When buying or selling an online business, choosing the right marketplace can significantly impact your success. Two of the most prominent platforms in this space are Quiet Light Brokerage and Empire Flippers. Each caters to different business sizes, industries, and seller/buyer expectations.
This article provides an in-depth comparison, covering their business focus, fees, buyer and seller experiences, customer reviews, and success rates. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which platform best suits your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Empire Flippers specializes in mid-sized online businesses ($100K–$3M) with a high-volume, pre-vetted marketplace, while Quiet Light Brokerage focuses on premium businesses ($500K+) with personalized advisory services.
- Empire Flippers charges a flat 15% commission up to $1M, whereas Quiet Light Brokerage offers a tiered commission structure (10%–3%) that benefits high-value internet business sales.
- Empire Flippers provides a fast, streamlined transaction process with an automated valuation tool, while Quiet Light offers hands-on broker support, flexible financing, and in-depth due diligence.
- Empire Flippers has a larger buyer pool (195,000+), increasing competition for listings, while Quiet Light attracts serious investors looking for premium business acquisitions.
- Empire Flippers is ideal for quick sales and scalable digital businesses, whereas Quiet Light is better for maximizing valuation, securing high-end buyers, and personalized negotiation support.
1. Business Focus and Listings
When buying or selling online businesses, choosing the right platform can significantly affect valuation, ease of transaction, and success rate. Below, we explore two of the leading business brokerages’ specialties, listing structures, and key differentiators.
Empire Flippers: Rigorous Vetting & High Volume of Listings
Image Source: empireflippers.com
Empire Flippers is a well-known online business marketplace specializing in ecommerce, dropshipping, and content-based businesses, offering a diverse business-for-sale portfolio. Their listings range from $100,000 to $3 million, making them a popular choice for mid-range business online buyers and sellers.
Types of Businesses Sold on Empire Flippers:
- Blogs & Content Websites – Passive income sites monetized through ads and affiliate marketing.
- SaaS Platforms – Subscription-based software businesses.
- Lead Generation Businesses – Sites that generate and sell leads in specific industries.
- Amazon FBA Stores – E-commerce businesses that utilize Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
Empire Flippers is known for its strict vetting process, rejecting 91% of business submissions to maintain quality. This ensures that only the most reliable, profitable, and well-documented businesses make it to their marketplace.
Key Statistics & Market Positioning:
- Over $481 million in total business sales.
- 195,000+ registered buyers, creating a competitive environment for sellers.
- 100+ active listings at any given time, offering buyers a broad range of options.
With their automated valuation tool, transparent pricing model, and in-depth buyer-seller matchmaking process, Empire Flippers is ideal for those looking to buy an online business that is a pre-vetted online business for sale that generates revenue primarily through digital means.
Quiet Light Brokerage: Premium, High-Ticket Transactions
Image Source: quietlight.com
Quiet Light Brokerage operates at a higher price range, specializing in ecommerce businesses valued between $500,000 and over $5 million. The platform is known for its personalized, seller-focused approach, often attracting seasoned entrepreneurs and investors looking for established businesses.
Types of Businesses Sold on Quiet Light Brokerage:
- SaaS Businesses – Scalable software solutions with recurring revenue models.
- Membership & Subscription Sites – Online businesses that rely on memberships for revenue.
- Content & E-Commerce Websites – Well-established businesses with consistent earnings.
- High-Value Amazon FBA Businesses – Larger FBA businesses generating significant profits.
Unlike Empire Flippers, which caters to a higher volume of mid-sized transactions, Quiet Light Brokerage focuses on fewer but larger, high-value deals. They work closely with sellers to maximize valuation and ensure a smooth transaction process..
Key Statistics & Market Positioning:
- 85% of listings sell within 90 days, indicating a fast turnaround for sellers.
- 47% of businesses sell at or above the asking price, demonstrating substantial valuation accuracy.
- Approximately 30 active listings at a time, but these tend to be higher in value compared to Empire Flippers.
Quiet Light Brokerage regularly facilitates eight-figure transactions, whether it’s an established brand or a new business, surpassing Empire Flippers’ $3 million upper limit. Their approach is more personalized and consultative, often making them the preferred choice for sellers looking for expert advisory services and high-level deal structuring..
