33 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
33 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Selling a website on Flippa for the first time.

by Capbell
28 replies
Hey guys,

I want to sell a website on Flippa, this is my first time selling one and it makes around $750 a month (been slowly rising over the past 6 months) and it receives between 500-1000 unique visits a day.

Can anyone give me any good tips as a first time seller?

I also wish to hide the url, so the niche isn't publicly revealed (on flippa), is that possible?

Thanks guys
#flippa #selling #website
  • Profile picture of the author WeavingThoughts
    If it makes that much then I wouldn't sell it. You will probably end up making about 6-18 months worth profit upfront from the sale. I wouldn't do it.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7925809].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Capbell
    I thought it would be at least 12 months of monthly income? It has been number one for its primary keyword for a long time, and I need the cash really.

    Is there a reason I would get less than 12 months of its income? Would the fact that I have a new account affect it?


    (couldn't i simply put a reserve for minimum 12 months income?)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7925820].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Capbell View Post

      I thought it would be at least 12 months of monthly income? It has been number one for its primary keyword for a long time, and I need the cash really.

      Is there a reason I would get less than 12 months of its income? Would the fact that I have a new account affect it?


      (couldn't i simply put a reserve for minimum 12 months income?)
      I've seen them go for as little as one month. For example, on just sold on Flippa

      https://flippa.com/2896148-127-252-i...-63-378-profit
      Monthly revenue $12,700, sold for $13,000

      https://flippa.com/2906672-top-diet-...-3-day-auction
      Monthly revenue $689, sold for $2249

      https://flippa.com/2900921-9800-reve...erience-needed
      Monthly revenue $2450 sold for $2,100

      https://flippa.com/2905450-reserve-m...ce-no-expenses
      Monthly revenue $2460 sold for $4,150

      That's just from the top of the first page of Just Sold on Flippa, so no ... not all sites with revenue sell for 12 months revenue.

      .. and yes, you can hide the url. That only means that people will have to pm you to get the url, so it doesn't protect a site from copying if you give out the url to someone who wants to copy it.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926584].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Lucian Lada
        Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

        That's just from the top of the first page of Just Sold on Flippa, so no ... not all sites with revenue sell for 12 months revenue.
        Isn't the price about more than how much a website earns, such as how stable the income is, or what future it has? Because if one has a website selling a SEO automation software Google hasn't yet released an update for, I bet it won't be selling for much.
        Signature
        Professional autoresponder email writer.
        I also write premium quality articles, e-books, etc.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926602].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Lucian Lada View Post

          Isn't the price about more than how much a website earns, such as how stable the income is, or what future it has? Because if one has a website selling a SEO automation software Google hasn't yet released an update for, I bet it won't be selling for much.
          Yes, revenue isn't the only factor. It's probably the strongest factor, but buyers who do due diligence will also want to know how long it has steadily produced revenue and as you said, revenue based on the whims of Google aren't going to be a big selling point either. Design, unique content, programming, etc. are also factors.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926710].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WeavingThoughts
    12 months is possible but unlikely with a new account.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7925845].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Capbell
    Really? Damn...

    The income is adsense only, and with flippa's new way to show data from adsense directly from Google would surely make me credible?

    How can i increase my credibility as a first time seller, apart from using flippa's adsense data feed?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7925853].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mike Hlatky
    If the site is making around $750 per month, I would imagine you would be able to get 10-15x monthly profit from the sale.

    Here are a few tips to get the best price:
    1. Have a picture. I feel more comfortable bidding on a profile with a picture than an unknown user.
    2. Make your description as detailed as possible. Don't just write one paragraph and be done with it. Go it to detail about how the site makes money, where the traffic comes from, the necessary upkeep, and methods you would suggest to increase revenue.
    3. Backup all the information on your listing with proof. Screenshots of Adsense, Analytics, and whatever other sources of income you have would be best.
    4. Interact with everyone that sends you a message or makes a comment on your listing.

    Even if you do have a new account, you should be able to make 10-15 times monthly profit with a solid website.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7925918].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HealthWebmasters Dave
    People will probably ask for view (user) access to your analytics account. I suggest you give it to them

    Also, I recommend closing through escrow.com. Maybe put on the listing how the closing fees will be paid (if you intend to pay all the escrow.com fees, want to split it with buyer, or ask buyer to pay all fees). Also, make sure your escrow.com account doesn't use the same email server as the site you are selling, because you will be transferring the domain/emails to the new owner and you want full control over your escrow.com account post transfer
    Signature
    HealthWebmasters - Affiliates: Promote our Ebooks - Acne - Penis - Weightloss! 75% commissions on initial sales AND rebills!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7925935].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Capbell
      Originally Posted by HealthWebmasters Dave View Post

      People will probably ask for view (user) access to your analytics account. I suggest you give it to them

      Also, I recommend closing through escrow.com. Maybe put on the listing how the closing fees will be paid (if you intend to pay all the escrow.com fees, want to split it with buyer, or ask buyer to pay all fees). Also, make sure your escrow.com account doesn't use the same email server as the site you are selling, because you will be transferring the domain/emails to the new owner and you want full control over your escrow.com account post transfer
      Thanks for that, but like I mentioned before, I want to hide the URL, is it possible to show analytics without revealing the url?

