Where To Buy An E-Commerce Business: Top Marketplaces & Tips

So you’re ready to buy an e-commerce store as part of your investment or entrepreneurial journey.

But the first thought that hits you is, "What if I get scammed or overpay for something worthless?"

That’s the fear most buyers have, and it’s a fair one. Nobody wants to pour money into an online business that looks good on paper but falls apart once you own it.

At the same time, the urge to acquire an existing online business and skip the hard work of building from scratch feels tempting to you.

The good news is that there are safe, trusted places to buy an e-commerce business.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly where to look, what to check, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Why Buy An E-commerce Business?

E-commerce is not slowing down anytime soon. Global B2C e-commerce revenue is expected to reach about US$5.5 trillion by 2027 (Trade.gov).

Another report by Statista projects the global market will hit US$6.8 trillion in 2025 and climb close to US$8 trillion by 2027.

In the U.S. alone, e-commerce sales reached US$304.2 billion in Q2 of 2025, which was a 5.3% increase from the same quarter in 2024. Online sales now make up 16.3% of total retail in the country (Census.gov).

These figures make one point clear: online shopping is massive and still expanding. People are spending more online each year, and businesses that sell through digital platforms keep gaining market share.

With this kind of steady growth, buying an existing e-commerce business can be a wise move. It lets you step into a proven space where customer demand is rising and long-term potential is strong.

Where To Buy An Established E-commerce Store

If you want to buy an e-commerce business, the first step is knowing where to look. Several online marketplaces and brokers specialize in connecting buyers with sellers.

Each option comes with its own strengths and trade-offs, so it’s important to match the platform to your budget, risk level, and goals.

Here are some of the most trusted places to start your search:

1. Flippa

Flippa is one of the largest platforms for buying and selling online businesses. You’ll find everything from small Shopify stores to mid-size e-commerce brands, plus websites and mobile apps.

The main advantage is variety and affordability, as many listings are priced for beginners. The downside is quality control. Some businesses may not have strong financials, so you’ll need to do careful due diligence.

2. Empire Flippers

Empire Flippers focuses on larger, more established e-commerce businesses. They verify revenue, profits, and traffic before listing, which makes their marketplace safer than open platforms.

Buyers pay more here, but the higher price usually reflects stronger performance and less risk. If you want a business that’s already making steady profits, this is a good place to look.

3. Acquire.com

Acquire.com lists profitable e-commerce businesses alongside SaaS and other online models. The site is popular with both startups and serious buyers.

They offer solid support during the buying process, and the listings tend to have more transparency. The catch is that competition is strong, and many businesses are priced on the higher end.

4. Quiet Light

Quiet Light acts as both a broker and marketplace for high-quality e-commerce businesses. They usually work with sellers who have consistent profits and solid track records.

The pros are reliability and better business health, but the minimum investment is often high. This option is best for buyers who are ready to commit significant capital.

5. Smaller Marketplaces (SideProjectors, Niche Investor, etc.)

These platforms focus on smaller projects or niche businesses. They can be a good fit if you’re new to online ownership or want a side project with growth potential.

The pros are lower prices and easier entry, but the risk is higher. Many of these businesses need rebuilding or heavy optimization before they generate meaningful profits.

The right marketplace to buy your e-commerce business from depends on how much money, time, and risk you’re willing to take on.

What To Check Before Buying An E-commerce Store

Before you invest in an e-commerce business, you need to do careful checks. These steps protect your money and reduce the chance of unpleasant surprises:

• Financials: Ask for profit and loss statements covering at least the last 12 months. Review revenue, cost of goods, and expenses. Confirm that profits are consistent and not inflated by one-time events.

• Traffic & Customers: Look at where website traffic comes from. Organic search is more stable than paid ads. Ask for data on customer retention, return rates, and buying habits.

• Supply Chain & Inventory: Study the supplier network. Are they reliable and easy to replace if needed? If inventory is part of the deal, check where it’s stored and whether delays or shortages are common.

• Technology & Platform: Find out what platform the store uses, like Shopify or WooCommerce. Check for outdated code, security risks, or other tech problems.

• Legal, Growth & Seller Terms: Confirm ownership of trademarks, content, and domains. Look for growth opportunities through new products or markets. Finally, ask why the owner is selling and review payment terms, including non-compete clauses.

Recommended: Is An E-Commerce Business Profitable Or Just Hype?

How Much Does An E-commerce Business Cost?

When you buy an e-commerce business, the price is usually set as a multiple of net profit.

This multiple reflects factors like niche, revenue stability, growth trends, and overall risk.

For strong, well-performing brands, you can expect valuations between 20× and 50× monthly profit.

