how do I sell my e-commerce business?

[bikersbits]

dear all, I'm planning to relocate to Italy by june 2008 and I thought about taking my e-business with me.
Then I started thinking about selling it and I'd really appreciate some advice on the best way to do that please.
How do I value my business, advertise the sale, what do I need to do, etc, etc.
Thank you, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Roberta

 

[intellitechitsolutions]

Hi Roberta,
Well, generally an "online" business, like a traditional business would normally be valued on a couple of things:
1. Your sales figures for the last 3 yrs or so ... shows the trend
2. Your customer / client base
3. Your stocks
4. Premises (in your case, it'd be your site to an extent)

The selling price would then be a certain percentage of your annual sales - now this would ofcourse depend on the market (purchaser), and the terms of the sale. With an online business, it's very volatile - consumer trends can change overnight, so you have to consider who would be willing to buy it, OR if you already have someone, HOW MUCH would they be willing to pay for it?

I'm sure you'll get lots of other views - but if i were considering purchasing a purely online business, these would definitely be my primary concerns.

All the best - if you need any more help with the other aspects, drop me a PM and i'll be glad to guide you on.

Regards,
Faiz

 

[bikersbits]

Faiz, many thanks for that.
So is it ok for me to value the business or do I need a legal expert?
I was initially trying to put a price based on
how much I spent on the site
amount of customers and prospects
stock
so adding your points will be good thanks.

 

[Magsite]

I would value the business at what you think its worth. Its then upto you to show potential purchasers why its worth what you think!

Out of interest do you hold stock or drop ship? Things like that may make a difference.

Cheers

 

[Kay]

I'm no expert but I don't think the amount of money or time you've spent on the site is relevant. How much money it makes, or potentially can make, is going to be a much more important factor to a potential purchaser.

 

[Mark-UK]

Expect loads of daft offers like £100 or profit share lol from people that simply don't have a clue, and people trying to fleece you for your ideas and who simply waste your time and think they will do it themselves and that its that easy, trust me.

 

[1000ads]

I would make sure that before you disclose any info they sign an NDA this will protect you from people just trying to steal your business.

 

[bikersbits]

excellent, many thanks for all that.
all of you managed to raise some very good points, I'll have to do some thinking now...painful
Roberta

 

[Aspect Investments]

Once you have decided on a price, you can advertise it here for free Businesses For Sale