Summarized Comparison Table
| Feature | Empire Flippers | Quiet Light Brokerage |
| Typical Listing Price | $100,000 – $3 million | $500,000 – $5+ million |
| Business Types | E-commerce, blogs, SaaS, lead generation, Amazon FBA | SaaS, membership sites, e-commerce, high-value Amazon FBA |
| Active Listings | 100+ | ~30 |
| Vetting Process | Strict (91% rejection rate) | Custom advisory approach |
| Sale Completion Time | Moderate | 85% close within 90 days |
| Buyers | 195,000+ registered buyers | A smaller but more serious investor pool |
| Key Strengths | A high volume of listings, pre-vetted businesses, streamlined transactions | High-value sales, personalized advisory, premium deals |
| Best for… | Buyers looking for scalable digital businesses | Sellers aiming for maximum valuation & advisory |
2. Fees and Commission Structure
Both Empire Flippers and Quiet Light Brokerage operate on a commission-based model, meaning sellers pay a percentage of the final sale price, while buyers don’t incur direct platform fees. However, their commission structures, exclusivity periods, and pricing transparency differ significantly.
Empire Flippers: Flat-Rate Model with a Sliding Scale for Larger Sales
Empire Flippers follows a flat commission structure for smaller transactions and a tiered system for larger deals. Their pricing is designed to be simple and predictable for sellers.
Commission Structure:
- 15% commission on sales up to $1 million – This is a flat rate, meaning sellers always pay 15% regardless of the exact sale price.
- Sliding scale for sales over $1 million – While Empire Flippers doesn’t publicly disclose the exact breakdown, the commission rate decreases for larger sales.
Additional Cost Considerations:
- No upfront fees – Sellers only pay if their business sells.
- Due diligence and vetting process included – Empire Flippers rigorously screens businesses before listing them, ensuring only high-quality businesses are available for buyers.
- Buyers don’t pay transaction fees – The commission is solely on the seller’s side.
Exclusivity Period:
- 3-month exclusivity agreement – Once a business is listed with Empire Flippers, the seller cannot sell it through another platform or broker for at least 90 days.
- This ensures that the business is marketed solely through Empire Flippers, preventing price undercutting and competing negotiations.
Best for Sellers Who:
✅Prefer transparent, flat-rate pricing on mid-range businesses.
✅ Want strong buyer demand and an automated vetting process.
✅ Are comfortable with an exclusivity commitment of 3 months.
Quiet Light Brokerage: Tiered Commission for High-Value Sales
Quiet Light Brokerage adopts a tiered commission model, which favors sellers of high-value businesses by reducing commission rates as transaction amounts increase.
Commission Structure:
- 10% for sales up to $1 million – Slightly lower than Empire Flippers’ 15% rate, making it a cost-effective choice for small businesses.
- 8% for sales between $1 million and $3 million – Offers a discounted rate as the deal size increases.
- 5% for sales between $3 million and $7 million – Makes it cheaper for high-value transactions.
- 3% for sales above $7 million – One of the lowest commission rates among online business brokers.
Additional Cost Considerations:
- No listing or upfront fees – Sellers only pay once the business is successfully sold.
- Premium advisory services included – Quiet Light assigns a dedicated broker to assist in valuation, pricing, and negotiations.
- Buyer financing support – Quiet Light helps buyers secure financing, increasing the likelihood of closing a deal.
Exclusivity Period:
- 2-month exclusivity agreement – Shorter than Empire Flippers’ 3-month exclusivity, allowing sellers more flexibility if they decide to switch brokers or seek other sales channels.
Best for Sellers Who:
✅ Own high-value businesses ($500K+), as the tiered model lowers commissions on larger deals.
✅ Want a hands-on, personalized brokerage experience.
