverse Online Business Listings – Quiet Light specializes in selling e-commerce, SaaS, content websites, Amazon FBA, and membership sites.
- Data-Driven Business Valuation – Valuations are based on SDE, growth metrics, financials, revenue streams, and market trends to maximize selling price.
Why Choose Quiet Light Brokerage?
Image Source: quietlight.com
Quiet Light Brokerage stands out in the online business marketplace because of its deep entrepreneurial expertise, strategic approach, and commitment to client success. Unlike traditional brokerage firms that primarily focus on sales, Quiet Light’s brokers are experienced entrepreneurs who have personally built, bought, and sold online businesses. This real-world experience provides them with unique insights and hands-on knowledge, making them a preferred choice for entrepreneurs and investors.
1. Brokers with Real-World Entrepreneurial Experience
One of Quiet Light’s defining advantages is that every broker has firsthand experience running and selling online businesses. This background enables them to offer guidance that goes beyond theoretical sales tactics and aligns with practical, real-world business scenarios.
Here’s how this benefits both sellers and buyers:
- Offer tailored exit strategies based on practical business experience.
- Guide sellers through valuation, negotiations, and post-sale transitions with empathy and insight.
- Provide buyers with due diligence support, leveraging their operational knowledge to identify risks and opportunities.
Why This Matters
The traditional business brokerage model often involves brokers with only sales or financial backgrounds who lack firsthand experience in operating online businesses. In contrast, Quiet Light brokers have been in the shoes of both buyers and sellers, allowing them to provide strategic, experience-driven advice that traditional brokers simply cannot.
“Every broker at Quiet Light is a former business owner, ensuring that they understand the challenges faced by sellers and buyers firsthand.” Quiet Light Brokerage
This entrepreneur-first approach makes Quiet Light a trusted partner for anyone looking to buy or sell an online business confidently.
2. Comprehensive Buyer and Seller Support
Quiet Light Brokerage provides a structured, transparent, and efficient process for both buyers and sellers, ensuring a smooth transaction from start to finish. Their approach focuses on accuracy, confidentiality, and expert guidance, setting them apart from other business brokerage firms.
For Buyers: A Secure and Informed Purchasing Experience
Quiet Light makes the buying process more reliable and efficient by thoroughly vetting listings, ensuring confidentiality, and guiding buyers through due diligence.
- Vetted Listings for Quality and Legitimacy: Buyers gain access to a marketplace of pre-screened businesses that have undergone rigorous financial and operational verification to verify their profitability, stability, and growth potential. This means buyers don’t have to waste time filtering out low-quality or misrepresented businesses—every listing has been analyzed for profitability, operational stability, and potential risks.
- Confidentiality Measures for Secure Transactions: Quiet Light prioritizes data security by ensuring that sensitive business information is only accessible to serious, vetted buyers who have signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This prevents critical business details from being leaked or misused, safeguarding the seller’s interests while maintaining buyer trust.
- Expert Due Diligence Support: One of the biggest challenges for buyers is conducting proper due diligence to verify the business’s operational efficiency, revenue streams, and potential risks before making an investment. Quiet Light’s brokers provide step-by-step guidance in evaluating a business’s financials, operations, and growth potential. Their firsthand experience with online businesses allows them to identify risks, highlight opportunities, and ensure buyers make informed decisions.
For Sellers: A High-Value, High-Success Process
Selling a business can be complex, but Quiet Light simplifies the process by offering expert guidance from initial consultation to final sale. Their proven track record demonstrates their ability to attract qualified buyers and secure favorable deals.
- Initial Consultation with Market Insights: Sellers start with a no-obligation consultation, where they receive:
- A professional valuation based on market trends
- Insights on the best time to sell
- A review of their business’s strengths and potential red flags
This ensures that sellers enter the process fully prepared, with a clear strategy to maximize their business’s value.
- Valuation and Listing with Financial Transparency: Quiet Light’s valuation process goes beyond basic revenue calculations. They provide:
- A detailed financial breakdown to highlight profitability
- A comprehensive listing package to attract serious buyers
- Clear, data-driven justifications for the asking price
This structured approach helps businesses stand out in the marketplace, increasing the likelihood of a fast and profitable sale.
- High Success Rate in Closing Deals: Quiet Light’s data speaks for itself:
- 85% of listings sell within 90 days
- 47% of businesses sell at or above the asking price
These numbers demonstrate their effectiveness in connecting sellers with motivated buyers who are willing to meet or exceed valuation expectations.
3. Competitive and Transparent Commission Structure
One of the standout advantages of Quiet Light Brokerage is its cost-effective and transparent commission structure, which is lower than many competitors in the online business brokerage industry. This tiered commission model ensures that sellers pay a fair rate based on their business’s valuation, making it a more affordable and seller-friendly option compared to firms like Empire Flippers and FE International.
