When it comes to buying or selling premium online businesses, two names often stand out: FE International and Empire Flippers. Both platforms have earned reputations as leaders in the digital M&A space, but they cater to slightly different audiences and business types. This detailed comparison explores their features, advantages, and disadvantages and explains how to choose the right platform for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- FE International specializes in high-value SaaS, eCommerce, and content businesses with a 94.1% success rate.
- Empire Flippers offers a diverse portfolio, including affiliate websites and smaller businesses, with no buyer fees.
- FE International provides high-touch, personalized transaction support for mid-market deals.
- Empire Flippers has a broader selection of listings and a buyer-friendly fee structure.
- Sellers of high-value businesses benefit from FE International’s curated approach, while Empire Flippers caters to diverse niches and budgets.
Understanding the Platforms
Here, we will highlight the distinct strengths of Empire Flippers and FE International in the online business transaction space. While FE International specializes in high-value SaaS and eCommerce businesses focusing on quality and expertise, Empire Flippers offers a diverse range of listings catering to various industries and budgets, making it more accessible to first-time buyers.
FE International: A Trusted Name for High-Value SaaS and Content Businesses
Established in 2010, FE International has built a strong reputation in the industry, particularly for its focus on SaaS (Software as a Service), eCommerce, and content-based businesses. With over $1 billion in total sales and an impressive 94.1% success rate, this platform is ideal for sellers looking for reliability and a proven track record.
- Niche Specialization: FE International specializes in working with high-value, well-established businesses in the SaaS, eCommerce, and content sectors. This focus ensures that buyers and sellers can access curated listings that align with their interests.
- Success Rate and Expertise: The platform’s 94.1% success rate demonstrates its efficiency and ability to close deals. This level of expertise stems from its structured and hands-on approach, providing sellers with valuation services, marketing assistance, and buyer vetting.
- Listing Availability: On average, FE International hosts approximately 30 listings at any given time. While the number of listings may seem modest compared to competitors, each listing undergoes rigorous due diligence, ensuring quality over quantity.
- Cost Structure: FE International operates with a flat commission of 15%, which decreases for higher-value transactions—such as 10% for deals exceeding $500,000. Sellers appreciate this straightforward structure, as it provides clarity in terms of transaction costs. Buyers are charged a 2.5% fee, which is capped at $1,000, making it relatively affordable for those looking to acquire businesses.
Empire Flippers: A Marketplace for a Wide Range of Online Businesses
Founded in 2012, Empire Flippers has emerged as a versatile platform catering to a broader spectrum of online businesses, including SaaS, eCommerce, affiliate websites, and content sites. With over $439 million in total sales and a 72% success rate, it offers a robust marketplace with more flexibility.
- Diverse Listings: Empire Flippers stands out for its vast inventory, boasting approximately 180 listings at any given time. This diversity ensures that buyers with varying budgets and interests can find opportunities that meet their criteria.
- Accessibility and Variety: Unlike FE International, Empire Flippers caters to businesses across a wider range of sizes and industries, including smaller affiliate websites and content-based businesses. This accessibility makes it an excellent choice for first-time buyers or those exploring different niches.
- Flexible Commission Structure: Empire Flippers employs a stacked commission model, which plays a role in structuring an asset purchase agreement for larger transactions:
- 14% for the first $700,000
- 8% for the $700,000–$5 million range
- 2.5% for deals exceeding $5 million
- This structure is advantageous for larger transactions, as the commission decreases significantly with higher deal values. Unlike FE International, Empire Flippers doesn’t charge buyers any fees, making it a more attractive option for those looking to avoid additional transaction costs.
- Success Rate: While Empire Flippers’ 72% success rate is lower than FE International’s, it still reflects a strong ability to connect buyers and sellers. The platform is known for its efficient matching process, detailed vetting of listings, and robust support throughout the transaction process.