✅ Prefer a shorter 2-month exclusivity period for more flexibility.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Fees & Commission Models
| Feature | Empire Flippers | Quiet Light Brokerage |
| Commission for Sales ≤ $1M | 15% flat rate | 10% |
| Commission for $1M–$3M | Sliding scale (undisclosed) | 8% |
| Commission for $3M–$7M | Sliding scale (undisclosed) | 5% |
| Commission for $7M+ | Sliding scale (undisclosed) | 3% |
| Upfront Fees | ❌ No upfront fees | ❌ No upfront fees |
| Exclusivity Period | 3 months | 2 months |
| Buyer Fees | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Ideal for | Mid-market sales ($100K–$3M) | High-value sales ($500K–$10M+) |
3. Buyer Experience
A buyer’s experience in a business marketplace depends on factors like ease of access to listings, due diligence quality, transaction support, and competition for deals. Here’s how the two platforms compare:
Empire Flippers: Speed and Convenience for Buyers
Empire Flippers is known for its fast and efficient buying process, making it ideal for buyers who want quick access to vetted businesses without extensive back-and-forth negotiations.
Pros of Buying Through Empire Flippers:
✅No Buyer Fees—Buyers don’t pay platform fees when purchasing a business; the seller covers the commission.
✅ Instant Access to Vetted Business Data—Empire Flippers uses an automated vetting process to ensure listings meet strict quality standards. Buyers have immediate access to business revenue, expenses, and analytics.
✅ Streamlined Transaction Process – Transactions happen efficiently through a structured transfer process, reducing delays and uncertainty.
✅ Large Selection of Listings – With 100+ active listings at any time, buyers have more options at various price points.
Cons of Buying Through Empire Flippers:
❌ Limited Filtering Options – The platform lacks advanced search filters, making it harder to refine listings based on niche, size, or profitability.
❌ High Competition for Premium Listings – Since Empire Flippers has 195,000+ registered buyers, high-quality listings often get snatched up quickly, requiring fast decision-making from buyers.
Quiet Light Brokerage: Premium Business Buying with Expert Guidance
Quiet Light Brokerage takes a more personalized and in-depth approach, focusing on larger transactions where careful due diligence and negotiation matter.
Pros of Buying Through Quiet Light Brokerage:
✅ Personalized Broker Assistance—Buyers receive one-on-one support from an experienced broker, who helps them navigate valuations, negotiations, and legal considerations.
✅ Detailed Due Diligence – Listings undergo in-depth financial and operational reviews, reducing the risk of buying businesses with hidden issues.
✅ Access to Ultra-Premium Businesses – The platform focuses on higher-value businesses, often $500K to $10M+, making it a top choice for serious investors.
✅ Better Negotiation Flexibility – Quiet Light allows for more personalized deal structuring, giving buyers more room for creative financing and earn-out agreements.
Cons of Buying Through Quiet Light Brokerage:
❌Smaller Inventory—Quiet Light maintains only ~30 active listings at any given time, compared to Empire Flippers’ 100+, which limits buyer options.
❌ Fewer Entry-Level Listings – Since the platform specializes in high-value businesses, it’s less suitable for buyers looking for sub-$100K starter businesses.
4. Seller Experience: Empire Flippers vs. Quiet Light Brokerage
For sellers, the ideal brokerage depends on their goals—fast sales and exposure vs. maximizing the final sale price with in-depth guidance.
Empire Flippers: Best for Fast Sales & High Exposure
Empire Flippers is designed for sellers who want to sell quickly and efficiently, with a large pool of buyers and aggressive marketing.
Pros of Selling Through Empire Flippers:
✅ Speed & Exposure – With a large buyer network (195,000+ registered buyers), listings attract high demand, leading to quicker sales.
✅ Aggressive Marketing – The platform uses paid advertising, email blasts, and direct outreach to connect sellers with potential buyers.
✅ Automated Valuation & Listing Process – Sellers can quickly estimate their business’s worth and list it without lengthy manual reviews.
✅ High Liquidity for Mid-Sized Businesses—The marketplace is ideal for businesses in the $100K—$3M range, as these tend to sell fastest.
Cons of Selling Through Empire Flippers:
❌ High Commission (15%) – Sellers pay 15% on sales up to $1M, which can significantly reduce net proceeds.
❌ Strict Exclusivity Period (3 Months)- Sellers must commit to listing exclusively with Empire Flippers for 90 days, limiting their flexibility if they want to switch brokers.
❌ Competitive Market – Since Empire Flippers has a high volume of listings, individual businesses may get overshadowed by new listings.
