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Flippa and Empire Flippers are two of the most well-known online marketplaces for buying and selling digital businesses. If you’re considering platforms like Flippa and Empire Flippers, understanding their differences is crucial before making a decision. While both platforms cater to different types of entrepreneurs, they differ significantly in terms of vetting processes, pricing models, listing quality, and post-sales support.
If you’re looking to buy a small starter site or invest in a high-value online business, selecting the right platform is essential. This in-depth comparison will guide you through the pros, cons, and key factors differentiating Flippa and Empire Flippers, helping you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways Flippa offers accessibility with lower entry costs but requires buyers to conduct their own due diligence. Empire Flippers ensures a secure buying experience with strict vetting but has higher commission fees. Flippa’s open marketplace allows for more listings, while Empire Flippers focuses on quality over quantity. Empire Flippers provides full migration support, whereas Flippa relies on buyers and sellers to handle transfers. Choosing the right marketplace depends on your business goals, budget, and need for verification and support. Understanding Flippa and Empire Flippers Two of the most well-known platforms for buying or selling an online business are Flippa and Empire Flippers . While both provide opportunities to buy and sell websites, they cater to different types of businesses and buyers. Understanding the key differences between these platforms is crucial for making the right choice.
Flippa: An Open Marketplace When comparing Flippa vs Empire Flippers, Flippa is an open marketplace that allows anyone to list a business for sale. It boasts a high volume of listings, ranging from starter websites and small businesses to established eCommerce stores and SaaS platforms. Flippa’s model provides flexibility for sellers but comes with a higher risk for buyers, as the platform does not impose strict vetting standards.
Key Features of Flippa Thousands of Listings : Flippa offers a wide range of online businesses for sale, including content websites, SaaS businesses, eCommerce stores, Amazon FBA businesses, apps, and even domain names.Low Barrier to Entry : Anyone can list a business on Flippa, making it a popular choice for sellers looking to find buyers quickly.Optional Paid Vetting Services : While Flippa does not have a mandatory vetting process, buyers can choose to pay for due diligence services to assess a business’s legitimacy.Affordable Listing Fees : Listing fees start at $29–$699 , making it relatively inexpensive for sellers to list their businesses compared to some premium marketplaces.Commission Structure : Flippa charges a 5%–10% commission per sale , depending on the type and value of the transaction. Pros of Flippa ✅Large selection of businesses at varying price points.
✅ Affordable listing fees make it accessible for new sellers.
✅ Suitable for buyers looking for budget-friendly, smaller businesses.
Cons of Flippa ❌ Higher Scam Risk —Due to its lack of strict verification, Flippa is known for fraudulent and low-quality listings.
❌ Limited Buyer Protection – Buyers must conduct thorough due diligence to avoid overpaying or buying unverified businesses.
❌ Time-Consuming Research – Sorting through thousands of listings to find legitimate opportunities requires effort.
Empire Flippers: The Curated Marketplace Empire Flippers is a curated website broker that focuses on pre-vetted, high-value online businesses. Unlike Flippa, Empire Flippers has a rigorous screening process, ensuring that all listed businesses meet strict revenue and profitability criteria. This makes it a more attractive option for serious buyers looking for quality businesses with a proven track record.
Key Features of Empire Flippers High-Quality Listings : Businesses listed on Empire Flippers must meet a minimum revenue requirement of $2,000 per month for at least 12 months, ensuring profitability.Strict Vetting Process :Every listing undergoes a detailed due diligence process before it is approved, reducing the risk of fraud.Focus on Six- and Seven-Figure Businesses : The marketplace caters to serious investors looking for well-established businesses.Free Migration Support : Buyers receive assistance in transferring the business post-sale, making the transition smooth.Dedicated Brokers : Buyers and sellers have access to professional brokers who assist throughout the transaction.No Listing Fees : Unlike Flippa, Empire Flippers does not charge sellers to list their businesses. Instead, it uses a sliding-scale commission model, ranging from 2.5% to 15%, based on the final sale price. Pros of Empire Flippers ✅ High Trust and Transparency : The strict vetting process ensures that only profitable, legitimate businesses are listed.
✅ Buyer Protection : Detailed financial and traffic data are verified before approval.
✅ Hands-On Support : Free migration support and brokers help buyers navigate the purchase process.
Cons of Empire Flippers ❌ Higher Entry Barrier for Sellers : Sellers must have a business with at least $2,000/month in revenue for a year, excluding many smaller business owners.
❌ Higher Commission Fees : While no listing fees exist, the commission structure (2.5%–15%) may be costly for high-value sales.
❌ Fewer Listings : Because of the strict screening, fewer businesses are available compared to Flippa.