Key Comparisons
| Feature | FE International | Empire Flippers |
| Year Established | 2010 | 2012 |
| Types of Businesses | SaaS, eCommerce, limited content businesses | Diverse (eCommerce, SaaS, affiliate sites, content websites) |
| Total Listings | ~30 curated listings at any given time | ~180 available at a time |
| Total Sales | Over $1 billion | Over $439 million |
| Average Sale Price | Higher multiples for larger deals; focuses on high-value businesses | Lower multiples; wider range of businesses listed |
| Commission Structure | Flat 15% fee, decreasing for larger deals (e.g., 10% for $500,000+ transactions) | Stacked rate: 14% for the first $700,000, 8% for $700,000-$5M, and 2.5% for $5M+ deals |
| Buyer Fees | Yes: 2.5% fee, capped at $1,000 | No buyer fees |
| Success Rate | 94.1% | 72% |
| Support | High-touch service, including personalized migration support | Dedicated migration team with in-house escrow |
Comparing Success Rates
When choosing a platform, success rate is a critical metric to consider. FE International boasts an impressive 94.1% success rate, significantly higher than Empire Flippers’ 72%. This disparity reflects FE International’s focused approach, particularly in the mid-market SaaS sector, where transactions often involve high-value businesses. Conversely, Empire Flippers caters to a broader range of businesses, which may explain the lower overall success rate despite their rigorous vetting process.
Types of Businesses Listed
Both online business brokerages, FE International and Empire Flippers, cater to the growing market of online businesses but take distinct approaches regarding the types of businesses they list and the market segments they serve. Here’s a closer examination of how these two platforms position themselves in the marketplace:
FE International
Primary Focus
FE International primarily caters to mid-sized SaaS, eCommerce, and content businesses, often representing companies that have already achieved stable and robust revenue streams. These businesses are typically well-established and have a track record of consistent performance, making them attractive to serious buyers seeking high-quality investments.
Market Position
FE International is known for its specialization in larger, more established businesses, often priced in the six to eight-figure range. This focus on premium businesses positions the platform as a go-to marketplace for buyers and sellers looking for high-value acquisitions. Sellers benefit from access to a network of vetted buyers who understand the complexity and potential of these businesses, ensuring a smooth purchase agreement process for a successful website flip.
In contrast, buyers appreciate the platform’s rigorous due diligence process that ensures the quality of each listing.
Reputation for High Standards
With its niche focus on mid-sized and larger businesses, FE International stands out for handling complex, high-stakes transactions. Their expertise in SaaS and content businesses, in particular, has earned them a reputation as a reliable platform for buyers looking for stable, high-growth opportunities and sellers aiming to maximize the value of their exit.
Empire Flippers
Primary Focus
Empire Flippers has one of the most diverse portfolios in the market, including Amazon FBA business listings, affiliate websites, SaaS businesses, apps, and content websites. This diversity makes it an appealing platform for buyers with different interests, budgets, and levels of experience.
Market Position
Unlike FE International, Empire Flippers caters to a broader range of price points, with businesses valued anywhere from $30,000 to seven figures. This allows them to attract buyers at all levels, from those looking for their first online venture to experienced investors ready to scale their portfolio.
Large Selection of Listings
Empire Flippers typically has around 180 active listings at any given time, with a competitive list price structure for each, offering one of the largest selections of online businesses on the market. This volume provides buyers with a wider range of options, from smaller, affordable ventures to more substantial businesses with significant growth potential.
Accessible Entry Point for Buyers
The platform’s lower entry-level pricing makes it an excellent choice for buyers looking for smaller businesses or starter sites. Additionally, the variety of business types, including popular models like Amazon FBA and affiliate sites, allows Empire Flippers to appeal to buyers with specific interests or niche expertise.
Commission Structures and Fees
Understanding the fee structure is essential when choosing a platform for buying or selling online businesses, as it directly impacts the sale process and final valuation. Both FE International and Empire Flippers have distinct approaches to commissions and buyer fees, which can influence the overall cost of a transaction. Sellers should consider how the commission rate impacts their profits, while buyers need to assess whether additional fees make one platform more cost-effective than the other.
FE International
- Commission Rate: FE International doesn’t use a stacked commission structure like Empire Flippers; instead, it charges a flat 15% fee for most transactions, which decreases for larger deals. For example, transactions exceeding $500,000 qualify for a lower commission, making it more appealing to sellers with high-value businesses.
- Buyer Fees: Buyers on FE International incur a 2.5% fee, capped at $1,000, making it a broker that charges a buyer’s fee. While this fee ensures the platform’s services are maintained at a high standard, it may deter cost-conscious buyers who are comparing platforms.