Quiet Light Brokerage: Best for Maximizing Seller Profits
Quiet Light Brokerage takes a seller-centric approach, focusing on higher valuations, in-depth deal structuring, and ensuring top-dollar sales.
Pros of Selling Through Quiet Light Brokerage:
✅ Transparency & Seller Control – Sellers work closely with brokers to set pricing, choose buyers, and negotiate terms.
✅ Lower Commissions for High-Value Sales – Their tiered commission model (10%-3%) reduces costs for larger sales compared to Empire Flippers’ flat 15% rate.
✅ Expert Brokers for Pricing & Negotiation – Unlike Empire Flippers’ automated valuation process, Quiet Light provides hands-on pricing strategies to maximize sales value.
✅ Faster Sales for High-Ticket Businesses – 85% of listings sell within 90 days, and 47% close at or above asking price, demonstrating strong market demand.
Cons of Selling Through Quiet Light Brokerage:
❌ Smaller Buyer Pool – Quiet Light’s buyer network is more niche, focusing on investors looking for larger acquisitions ($500K+).
❌ Lower Volume of Listings – With only ~30 active listings at any time, sellers may face less immediate buyer competition, but it may take longer to attract offers.
❌ More Manual Process – Unlike Empire Flippers, which automates much of the listing and vetting process, Quiet Light requires sellers to work closely with a broker, which can be more time-intensive.
5. Customer Support and Post-Sale Assistance: Quiet Light vs. Empire Flippers
When evaluating business brokerage platforms like Quiet Light Brokerage and Empire Flippers, customer support and post-sale assistance play a crucial role. Whether you’re a startup entrepreneur starting a business or a seasoned investor looking for a profitable business, having strong guidance before, during, and after the transaction can make a significant difference. Below, we explore how these two platforms compare in terms of broker availability, responsiveness, and additional services that can help buyers and sellers secure a smooth business transfer.
Pre-Sale Support: How Well Do They Prepare You?
Empire Flippers: Automated Yet Efficient
Empire Flippers is known for its high-volume marketplace approach, meaning that while the business-for-sale process is automated, it still offers essential guidance to help users list and buy efficiently.
- Seller Onboarding: Empire Flippers provides an automated valuation tool, allowing sellers to get an instant price estimate before listing their ecommerce business.
- Vetting Process: The platform has a rigorous screening process, rejecting around 91% of business submissions to maintain high-quality listings.
- Support for Buyers: Buyers interested in buying a business have access to detailed business reports, including revenue breakdowns and traffic analysis for online businesses such as Shopify stores, dropshipping sites, ecommerce, content sites, and Amazon FBA businesses.
Quiet Light Brokerage: Hands-On Advisory
Quiet Light takes a consultative approach, offering direct broker assistance to ensure that sellers maximize their business valuation and that buyers make informed investment decisions.
- Seller Onboarding: Quiet Light assigns a dedicated advisor who works closely with sellers, whether they own a startup or an established business, to develop the best exit strategy.
- Valuation & Pricing Support: Unlike Empire Flippers, which relies on automated valuation, Quiet Light focuses on personalized pricing strategies.
- Buyer Consultation: Buyers can schedule one-on-one calls with brokers to discuss business models, investment strategies, and expected returns.
Winner: For sellers who need hands-on guidance and strategic planning, Quiet Light is the better choice. If you prefer a faster, automated process, Empire Flippers is more efficient.
Transaction Support: Handling the Sale Process
Empire Flippers: Streamlined and Transaction-Focused
Empire Flippers has built an efficient and tech-driven transaction process for content-based and ecommerce businesses:
✔ The dedicated migration team helps with the technical transfer of digital assets, such as Shopify or Amazon FBA accounts.
✔ Secure escrow service ensures payments are processed safely.
✔ Buyer-seller negotiation platform allows direct communication without a middleman.
✔ Standardized contracts minimize legal complications for sellers.
Quiet Light Brokerage: Expert-Led Negotiations
Quiet Light focuses on higher-value transactions, meaning that negotiations are more in-depth and involve broker expertise:
✔ Brokers mediate negotiations to ensure fair deals.
✔ Flexible financing options allow buyers to structure deals with earn-outs and seller financing.
✔ Legal and tax advisory is available to guide sellers through the ecommerce business acquisition process.