How Quiet Light’s Commission Structure Compares to Competitors
| Sales Price | Quiet Light Brokerage | Empire Flippers | FE International |
| Under $1M | 10% | 15% | 10-15% |
| $1M – $7M | 7% | 15% | Varies |
| Over $7M | 3% | 15% | Varies |
Key Notes:
- Lower Commission Rates:
- Quiet Light charges only 10% on businesses under $1M, while Empire Flippers charges 15% across the board.
- For mid-sized businesses ($1M – $7M), Quiet Light offers a significantly lower 7% rate compared to Empire Flippers’ flat 15% fee.
- For high-value businesses over $7M, Quiet Light’s commission drops to just 3%, making it a cost-effective choice for large transactions.
- No Additional Buyer Fees:
- Unlike FE International, which charges buyers a 2.5% fee on top of the purchase price, Quiet Light only charges sellers.
- This structure eliminates extra costs for buyers, making it a more attractive marketplace for serious investors.
- Tiered Approach for Fair Pricing:
- Instead of a flat fee model, Quiet Light adjusts commission rates based on business size, ensuring that larger sales aren’t overburdened with excessive fees.
- This allows sellers to retain more of their earnings, especially for businesses valued at over $7M.
Other Competitor Comparison Details for Quiet Light
| Feature | Quiet Light | Empire Flippers | FE International |
| Buyer Fees | None | None | 2.5% (capped at $1K) |
| Vetting Process | Seller financial review | 91% rejection rate | Buyer-focused due diligence |
| Migration Support | Advisor-guided | In-house team | Third-party escrow |
Key Notes:
✔ No Buyer Fees – Unlike FE International, which charges a 2.5% buyer fee, Quiet Light and Empire Flippers do not impose additional costs on buyers, making transactions smoother.
✔ Vetting Process Differences – Quiet Light prioritizes seller financial reviews, while Empire Flippers has a strict 91% rejection rate, and FE International focuses heavily on buyer-side due diligence.
✔ Migration Support – Quiet Light ensures a seamless transition for buyers and sellers through expert advisor support, guiding them through financials, negotiations, and migration processes with ease.
Quiet Light’s seller-focused approach, transparency, and expert guidance make it a top choice for entrepreneurs looking for a cost-effective and seamless business sale process.
What Types of Businesses Does Quiet Light Sell?
Quiet Light specializes in selling mid-market online businesses, typically valued between $100,000 and over $1,000,000. The company focuses on digital-first businesses with a proven revenue model, strong operational foundations, and significant growth potential. These businesses usually generate net profits between $100,000 and $3 million annually, making them attractive investments for buyers looking to acquire established online enterprises.
1. E-commerce Businesses
E-commerce represents the largest segment of businesses sold on Quiet Light. These businesses involve selling physical or digital products directly to consumers through online storefronts. The most common e-commerce models include:
- Traditional Online Stores: Businesses that operate their own websites using platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento to sell products directly to customers.
- Dropshipping Businesses: These stores sell products without holding inventory. Instead, they partner with third-party suppliers who fulfill orders on their behalf.
- Print-on-Demand (POD): Similar to dropshipping, POD businesses allow customers to order custom-designed apparel, accessories, or home decor items, which are printed and shipped directly by a third-party provider.
E-commerce businesses can generate revenue through various models, including one-time product sales, subscription-based offerings, and hybrid models that mix e-commerce with content marketing or membership programs.
2. Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) Businesses
Amazon FBA businesses leverage Amazon’s infrastructure to store, package, and ship products to customers, making it an efficient and scalable way to sell on Amazon.com. These businesses typically:
- Source products from manufacturers, wholesalers, or private-label suppliers, then list them on Amazon’s marketplace.
- Use Amazon’s logistics network to handle inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer service.
- Focus on product research, marketing, and brand differentiation to drive sales.
Amazon FBA businesses are particularly appealing because they offer semi-passive income while benefiting from Amazon’s massive customer base, Prime shipping options, and global reach.
3. Content Websites
Content-based websites generate revenue through advertising, affiliate marketing, and the sale of digital products or services. These sites typically rely on high-quality, search-engine-optimized (SEO) content to attract visitors. The most common content website models include:
- Blogs & Niche Websites: Sites that focus on specific topics such as health, finance, technology, or travel, monetized through Google AdSense, Mediavine, Ezoic, and affiliate partnerships (e.g., Amazon Associates, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate).
- Authority Websites: Established content sites that are seen as industry leaders and may also sell their own e-books, courses, or premium memberships.
- Review & Comparison Websites: These sites specialize in reviewing products or services and earning commissions through affiliate links when users make purchases.
- Digital Course Platforms: Websites that sell online courses, coaching programs, or educational materials to niche audiences.
Content websites are highly profitable because they often have low operational costs and the potential for passive income, making them ideal for buyers looking for scalable, hands-off investments.
4. SaaS (Software as a Service) Businesses
SaaS businesses develop and sell cloud-based software solutions, typically on a subscription-based model (monthly or annual payments). These businesses appeal to investors because of their recurring revenue streams and high profit margins. The types of SaaS businesses commonly sold through Quiet Light include:
- B2B SaaS (Business-to-Business): Software solutions that cater to businesses, such as CRM tools, project management software, or marketing automation platforms.