Empire Flippers
- Commission Rate: Empire Flippers employs a stacked commission structure, charging 14% for the first $700,000, 8% for amounts between $700,000 and $5 million, and only 2.5% for transactions above $5 million. This sliding scale is particularly beneficial for large-scale transactions, where sellers can save significantly on fees.
- Buyer Fees: Unlike FE International, Empire Flippers does not charge any buyer fees, making the platform especially attractive to buyers and encouraging higher engagement with listings. This lack of buyer fees also gives sellers a competitive edge, as buyers may prefer listings where they don’t face extra charges.
Support and Services
Both FE International and Empire Flippers provide robust support systems to ensure smooth and successful transactions for buyers and sellers. However, their approaches differ in terms of the depth of service and focus areas, which can impact the overall customer experience.
FE International: Personalized, High-Touch Support
- High-Touch Services: FE International is renowned for its personalized, high-touch services, ensuring that both buyers and sellers receive dedicated support tailored to their unique needs. From the initial consultation to the final transaction, the platform provides hands-on assistance, making it ideal for those navigating complex, high-value deals.
- Comprehensive Migration Support: A key highlight of FE International’s services is its comprehensive migration support. The platform works closely with buyers and sellers during the transition of ownership, addressing technical challenges and ensuring that the business operates smoothly post-sale. This hands-on approach minimizes downtime and helps preserve the value of the business.
- Collaborative Approach: FE International prides itself on building strong client relationships, offering tailored guidance to address their specific goals. Their meticulous approach ensures a seamless process for high-stakes transactions, where every detail matters.
Empire Flippers: Streamlined Support with Specialized Teams
- Dedicated Migration Team: Empire Flippers features a dedicated migration team that handles the technical aspects of transferring business ownership, minimizing risks during the inspection period before finalizing the deal. This includes migrating domains, hosting, and accounts to ensure the buyer gains full operational control without hassle. This service is particularly valuable for buyers new to the process.
- In-House Escrow Services: To simplify the financial aspect of the transaction, Empire Flippers provides in-house escrow services. This ensures that funds are securely held and released only once both parties meet their agreed-upon conditions, adding an extra layer of trust and security.
- Rigorous Vetting Process: Before a business is listed on the Empire Flippers marketplace, it undergoes a detailed vetting process to ensure credibility and profitability, ensuring that each business meets its inspection price standards. Every business undergoes thorough checks to ensure it is profitable and meets specific performance criteria, giving buyers confidence in the legitimacy and potential of their investment.
Key Differences in Support
Depth vs. Streamlining
FE International provides a personalized, high-touch experience that includes tailored advice and migration support, ensuring that buyers are satisfied during the inspection period, ideal for high-value transactions. In contrast, Empire Flippers emphasizes streamlining the process with a specialized migration team and in-house escrow services, making it highly efficient and buyer-friendly.
Client Interaction
FE International fosters a collaborative relationship with both buyers and sellers, while Empire Flippers focuses on automating and simplifying the transaction process for smoother and faster results..
Which Support System Fits Your Needs?
- For sellers or buyers dealing with complex, high-value businesses, FE International’s personalized and comprehensive support is a strong choice.
- For those looking for efficient and streamlined transactions, Empire Flippers’ dedicated teams and escrow services provide the convenience and speed needed for a smooth transition.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Both FE International and Empire Flippers have distinct advantages and drawbacks, making them suited for different buyer and seller needs. While FE International focuses on high-value, high-success-rate transactions, Empire Flippers offers a diverse selection with no buyer fees, appealing to a broader audience.
| Feature | FE International | Empire Flippers |
| Advantages | – High Success Rate: A 94.1% success rate ensures most transactions close successfully. | – Wide Selection: Approximately 180 listings offer a diverse range of business opportunities. |
| – Focus on High-Value Deals: Attracts competitive offers from high-budget buyers. | – No Buyer Fees: Buyers face no additional costs, making the platform attractive to first-time buyers. | |
| – Excellent Support: Provides personalized guidance and thorough assistance throughout transactions. | – Rigorous Vetting: Ensures only high-quality, profitable businesses are listed. | |
| Disadvantages | – Limited Listings: Around 30 listings at any time provide fewer options for buyers. | – Lower Success Rate: At 72%, transactions are less likely to close compared to FE International. |
| – Buyer Fees: A 2.5% fee (capped at $1,000) may discourage potential buyers. | – Stacked Commission Structure: This can be costly for high-value transactions. | |
| – Restricted Information: NDA requirement for buyers may slow down the transaction process. |
How to Choose the Right Platform
Choosing the right online business broker depends on your goals, whether you’re buying or selling an online business. Factors like business size, budget, listing variety, and the level of support you need should guide your decision.