Flippa vs. Empire Flippers: Key Differences Factor Flippa Empire Flippers Listing Type Open marketplace (anyone can list) Curated marketplace (strict vetting) Listing Volume 10,000+ listings, including low-revenue sites ~100 active listings, high-quality businesses Vetting Process Minimal, optional due diligence 2–4 week strict review process Fees (Sellers) $29–$699 listing fee + 5%–10% commission No listing fees, 2.5%–15% commission Fees (Buyers) Optional $49/month membership for premium access No direct fees, proof of funds required Risk Level High (scams, fake listings) Low (rigorous vetting and escrow) Migration Support Buyers/Sellers handle transfers Dedicated migration team
Who Should Use Flippa? New or small-scale buyers looking for budget-friendly online businesses. Sellers who want to list a business quickly with minimal restrictions. Entrepreneurs who are comfortable conducting their own due diligence before purchasing. Who Should Use Empire Flippers? Buyers looking for legitimate, established businesses with verified profitability. Investors searching for six- to seven-figure businesses. Sellers who want a hands-off process with professional brokerage support. Vetting Process: Flippa vs. Empire Flippers One of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing an online business is the vetting process used by the marketplace. A strong verification system ensures that buyers get legitimate businesses with accurate financials, reducing the risk of scams.
Flippa and Empire Flippers take very different approaches to vetting listings. Flippa provides a flexible, tiered verification system, while Empire Flippers enforces a rigorous screening process, resulting in a much lower acceptance rate.
Flippa’s Verification Process: Self-Service Model Flippa employs a tiered vetting system that varies based on the listing’s price. However, much of the process is self-service, meaning that sellers provide their own data with minimal oversight from Flippa.
Vetting Breakdown by Listing Price Listings Under $50K: Automated Verification Business data is self-reported by the seller. Sellers can link Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal, or other financial platforms to provide automated revenue verification. No manual review or in-depth documentation required. Listings Over $50K: Manual Vetting Requires document submission, including revenue statements and business records. Flippa performs remote audits , but they are not as detailed as a full due diligence process. Optional Due Diligence Service ($1,500) Buyers can purchase Flippa’s Due Diligence Service, which includes:
Financial and traffic verification. Background checks on the seller. Business risk analysis. This service adds an extra layer of protection but is not mandatory. Empire Flippers’ Rigorous Vetting Process Empire Flippers enforces a strict verification process that every business must pass before being approved, giving every potential buyer greater confidence in the legitimacy of listed businesses. This 1–4 week vetting process ensures that only legitimate, high-value businesses make it onto the marketplace.
Key Steps in Empire Flippers’ Vetting Process Strict Financial Verification Sellers must provide:
Bank statements to confirm revenue sources.Profit & Loss (P&L) reports detailing income and expenses.Proof of domain ownership to confirm site legitimacy. This financial documentation is manually reviewed by the Empire Flippers’ team. Revenue Requirements Listings must generate at least $2,000 in monthly revenue for 12 consecutive months. This ensures that businesses are profitable and sustainable before being listed. Buyer Qualification Buyers must complete ID verification to access listings. High-value transactions require proof of funds, ensuring that only serious buyers participate. Flippa vs. Empire Flippers: Vetting Process Comparison Feature Flippa Empire Flippers Vetting Approach Self-service with optional paid due diligence Mandatory, in-depth verification process Listing Speed Fast (automated for <$50K) Slow (1–4 weeks) Revenue Requirements None (anyone can list) Minimum $2K/month for 12 months Financial Verification Optional Mandatory (bank statements, P&L reports) Fraud Risk Higher (no strict enforcement) Lower (strict vetting rejects 88% of listings) Buyer Verification No ID verification required Buyers must verify ID and show proof of funds
Which Vetting Process is Best for You? Choose Flippa if: You want a quick and affordable listing process and are comfortable performing your own due diligence before buying.Choose Empire Flippers if: You prioritize trust, security, and quality over speed and volume, and you are looking for a well-established, profitable business. Fees & Pricing Structure The cost of buying or selling an online business varies significantly between Flippa and Empire Flippers. While Flippa charges listing and success fees upfront, Empire Flippers has no listing fees but uses a commission-based model. Understanding the fee structure of each platform can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.
Flippa’s Fees: Upfront Costs If you’re unsure how much your business is worth, Flippa provides a valuation tool that estimates its potential sale price based on key metrics. The platform operates on a tiered pricing structure , meaning that sellers pay both a listing fee and a success fee when their business sells. The platform also offers optional upgrades and premium memberships for those looking to increase visibility.