- B2C SaaS (Business-to-Consumer): Software products targeting individual users, such as productivity apps, personal finance tools, or online learning platforms.
- AI and Automation Tools: Machine-learning-driven software offering predictive analytics, AI-powered customer support, or marketing and sales team automation.
SaaS companies are highly desirable due to their scalability, predictable revenue, and ability to expand into global markets without significant additional costs.
5. Membership & Subscription-Based Businesses
Membership and subscription-based businesses generate recurring revenue by charging users a monthly or annual fee to access exclusive content, software, or services. These businesses often include:
- Online Communities & Forums: Paid-access communities where members engage in discussions, networking, and expert insights.
- Subscription Boxes: Monthly or quarterly delivery services for niche markets such as beauty products, snacks, fitness gear, or books.
- Premium Content Platforms: Websites that offer gated content, such as industry reports, training materials, or VIP memberships.
- Software Memberships: SaaS companies that offer tiered access to different features based on pricing plans.
Membership businesses are attractive because they generate predictable revenue, have high customer lifetime value (LTV), and can grow through community engagement.
How Quiet Light Values Online Businesses
Quiet Light Brokerage employs a comprehensive approach to determine the value of an online business, utilizing various data points and metrics that reflect the business’s financial health and market position. Here are the key elements they consider in their valuation process:
1. Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE)
SDE is a critical metric used to assess the value of a business. It represents the total earnings of the business before deducting owner-specific expenses, taxes, and interest. Quiet Light typically applies the SDE multiple method, where the business’s value is calculated as follows:
Business Value=SDE×Multiple
The multiple varies based on factors such as industry, growth potential, and market conditions.
2. Financial Statements
Quiet Light requires several key financial documents to assess a business’s value accurately and verify its financial health before listing it on the marketplace.
- Profit and Loss Statements: These provide insight into revenue and expenses over time.
- Balance Sheets: This helps understand the business’s assets and liabilities.
- Tax Returns: These documents validate reported earnings and provide a complete financial picture.
3. Growth Metrics
A business’s growth rate significantly influences its valuation. Quiet Light evaluates both SDE growth and revenue growth, as businesses with upward trends are generally valued higher due to increased future earning potential 24.
4. Revenue Streams
Diversity in revenue streams is another essential factor. Businesses with multiple income sources tend to be more resilient and attractive to buyers, which can positively impact their valuation.
5. Market Data
Quiet Light maintains a detailed database of closed deals, including verticals, revenue figures, SDE, asking prices, sold prices, and deal terms. This historical data helps brokers set realistic price expectations for sellers and evaluate offers confidently.
6. Unique Business Attributes
Factors that distinguish a business—such as proprietary technology, customer engagement strategies, or unique operational efficiencies—are also considered in the valuation process. These elements can add intangible value that may not be reflected in standard financial metrics.
7. Economic Conditions
Market trends and economic conditions can influence valuations as well. Quiet Light stays informed about broader economic factors affecting buyer interest and pricing strategies in specific industries.
Final Thoughts
Quiet Light Brokerage stands out as a premier choice for buying and selling online businesses, offering expert-driven guidance, a transparent commission structure, and a proven track record of success. With experienced brokers who have been in the shoes of entrepreneurs, a meticulous valuation process, and a commitment to both buyers and sellers, Quiet Light ensures seamless, high-value transactions. You might be looking to sell your business for maximum value or invest in a profitable online venture. Their strategic and client-focused approach provides a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.
Looking to maximize the value of your online business before selling? Softlist.io provides the insights, tools, and expert resources needed to optimize your business for a successful sale. Visit our website today and take the next step toward increasing your business’s worth in the online marketplace!
FAQs
What Makes Quiet Light Brokerage Different from Other Online Business Brokers?
Quiet Light stands out because all its brokers are experienced entrepreneurs who have personally bought and sold online businesses, providing expert-driven guidance that traditional brokerage firms often lack.
How Long Does It Typically Take To Sell a Business with Quiet Light?
While sale timelines vary, 85% of businesses listed with Quiet Light sell within 90 days, thanks to their extensive buyer network, accurate valuations, and expert negotiations.
Does Quiet Light Help Sellers Improve Their Business Value Before Listing?
Yes, Quiet Light offers strategic exit planning and pre-sale consultations to help sellers optimize their business operations, financials, and growth potential before going to market.
Can International Buyers and Sellers Work with Quiet Light?
Absolutely! Quiet Light works with buyers and sellers worldwide, handling cross-border transactions while ensuring compliance with financial, legal, and tax requirements.
What Level of Confidentiality Does Quiet Light Provide for Sellers?
Quiet Light prioritizes strict confidentiality, requiring buyers to sign NDAs before accessing business details, preventing sensitive information from being leaked or misused.
