Flippa Questions - Selling A Website.

[xylement]

Hi Warriors,

I've got a few flippa questions, tried to google and even contact flippa but no result or reply from them. I guess here's a good place to try. I'm trying to sell one of my websites, but I've got a few questions and here they are:

1) How do I get my payment?

2) How to make sure the transaction is safe, so I am not scammed?

3) How do I transfer my site's database and everything to the buyer?

Thanks in advance for those who can help me =D

[John Williamson]

For 1 and 2, use Paypal or Escrow.com

For 3, I usually just zip up the files and send them in an email and obviously push/transfer the domain via your domain registrar.

[xylement]

So usually you receive payment first? before releasing to them or? But using Paypal, they could file a chargeback isn't it? Any other more safer way? I never tried Escrow before... but do they cash out to countries like Malaysia?

[John Williamson]

Escrow would be more secure as you wouldn't give out the files until you receive payment, because you're right someone could file a chargeback with Paypal, though that's never happened to me. I suppose it also depends on how large of a purchase you're talking about. For smaller amounts, I'd do Paypal, but I have had a few upwards of $5k that I used Escrow on. Check their website, it should explain if they have country-specific contingencies.

[xylement]

Great, thanks again!

[J3thro M]

1-2
*paypal - congratulate the winning bidder, tell him/her to send payments FIRST through paypal then after you receive the payment you can start with the transfer.

* escrow - is used mainly to protect the buyer. Only use escrow if your site will be sold greater than $1000 because using escrow have more FEES.

3. Ask the buyer to give their login details for hosting so that you could do the transfer. If they won't give it, then it's good, less work for you. Just send them the files they need.

[xylement]

Oh yea, one more question. The $9 that we paid for listing. Let's say if the bid does not hit my minimum bid to sell, the auction will end and no winner right? If I were to repost the same domain for sale again... do I still need to pay the $9 again?

[kgg]

Escrow.com is a good way to protect both buyer and seller. The buyer is proteceted because their funds will not be given to the seller until all merchandise is delivered and the seller is protected in knowing that the funds have been approved and secured before they deliver their merchandise. Escrow.com will not release funds to the seller and will not refund the buyer unless they have confirmation from both parties.

Selling a website that includes web content would be set up as a service transaction and would work like this:

1. Buyer and Seller Agree to Terms
   Both parties agree to terms of the transaction, which includes a description of the service, price for each phase, the number of phases, number of days for the Buyer's inspection, and who pays the escrow fee.
2. Buyer Pays Escrow.com
   The Buyer submits an available payment option. Escrow.com verifies the payment. Premier payment methods not available on service transactions.
3. Seller Delivers Service
   Upon payment verification, the Seller is authorized to deliver the first phase or milestone. Escrow.com is prompted to pay the seller when the Buyer confirms each phase or milestone. The Buyer’s inspection period will not begin until the final phase or milestone is confirmed.
4. Buyer Accepts the Service
   The Buyer has a set number of days for an inspection and the option to accept or reject the service.
5. Escrow.com Pays the Seller
   Escrow.com pays the Seller by the method selected by the Seller(wire transfer, ACH, check by mail, check by FedEx). The transaction is complete. Sellers will be charged for each wire or overnight check fee.

When actually transferring the website you will want to copy Escrow.com on all emails in which you deliver the content or files to the buyer. This way Escrow.com will know when and how the transfer takes place and the buyer cannot claim it was not delivered.


Good Luck!

[flyfinatic]

wire transfer is a sure bet that protects SELLER... LOL

[xylement]

thanks kgg. But do you know how much is the charges for Escrow? roughly?

[TryBPO]

Originally Posted by xylement

1) How do I get my payment?

Probably the easiest way is PayPal, the safest is escrow. Honestly though, if the credit card they pay with is stolen or they charge back expect to a fight a losing battle.

Originally Posted by xylement

2) How to make sure the transaction is safe, so I am not scammed?

Know your customer. Speak to them on the phone. You are less likely to have a problem if you know their LinkedIn or Facebook and home phone. This is the number one way to avoid a scam.

Document everything. Save all receipts and emails denoting the transfer. You can use this in a chargeback situation later.

Send a physical CD copy of the site to your customer's address by FedEx with tracking. This will help you win a PayPal dispute (but not guaranteed).

Originally Posted by xylement

3) How do I transfer my site's database and everything to the buyer?

Check out my post on the subject with screencasts!

Niche Site Migration Process

[AndyStuart]

Use Escrow.
Most sites on Flippa lie about stats, and as a result, are overpriced

Paypal won't cover anything on Flippa due to it's "non-physical" item claus!