For example, a store making $10,000 net profit each month might sell for anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000, depending on its track record.

Beyond the purchase price, you should plan for extra expenses during the transition.

These can include migrating the website to your systems, training on the existing operations, or even rebranding if you want to adjust the business image.

Professional costs, such as financial audits or legal review, are also common.

Factoring these into your budget from the start will give you a clearer picture of what the total investment really looks like.

Risks To Be Aware Of When Buying An E-commerce Business

Buying an e-commerce business comes with real risks, and knowing them upfront helps you avoid costly mistakes.

One common issue is fake numbers. Some sellers exaggerate revenue or traffic, so you should always verify claims using third-party tools like Google Analytics or accounting records.

Another risk is dependence on a single supplier. If that supplier goes out of business or raises prices, the store could struggle to operate.

There’s also platform risk. Businesses that rely too heavily on Amazon, Facebook, or Google ads can suffer if policies or algorithms change overnight.

Lastly, you should think about customer loyalty. If most buyers only purchase once or chase the lowest price, long-term profit may be weaker than it looks on paper.

These risks don’t mean you shouldn’t buy—they just mean you need to check carefully before committing money.

Key Steps To Buying A Thriving E-commerce Business:

If you’re ready to purchase an e-commerce business, following a clear process will make the journey smoother. Here are the simple steps to follow:

Step 1. Decide what size of business you can afford in terms of cost, profit, and time.

Step 2. Choose marketplaces or brokers to browse.

Step 3. Shortlist 2–3 businesses that fit your goals.

Step 4. Do due diligence: check financials, traffic, suppliers, and legal ownership.

Step 5. Negotiate the price and terms with the seller.

Step 6. Plan the transfer of domains, accounts, inventory, customers, and staff.

Step 7. Complete the handover and monitor the business closely in the first few months.

FAQs: Where Can You Buy An E-commerce Business?

Buyers looking to acquire e-commerce businesses usually have plenty of questions. Here are answers to some of the most common questions to help you with your purchase process:

1. How much money do I need to buy an e-commerce business?

How much money you need to buy an e-commerce business depends on the size and profitability of the business. Smaller stores might cost a few thousand dollars, while established brands can run into hundreds of thousands or even millions. A good rule of thumb is to expect 20× to 50× the business’s monthly net profit.

2. How long does it take to buy an e-commerce business?

The length of time it takes to buy an e-commerce business can vary, but if you already know your budget and goals, the process often takes 30 to 90 days. This includes browsing listings, doing due diligence, negotiating, and transferring assets. If you use a broker or service, the process may be faster and less stressful.

3. Do I need experience to run an e-commerce business I buy?

No, you don’t need experience to run an e-commerce business, but it can prove helpful. Many e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce are beginner-friendly. What matters most is your willingness to learn and adapt. You can also hire freelancers or agencies to handle marketing, operations, or customer service if you want a more hands-off approach.

4. What’s the biggest risk when buying an e-commerce business?

The biggest risks when buying an e-commerce store include overpaying for a business with inflated numbers or buying one that relies too much on a single traffic source or supplier. Doing a thorough due diligence and asking the right questions can help you reduce these risks.

5. Can I finance the purchase of an e-commerce business?

Yes, you can finance the purchase of an e-commerce business. Some sellers offer seller financing, where you pay part upfront and the rest over time. Others may allow earn-outs tied to performance. You can also look into traditional business loans, though approval depends on your credit and the business’s financial health.

6. How do I choose the right niche when buying an e-commerce business?

To choose the right niche when buying an e-commerce business, you should start by looking at niches that interest you, since you’ll spend time learning and managing the business. Check demand through search data, market reports, and customer reviews. Avoid niches that depend only on short-lived trends. A good niche has steady demand, repeat buyers, and room to grow with new products or markets.

Recommended: Buying An E-commerce Business vs Starting One: Which Wins?

The Bottom Line

Now you know where to buy an e-commerce business, whether it’s Flippa, Empire Flippers, Quiet Light, or Acquire.com. Each of these marketplaces serves a different type of buyer, so the best choice depends on your budget, goals, and risk appetite. Remember to conduct proper, in-depth checks to ensure you set yourself up for a safer purchase and a thriving business that will actually grow.

If you’d rather not handle the full process of buying an established e-commerce store alone, our EcomAcquire service can guide you. We help buyers like you acquire profitable e-commerce businesses in as little as 30 days, based on their budget. Our team manages due diligence, negotiations, and closing, so you avoid common risks and focus on running the business once it’s yours. It’s a safe, structured path for those who want expert support.