      Flippa obviously knows the url, surely, it can confirm that the adsense and analytics shown are for that url, without publicly revealing the url?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7925947].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author HealthWebmasters Dave
        Originally Posted by Capbell View Post

        Thanks for that, but like I mentioned before, I want to hide the URL, is it possible to show analytics without revealing the url?

        Flippa obviously knows the url, surely, it can confirm that the adsense and analytics shown are for that url, without publicly revealing the url?
        I thought you meant hide the url here sorry lol. As a buyer on Flippa I wouldn't even consider buying a domain without being able to go through the site I am buying. I'm guessing hiding the URL will cost you some buyers/money.
        Signature
        HealthWebmasters - Affiliates: Promote our Ebooks - Acne - Penis - Weightloss! 75% commissions on initial sales AND rebills!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7925965].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Capbell
          Originally Posted by HealthWebmasters Dave View Post

          I thought you meant hide the url here sorry lol. As a buyer on Flippa I wouldn't even consider buying a domain without being able to go through the site I am buying. I'm guessing hiding the URL will cost you some buyers/money.
          I see! But wouldn't you like any potential niches to remain hidden, as i'm revealing the niche would open the doors for competitors.

          Can't you pay a non-refundable deposit or something to look at the website if it's hidden or something similar?

          This seems a lot more complicated than I thought it would be!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7925995].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Capbell
    Thanks for that Mike. I would definitely put a profile picture of myself, have a normal name and write out everything in as much detail as I could + adsense verified proof + statcounter logs/analytics.

    My only concern was to keep the url hidden, so that the buyer doesn't potentially get competitors. What's your opinion on that?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7925937].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jpsween88
    Whats your site? I just might buy it lol screw flippa
    Signature

    Please do not use your signature to promote affiliate/MLM programs

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7925990].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Capbell
      Originally Posted by jpsween88 View Post

      Whats your site? I just might buy it lol screw flippa
      Heh, I wouldn't feel safe doing any big transactions without an established website in between, sorry!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926006].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jpsween88
        lol understandable, with how much scamming goes on.
        Originally Posted by Capbell View Post

        Heh, I wouldn't feel safe doing any big transactions without an established website in between, sorry!
        Signature

        Please do not use your signature to promote affiliate/MLM programs

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926029].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Thomas Smale
        Originally Posted by Capbell View Post

        Heh, I wouldn't feel safe doing any big transactions without an established website in between, sorry!
        Why not? Flippa doesn't do anything to protect buyer/seller (vs a private sale), nor is there any recourse if the transaction goes south (other than banning the scammer). Don't avoid doing deals (I'm not saying you should necessarily sell outside Flippa in this case).

        Regardless of where you do the transaction, you should write up a contract (can be cost prohibitive for <$10k deals, though) and use Escrow.com. Whatever you do, do not think that because you are using Flippa you are safe.
        Signature
        I specialize in selling websites over $10,000 in value. No obligation, confidential valuation here.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926095].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Capbell
          Originally Posted by Thomas Smale View Post

          Why not? Flippa doesn't do anything to protect buyer/seller (vs a private sale), nor is there any recourse if the transaction goes south (other than banning the scammer). Don't avoid doing deals (I'm not saying you should necessarily sell outside Flippa in this case).

          Regardless of where you do the transaction, you should write up a contract (can be cost prohibitive for <$10k deals, though) and use Escrow.com. Whatever you do, do not think that because you are using Flippa you are safe.
          But selling it through flippa and using Escrow what could go wrong? What type of contract are you talking about, stating what exactly? Isn't a sale on flippa = to a valid contract?

          Thanks for all the helpful info and tips guys!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926128].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Thomas Smale
            Originally Posted by Capbell View Post

            But selling it through flippa and using Escrow what could go wrong? What type of contract are you talking about, stating what exactly? Isn't a sale on flippa = to a valid contract?

            Thanks for all the helpful info and tips guys!
            Well Flippa doesn't protect you anymore than selling privately would.

            The contracts we use are Asset Purchase Agreements - so it would be something along those lines, depending how you/your lawyer would structure it.

            No, a sale on Flippa is not a valid contract. They claim it is legally binding, but you try telling that to a lawyer if you're trying to get someone to follow through with a sale.

            Honestly, though, if it's a relatively small sale (~$10k) then Escrow.com is really all you need. A contract would help make things more watertight, but it's not essential.
            Signature
            I specialize in selling websites over $10,000 in value. No obligation, confidential valuation here.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926813].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author freotech
    I want to sell a website on Flippa, this is my first time selling one and it makes around $750 a month (been slowly rising over the past 6 months) and it receives between 500-1000 unique visits a day.