1. Listing Fees Sellers must pay a listing fee to put their business on the marketplace. The cost depends on the package level chosen:
Basic Listing: $29 – Standard listing with minimal exposure.Enhanced Listing: $49–$199 – Includes better visibility, promoted placement, and additional marketing features.Premium Listing: $399–$699 – Highest exposure, premium marketing, and additional promotional features. These fees must be paid upfront, regardless of whether the business sells.
2. Success Fees (Commission on Sales) Once a business sells, Flippa charges a success fee (commission) based on the final sale price:
5%–10% of the sale price (varies depending on the business type and value). For example, if a business sells for $50,000, the seller could pay Flippa up to $5,000 in commission.
3. Premium Membership ($49/month) Sellers and buyers can purchase Flippa’s premium membership to access additional perks:
Early access to listings (before they go public). Better insights and analytics on business valuations. Discounts on optional upgrades and marketing tools. 4. Optional Upgrades & Services Flippa also offers add-ons to help sellers market their businesses and facilitate smoother transactions:
NDA Protection ($99+): Requires buyers to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before viewing confidential information.Marketing Features ($49–$199): Includes featured placements, promoted listings, and social media ads.Escrow Services ($50+): Secure third-party escrow for safer transactions. Key Takeaways from Flippa’s Pricing Model ✅ Flexible listing packages – Sellers can choose different pricing tiers based on their needs.
✅ Lower entry barrier – Cheap listings make it easier for beginners to list their businesses.
✅ Premium membership offers exclusive perks for serious buyers and sellers.
❌ Upfront listing fees apply, even if the business doesn’t sell.
❌ High success fees (up to 10%) reduce final earnings for sellers.
❌ Additional costs for optional features can add up quickly.
Empire Flippers’ Fees: No Listing Fees Empire Flippers follows a commission-based pricing model , meaning sellers only pay when their business sells. This structure provides less risk for sellers since they don’t need to pay any upfront listing fees.
1. No Listing Fees Unlike Flippa, Empire Flippers does not charge sellers to list their businesses. Instead, they pay a commission after a successful sale.
2. Sliding-Scale Commission Structure Empire Flippers uses a tiered commission structure , which decreases as the sale price increases:
15% commission for businesses selling up to $700,000 .8% commission for businesses selling between $700,000 and $1,000,000 .2.5% commission for businesses selling over $10 million . This means that sellers of higher-value businesses pay a lower percentage in fees.
For example:
If a business sells for $500,000 , the seller would pay $75,000 in commission (15%) . If a business sells for $2 million , the seller would pay $160,000 in commission (8%) . If a business sells for $12 million , the seller would pay $300,000 in commission (2.5%) . 3. Buyer Fees & Deposit Requirement No buyer fees: Buyers do not pay additional platform fees when purchasing a business.10% Non-Refundable Deposit for ‘Buy Now’ Purchases: To prevent time-wasters, Empire Flippers requires buyers to place a 10% non-refundable deposit before proceeding with an immediate ‘Buy Now’ purchase. This deposit ensures that only serious buyers make offers. Key Takeaways from Empire Flippers’ Pricing Model ✅No upfront listing fees – Sellers don’t lose money if their business doesn’t sell.
✅ Lower commissions for high-value businesses – The tiered structure benefits larger sales.
✅ Serious buyers only – The 10% deposit requirement discourages low-quality inquiries.
❌Higher commissions (15%) for small businesses make it more expensive for lower-tier sellers.
❌ No small business listings – Since Empire Flippers focuses on high-value businesses ($2K/month revenue minimum) , sellers with lower revenue cannot list.
❌ Buyers must prove financial capability before accessing certain listings.
User Experience & Support To better understand the buyer and seller experience of Flippa and Empire Flippers, let’s explore two case studies that highlight real-world scenarios where individuals or businesses use these platforms to buy or sell an online business.
Case Study 1: Flippa Background Name: Sarah, a solopreneurBusiness Type: eCommerce Store (Dropshipping)Revenue: $1,500/monthPlatform Used: Flippa Why Sarah Chose Flippa Sarah built a small dropshipping business over two years but wanted to sell it to focus on another project. She chose Flippa because:
✔️ Low entry costs – She could list her store for just $29 .
✔️ Ease of listing – Flippa’s self-service model allowed her to upload her business details quickly.
✔️ Wide audience – With thousands of active buyers, she believed she could sell fast.
Challenges Faced ❌ High Scam Risk —Within hours of listing, Sarah received multiple inquiries from fake buyers asking her to send PayPal invoices outside the platform. She nearly fell for a scam in which a buyer offered an above-market price but insisted on a direct transaction.