✔ Longer due diligence period for buyers who need more time to evaluate a business.
Winner: For fast and structured transactions, Empire Flippers excels. If you need deeper negotiation and financing support, Quiet Light is the better option.
Post-Sale Assistance: What Happens After the Deal Closes?
The sale of an online store or profitable online business doesn’t end when the money is transferred—proper post-sale support is essential for ensuring a seamless business transition.
Empire Flippers: Minimal Post-Sale Assistance
Empire Flippers provides basic migration support, including Shopify store transfers, but once the profitable online business is transferred, assistance is limited:
- 30-day migration helps to move assets and accounts.
- Standardized legal protections to prevent disputes.
- No ongoing mentorship or financial consultation after the sale.
Quiet Light Brokerage: Extended Support for Buyers and Sellers
Quiet Light’s high-touch approach extends even after the sale:
- Long-term advisory support to ensure buyers can manage their ecommerce business successfully.
- Tax and legal guidance to help with restructuring the new acquisition.
- Business growth recommendations for buyers expanding their online presence.
- Assistance in team transitions, especially for businesses with employees.
Winner: If you value post-sale guidance and want extended support to help integrate your new business model, Quiet Light provides the most value.
Comparison Table: Which Platform Offers the Best Support?
| Feature | Empire Flippers | Quiet Light Brokerage |
| Pre-Sale Support | Automated valuation, instant listing approval | Dedicated broker, in-depth valuation & strategy |
| Transaction Assistance | Escrow services, migration team, quick transfers | Broker-led negotiations, flexible financing, legal support |
| Post-Sale Support | 30-day migration help, basic transition support | Long-term advisory, tax/legal guidance, team transition assistance |
| Ideal for… | Sellers who want quick sales and exposure | Sellers who need expert advisory and premium buyers |
6. When to Choose Each Platform
Choosing between Empire Flippers and Quiet Light Brokerage depends on your business size, selling goals, and whether you are interested in buying and selling websites:
Empire Flippers is Ideal for:
- Selling businesses between $100K–$3M.
- Buyers looking for turnkey, pre-vetted businesses.
- Entrepreneurs prioritize fast transactions.
Quiet Light Brokerage is Better for:
- Selling $500K+ premium businesses.
- Sellers seeking lower commissions and personalized guidance.
- Investors looking for high-end, established businesses.
Conclusion
Both platforms are excellent choices for those looking to buy an online business, but the right one depends on your business size, goals, and selling preferences.
- Choose Empire Flippers if you need fast exposure and streamlined transactions.
- Choose Quiet Light if you prioritize high-value sales, lower fees, and expert broker guidance.
Before making a decision, carefully evaluate your business size and priorities to ensure you maximize your earnings or investment.
Looking to maximize the value of your online business before selling? Softlist provides expert insights, valuation tools, and strategies to help you optimize your business and attract serious buyers. Get the guidance you need to make informed decisions and sell at the best possible price today!
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between Empire Flippers and Quiet Light?
Empire Flippers caters to mid-sized online businesses ($100K—$3M) with a high-volume, pre-vetted marketplace, while Quiet Light specializes in premium businesses ($500K+) with personalized advisory services and lower-tiered commission rates for larger deals.
What Is the Best Platform to Sell a Business?
The best platform depends on your business size and goals—Empire Flippers is ideal for fast sales and exposure for businesses under $3M. In comparison, Quiet Light is better for maximizing valuation and securing high-end buyers for businesses over $500K.
Where Can I Buy a Legit Business?
Both Empire Flippers and Quiet Light Brokerage provide legitimate online businesses; Empire Flippers offers a larger selection of pre-vetted listings, whereas Quiet Light provides in-depth due diligence and personalized deal structuring for premium acquisitions.
Which Platform Offers the Best Commission Structure for Sellers?
Quiet Light Brokerage has a tiered commission structure (10%–3%) that lowers fees for high-value sales, while Empire Flippers charges a flat 15% commission up to $1M, making it better suited for mid-range businesses.
How Long Does It Take To Sell a Business on These Platforms?
Empire Flippers has a moderate sales timeline due to high competition among listings, whereas Quiet Light boasts an 85% success rate within 90 days, often closing at or above the asking price.