    Can anyone give me any good tips as a first time seller?

    I also wish to hide the url, so the niche isn't publicly revealed (on flippa), is that possible?
    Well done to get your site earning $750/month. There are lots of pros and cons of flipping a site. From past experience i would say that it is best to sell site when it is growing or at it's peak. Your site could be worth $6000-9000 today but then you never know, it might be worth less than $100 if for eg you lose the traffic due to Google Mood Swing.

    I also wish to hide the url, so the niche isn't publicly revealed (on flippa), is that possible?
    You can do that and get bidders to fill a NDA but the downside is that you will get less bidders. I have tried this pathway but did not work.

    Put your starting price as low - to attract interest. Set your reserve ( there will be bidders who would PM and ask you for your reserve price).

    Analytics and payment proof are most important.

    Good Luck !
    Signature


    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926081].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Capbell
      Originally Posted by freotech View Post

      Well done to get your site earning $750/month. There are lots of pros and cons of flipping a site. From past experience i would say that it is best to sell site when it is growing or at it's peak. Your site could be worth $6000-9000 today but then you never know, it might be worth less than $100 if for eg you lose the traffic due to Google Mood Swing.



      You can do that and get bidders to fill a NDA but the downside is that you will get less bidders. I have tried this pathway but did not work.

      Put your starting price as low - to attract interest. Set your reserve ( there will be bidders who would PM and ask you for your reserve price).

      Analytics and payment proof are most important.

      Good Luck !
      I see, I think i'd like to try the NDA first possibly. If you use that, how is the analyitcs/adsense proof shown? Can people see it without seeing the url before the NDA? or is the only way to see the information is by revealing the url?

      Thanks
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926193].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jbyte
        You don't need to use flippa to use escrow.com and sorry flippa can't really help you with anyone trying to scam you.

        You could offer the nda first before revealing the url - I know I would sign one if the person said there monthly income was in the range that you are stating.
        Signature

        I fix WordPress problems, PM me if you need help

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926239].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Capbell
          Originally Posted by jbyte View Post

          You don't need to use flippa to use escrow.com and sorry flippa can't really help you with anyone trying to scam you.

          You could offer the nda first before revealing the url - I know I would sign one if the person said there monthly income was in the range that you are stating.
          I am going to write all the info (in a normal way with just text, no snakeoil bright banners or claims), and it only makes sense to hide the url, for the website to retain its value, as unlimited amounts of prying eyes would see the url and potentially lead to future competitors for the buyer.

          Even though i've never used Flippa, I have a lot of experience with ebay, and the for something like this, should i be weary of "buyers" with brand new accounts? (not be to hypocritical, as I am a new seller, but surely a new buyer is even risky as a legitimate seller?)
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926277].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author jbyte
            Originally Posted by Capbell View Post

            I am going to write all the info (in a normal way with just text, no snakeoil bright banners or claims), and it only makes sense to hide the url, for the website to retain its value, as unlimited amounts of prying eyes would see the url and potentially lead to future competitors for the buyer.

            Even though i've never used Flippa, I have a lot of experience with ebay, and the for something like this, should i be weary of "buyers" with brand new accounts?
            I agree with you here, personally there is always some kind of risk selling something on flippa or anywhere for that matter on the Internet
            Signature

            I fix WordPress problems, PM me if you need help

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926287].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author wmoff
    See what you can get for it!! Get that puppy selling today. I would follow the below steps! Let us know how it goes! Good look :-)

    1. Only sell your site when its making money and has reached it potential
    2. Write a clear, accurate and concise description
    3. Provide Proof of Traffic with Analytics
    4. Provide Proof of Income
    5. Set a reasonable reserve price and duration
    6. Reply to all comments and requests promptly and courteously
    7. Build credibility by adding social proof

    Will
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926346].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mike Hlatky
    Originally Posted by Capbell View Post

    Even though i've never used Flippa, I have a lot of experience with ebay, and the for something like this, should i be weary of "buyers" with brand new accounts? (not be to hypocritical, as I am a new seller, but surely a new buyer is even risky as a legitimate seller?)
    Yes. Make sure to message potential bidders to make sure that they have some plan of action for the site. If the bidding is still really early, I will accept all bids no matter what. You just need to be more cautious toward the end of the auction.

    Be sure to use Escrow to avoid scammers. This is true if you sell the site on Flippa or elsewhere.

    In regard to keeping the URL hidden, I have never done that. I would assumme you get less viewers and bidders on your auction. If your site gets 500-1000 uniques daily and makes $750+ it isn't going to be easy to instantly replicate.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926542].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CPAInter
    Adsense sites normally reach 12-18 months income, possibly even more.

    I've seen adsense sites do quite well on Flippa.

    You might want to contact a broker though, as your account will be new.
    Signature
    Online Tutoring Marketplace: Learn & Teach ANYTHING online! Join Chalksy.com and start making money today!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7926557].message }}

Trending Topics