Avoid Getting Burned On Your Next Website Purchase

8 replies


Hey Warriors, recently someone had contacted me after getting scammed out of $1,000 for a website he purchased. And I thought I would include some of my recommendations to him to avoid getting scammed in the future.

I know there are a lot of warriors just getting started in the industry and instinctively may look at purchasing a business that is already running, yet not be aware of how to spot someone looking to swindle them out of their money. Or even if you are a pro, a lot of times you can get wrapped up in the moment or deal, and lose sight of common sense.

Just some pointers, if you decide to buy other sites online, because while there are many legitimate sellers there are some scammers.

1. Always use a reliable escrow service, sure it may cost a couple dollars more but it's well worth it, like escrow.com . And if the seller is not willing to use an escrow service, just walk away, because chances are he's trying to scam you.. That said, of course if the websites $100-200 it's not necessary. But I would say anything north of $500+ I would only transact through escrow.

2. Look at the person's prior feedback (if any), research their name online, many times people will utilize the same SN on multiple sites. If they have any feedback of trying to defraud or scam people, don't go through with the deal.

3. Get a first name and address, also look online to see if they are listed and you can verify it. And before sending payment, make sure the name they provided you matches up.

4. Get a phone number or contact of the person, preferably home phone or listed phone number. And speak with them over the phone. You can tell a lot by a person just by talking to them. Again anything for $500+

3. Always get a written contract signed between the two parties, you can find free ones online by searching for "domain sale contract" website sale contract,ect.

4. People sell websites for a profit, despite what their situation is. If they say they are losing their house, dog is sick and needs medical attention,ect. They still are selling things for a profit. Your first clue on his auctions should have been the price. No on NO one would sell a business making even $400 a month for $900. Generally speaking expect to pay between 8-18 months revenue for a site.

5. Always Always, require that you verify stats, income/paypal/ect for sites $300+ through team viewer prior to finalizing a deal and sending money. Again if they are unwilling to, chances are they are trying to scam you.

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Like to hear your feedback and continue on the list of things you do and check when purchasing websites or businesses online.
#auctions #avoid #burned #purchase #scams #website #website auctions
  • Profile picture of the author Giani
    Thats good recommendations. Many people fall in the trap and then regret. It is also important to do our own research before buying because sometimes the analytics and results shown may not be correct ones.
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    • Originally Posted by Giani View Post

      Thats good recommendations. Many people fall in the trap and then regret. It is also important to do our own research before buying because sometimes the analytics and results shown may not be correct ones.
      Thanks for the input Mate. I'll definately incorporate that into the list of suggestions, and make it more clear. The would fall into step 5, but I should have certainly been more clear! And is something you will want to verify live.
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  • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
    Originally Posted by OnlineMarketingSys View Post



    5. Always Always, require that you verify stats, income/paypal/ect for sites $300+ through team viewer prior to finalizing a deal and sending money. Again if they are unwilling to, chances are they are trying to scam you.

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    Like to hear your feedback and continue on the list of things you do and check when purchasing websites or businesses online.
    One i hear more and more often is, i purchased this site and the owner told me it was earning XYZ$ on adwords / other SEM platform.

    When i ask for the campaign it does not exist and at best the original owner can give is sketchy keywords or results.

    So if people are making claims a site makes XYZ$ through a SEM, ask for an export of the current campaign to be included with or as part of the sale / check and validate that information as well (it is easy enough to export the existing campaign (if there really is one) and to upload it to your account).
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    • Originally Posted by tryinhere View Post

      One i hear more and more often is, i purchased this site and the owner told me it was earning XYZ$ on adwords / other SEM platform.

      When i ask for the campaign it does not exist and at best the original owner can give is sketchy keywords or results.

      So if people are making claims a site makes XYZ$ through a SEM, ask for an export of the current campaign to be included with or as part of the sale / check and validate that information as well (it is easy enough to export the existing campaign (if there really is one) and to upload it to your account).
      Excellent Stuff Guy's keep it coming!! And great advice. You can even take that one step further and ask to run the campaign and swap out your adsense ads with the owners for 1-2 days to verify things.

      Again this would be for larger purchases. But it's something most serious sellers will be willing to do, I know I have done it for a couple buyers of my sites in the $40,000+ range.
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  • Profile picture of the author TheHawk
    Thank you for the great advice.. I am in process of searching good website to buy.. Tips will be helpful..
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  • Profile picture of the author mandark
    Good recommendations. I have always been too fearful of buying an expensive website because I am always afraid I will be scammed - because even when taking precautions it is possible..
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    • Profile picture of the author Diane S
      Originally Posted by mandark View Post

      Good recommendations. I have always been too fearful of buying an expensive website because I am always afraid I will be scammed - because even when taking precautions it is possible..
      Yes, it is amazing what can be faked on those website for sale listings. PR can be fake, adsense earnings screenshot can be photoshopped, traffic screenshots can be photoshopped....

      This is a great list of items to be wary of and things to do right.
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    • Originally Posted by mandark View Post

      Good recommendations. I have always been too fearful of buying an expensive website because I am always afraid I will be scammed - because even when taking precautions it is possible..
      Thanks for the input and having bought multiple sites and sold multiple sites over the years. I would say that you have to be carefully cautious, and a bit skeptical when evaluating a site to buy.

      While there are definately scammers out there and the main purpose of me starting this thread to provide some tips, for the most part people are looking to make an honest sale. I will say that having the ability and luxery to purchase sites or even ideas that are fully or partially developed is one of the way's that has allowed me to grow my businesses and properties over the years. Since 80% of the work is already done for you, and you mearly in most cases just need to take over or at least the framework and idea is already developed.

      If you follow the tips I've outlined and fully investigate the business and evaluate the site, you greatly reduce your "exposure risk." It's the times when people don't evaluate and double check everything that often times you hear about people getting swindled, like the individual who contacted me. In short he had bought a site that was too good to be true, trusted the seller without doing any homework and as a result got burned. And in most cases, you're lucky to get your money back or it will end up costing you more in the long run than you originally lost.
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