For Buyers
- Choose FE International if:
- You’re looking for high-value, mid-market SaaS or eCommerce businesses.
- You prioritize a high success rate and personalized transaction support.
- Choose Empire Flippers if:
- You want a wide variety of listings to choose from.
- You prefer a platform with no additional buyer fees.
For Sellers
- Choose FE International if:
- You’re selling a high-value business and need access to serious, high-budget buyers.
- You value hands-on support and a streamlined selling process.
- Choose Empire Flippers if:
- You’re looking to sell a smaller business or a niche website.
- You want your listing to reach a broader audience.
Conclusion
Both FE International and Empire Flippers offer unique strengths, helping sellers choose the best online business marketplace for their needs. FE International is ideal for those seeking high-value SaaS and eCommerce deals with a focus on mid-market businesses. In contrast, Empire Flippers excels in offering a broad range of options and buyer-friendly terms, making it suitable for smaller or more diverse online businesses.
Looking to maximize the value of your online business before selling? Visit Softlist.io for tools, insights, and strategies to boost your business and connect with the right marketplace today!
FAQs
What Types of Businesses Does Fe International Specialize In, and How Does It Benefit Business Owners?
FE International requires a strong track record of revenue and growth, making it ideal for high-value SaaS, eCommerce, and content sites for sale. The platform focuses on well-established business models, ensuring interested buyers gain access to premium listings and high-quality acquisition opportunities.
How Does the Fee Structure of Empire Flippers Compare to Fe International’s?
When comparing Empire Flippers vs. FE International, the two platforms differ significantly in their fee models. Empire Flippers requires a stacked commission structure starting at 14% for the first $700,000 and decreasing with higher transaction values. It does not charge a buyer fee. FE International also charges a flat 15% commission (lower for high-value deals) and includes a 2.5% buyer fee capped at $1,000.
Which Platform Is Better for First-time Buyers Looking To Invest in an Online Business?
Empire Flippers vs. FE International reveals a contrast in accessibility. Empire Flippers requires lower barriers to entry, making it a better option for potential buyers compared to FE, as it offers a broader range of listings, including smaller businesses, and does not charge a buyer fee.
Why Does Fe International Have a Higher Success Rate than Empire Flippers, and How Does Its Success Fee Compare?
FE International also boasts a 94.1% success rate due to its strict vetting process, curated listings, and hands-on approach to transactions. This results in a smoother process for interested buyers looking for quality acquisitions. While Empire Flippers requires a commission structure that decreases with transaction value, FE International requires a flat 15% success fee, adjusted for higher-value deals.
What Are Some Empire Flippers Alternatives for Selling an Online Business?
While Empire Flippers vs. FE International is a common comparison, other Empire Flippers alternatives include platforms like Flippa, which caters to smaller online businesses and starter sites. However, FE International also provides a more structured, high-touch approach for sellers looking to sell your website at a premium valuation.
Which Platform Offers Better Support for Buyers and Sellers, Including Assistance with Escrow Fees?
FE International requires a highly personalized, concierge-style service for both buyers and sellers, making it ideal for complex, high-value deals. In contrast, Empire Flippers also provides streamlined support, including a dedicated migration team and in-house escrow services, ensuring a smoother transaction process for interested buyers.
How Do the Business Models of Fe International and Empire Flippers Compare for Premium Online Business Transactions?
Empire Flippers vs. FE International showcases different approaches to business models. FE International requires established businesses with a strong revenue history, whereas Empire Flippers also lists a variety of online businesses, including those in earlier growth stages. Both platforms cater to buyers and sellers looking for high-quality content sites for sale and other online businesses.
