Flippa Review: Is It the Best Marketplace for Buying & Selling Online Businesses?
Thinking about buying an online business instead of starting from scratch? Or maybe you’re ready to sell your side project and cash out? Flippa is the world’s biggest marketplace for digital businesses, and in this review we’ll break down whether it’s worth your time.
Qucik Verdict (TL; DR)
4/5
Best For:
solopreneurs and creators looking to flip or buy online businesses without the complexity of traditional brokers.
Pricing:
Free browsing. Pay for listing and fees on sales
What is Flippa?
Flippa is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of digital assets. Founded in 2009, it has grown into one of the most recognized platforms for buying and selling websites (including content sites, SaaS, eCommerce, and marketplaces), mobile apps, domain names, and even starter sites or side projects. The platform works much like eBay—sellers list their business, buyers can either bid or make an offer, and once a deal is reached, Flippa facilitates the transaction through its escrow service to ensure a secure transfer.
Key Features & Benefits
Large Marketplace
Thousands of listings across niches and price points.
Diverse Digital Assets
From side hustles to six-figure SaaS companies.
Due Diligence Tools
Integrations with Google Analytics and financial verification.
Financing Options
Buyers can access third-party financing.
My Experience & Hands-On Insights
When I tested Flippa, I was impressed by the sheer variety of businesses available from $500 starter blogs to $1M+ SaaS companies. The interface makes browsing easy, and filters help narrow down by revenue, niche, or monetization model.
However, I also noticed a wide gap in listing quality. Some sellers provide detailed P&Ls and traffic data, while others share very little. This means you can find hidden gems, but you also need to be vigilant about scams or inflated claims.
The buying process is smooth once you’ve done your due diligence, but beginners might feel overwhelmed by the amount of vetting required.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Huge selection of digital businesses
- Transparent bidding system
- Access to both small and high-value deals
- Escrow service adds a layer of safety
Cons
- Risk of low-quality or misrepresented listings
- High competition for “good” businesses
- Success fees can be expensive
- Due diligence is entirely on the buyer
Pricing Breakdown
Listing Fees for Sellers
Starting at $29 for domains, $49+ for websites/businesses
Success Fees On Sales
5%–15% depending on business value
Buyer Costs
Free to browse, but Flippa offers premium due diligence services (extra cost)
Pro Tip:
If you’re selling, factor Flippa’s success fees into your asking price. Many first-time sellers forget this and end up with less profit than expected. On the buying side, set aside extra budget for professional due diligence services—spending a few hundred dollars upfront can save you thousands in a bad deal.
Best Alternatives
Who Should Use Flippa
Perfect For:
- A beginner entrepreneur looking for affordable starter sites.
- An investor interested in scaling or flipping digital assets.
- A seller who wants a large audience for their online business.
Maybe Not For:
- Anyone looking for a fully vetted, low-risk acquisition process (you’ll need to do your own due diligence).
- Complete beginners who don’t understand online business models or financial vetting.
- Sellers who expect premium valuations and white-glove brokerage services—other platforms may be better suited.
Final Verdict
Flippa remains one of the most accessible and well-known platforms for buying and selling online businesses. While it offers huge variety and opportunity, it also demands that buyers take due diligence seriously. For sellers, it provides exposure to a global market—but fees and competition can be steep.
👉 My recommendation: If you’re ready to put in the research, Flippa can be a great place to buy or sell. If you want a “safe” shortcut, look at curated brokers instead.
FAQs
Is Flippa Safe?
Yes, Flippa uses escrow and verification, but scams can still occur. Always do your own due diligence.
How much does Flippa charge sellers?
Listing fees start at $29, plus 5%–15% success fees.
Can beginners buy businesses on Flippa?
Yes, but it’s best to start small and learn how to assess listings before investing heavily.
What types of businesses sell best on Flippa?
Content sites, SaaS, eCommerce, and domain portfolios are among the most popular.