❌ Minimal Seller Support —When she contacted Flippa’s customer service to report fraudulent buyers, she received only generic email responses and no hands-on help.
❌ Buyer Negotiations Were Unstructured – Without the help of a broker, Sarah struggled to negotiate a fair price.
Outcome Sarah finally sold her business for $6,500 after two months of listing. Flippa charged her a success fee of 10% ($650) . She had to verify the buyer’s credibility herself , as Flippa provided no due diligence support. Final Thoughts Would she use Flippa again? Yes, but with caution – She would pay extra for Flippa’s Due Diligence Service next time.Best for: Small business sellers who want a low-cost, fast way to list a business. Buyers and sellers who are comfortable handling their own due diligence. Case Study 2: Empire Flippers Background Name: David, an experienced entrepreneurBusiness Type: SaaS PlatformRevenue: $45,000/monthPlatform Used: Empire Flippers Why David Chose Empire Flippers David had spent five years scaling his SaaS business and wanted to sell it for at least $1 million. He chose Empire Flippers because:
✔️ Strict vetting process – Ensured only serious buyers would see his listing.
✔️ Brokers to handle negotiations – He wanted a professional to help secure the best deal.
✔️ Full migration support – His SaaS platform had complex customer data and integrations, so he needed help with the transfer.
Challenges Faced ❌ Higher Commission Fees – He initially hesitated when he realized that Empire Flippers would take 8% ($80,000) in commissions.
❌ Limited Listings Available —Although this was an advantage for quality control, it meant fewer buyers, leading to a longer selling time (about four months).
Outcome Final Sale Price: $1.2 millionCommission Paid: 8% ($96,000)Time to Sell: 4 months (due to the high value nature of the business)Buyer Vetting: Empire Flippers required the buyer to verify proof of funds, ensuring that David only dealt with serious offers.Migration Support: A dedicated migration specialist handled the transition, including customer accounts and subscriptions. Final Thoughts Would he use Empire Flippers again? ✅ Absolutely! – The process was stress-free, and he secured a higher sale price than expected. Best for: Established business owners who want premium service, buyer vetting, and hands-on support. Buyers looking for verified, high-value businesses. Flippa vs. Empire Flippers: Which Should You Choose? Both Flippa and Empire Flippers provide platforms for buying and selling online businesses, but they cater to different needs. Choosing the right one depends on factors like budget, business size, vetting requirements, and the level of support desired.
Choose Flippa If: ✅ You’re buying or selling smaller websites (<$50K).
✅ You’re comfortable handling due diligence yourself.
✅ You prefer low-cost entry and more listing variety.
Choose Empire Flippers If: ✅You’re buying an established business ($50K+).
✅ You want pre-vetted listings and reduced fraud risk.
✅ You need end-to-end support, including escrow and migration.
Both platforms offer unique benefits depending on your risk tolerance, budget, and experience level in buying/selling online businesses.
Conclusion While Flippa offers an accessible, high-volume marketplace, its low vetting standards mean higher risks for buyers. On the other hand, Empire Flippers ensures quality and security at a higher cost. Choosing between the two depends on your business needs, budget, and willingness to conduct independent due diligence.
Looking to maximize the value of your online business before selling? Softlist.io provides expert insights, tools, and strategies to help you optimize and scale your digital asset, ensuring a higher valuation in today’s competitive marketplace. Start increasing your business’s worth today!
FAQs What is better than Flippa? If you’re looking for a more secure and curated marketplace, Empire Flippers is a better alternative to Flippa. It provides a rigorous vetting process, ensuring that only legitimate, high-value businesses are listed. This reduces the risk of scams and offers a hands-on experience for buyers and sellers.
Is Empire Flippers good? Yes, Empire Flippers is highly regarded for its strict vetting process, quality listings, and dedicated support. This makes it an excellent choice for buyers and sellers of established online businesses seeking security and a smooth transaction process.
What is the commission rate for Flippa? Flippa charges a success fee ranging from 5% to 10% of the final sale price, depending on the type and value of the business sold. Additionally, sellers must pay an upfront listing fee, which varies from $29 to $699, based on the package chosen.
Is it easy to sell on Flippa? Yes, Flippa makes it easy for sellers to list a business due to its low entry barriers and minimal verification requirements. However, sellers must actively market their listings and be cautious of potential scams, as the platform does not enforce strict vetting.
How does Empire Flippers compare to Flippa for sellers? Unlike Flippa, Empire Flippers does not charge upfront listing fees but takes a commission ranging from 2.5% to 15% based on the final sale price. It also requires businesses to meet a minimum revenue threshold and undergo a thorough vetting process, making it more suitable for high-value business sales.
