Sell ecommerce business?

[jamhardd]

Can anyone tell me what's the best way to sell an ecommerce business?

I've started it only a few months ago, so it's very fresh. But due to a changed situation I cannot spend enough time on it to grow it, so I'd like to transfer it to someone else. My default option is to sell current stock and just close it down. But I thought I'd try to sell it to someone for its cost as it would be a shame to simply close it down since I spent a lot of time setting the business up to a level that anyone would enjoy running:

• Set up a limited company with the same name as the domain of the store
• Highly customizable eshop from Bluepark.co.uk, very well designed and laid out
• Advanced filtering options of goods by custom parameters
• Outsourced accounting
• Outsourced storage, pick & pack and shipping at amazing negotiated rates
• Can be run from home or anywhere else!
• Payment options: credit/debit cards (WorldPay), PayPal, Google Checkout
• Full social plugin integration
• Matching name Facebook page and Twitter account
• Blog on site with RSS
• Total running cost - £110-120 a month only (includes accounting, eshop rent, minimum fees for payment providers, storage of goods)
• Selling basics for men - socks, undershirts, underwear. Expandable to add shirts, sports basics, cosmetics for men, accessories, etc.

I'm selling it for only £12500 out of which £7000 is stock (market value of £13000+). So I'm not to make money, just to transfer the business to someone who wants to start one without all the fuss (as it does take a few months to set everything up).

If anyone here is interested, I can provide more info - send me a PM. Alternatively, please tell me on which sites I can advertise this as well.

Thanks!

 

[RevaxMedia]

flippa is a great website to sell your business on

 

[jamhardd]

thanks a lot, I'll look into that!

 

[Mike tells it like it is]

why do you value your site at £5,000

What sales have you made?

 

[jamhardd]

Sales are minimal as of yet, only ones that came organically from search engines, google base, etc. Therefore I don't base the price on turnover or profit but rather on the cost/time of setting the business up: cost of designer, developer, time spent searching for the best ecommerce solution, suppliers, fulfillment partner (including negotiating really good prices), outsourced accountant, setting up the company and so on. I spent 3-4 months on that so it does take time and cost money. I think it's a fair price to ask, although I can't benchmark against any market examples either..

 

[Mike tells it like it is]

Not sure you'll get many takers to be brutal.

 

[jamhardd]

At this point I based the price on the cost. Any ideas as to what the correct price should be? And what should I base the estimate on?

 

[KeithGreen]

Please PM me. I'm happy to advise (no obligation) and have acted for clients in selling several e-commerce businesses of all sizes.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Nor should you be advertising on the forum.Naughty.

 

Can anyone tell me what's the best way to sell an ecommerce business?

I've started it only a few months ago, so it's very fresh. But due to a changed situation I cannot spend enough time on it to grow it, so I'd like to transfer it to someone else. My default option is to sell current stock and just close it down. But I thought I'd try to sell it to someone for its cost as it would be a shame to simply close it down since I spent a lot of time setting the business up to a level that anyone would enjoy running:

• Set up a limited company with the same name as the domain of the store
• Highly customizable eshop from Bluepark.co.uk, very well designed and laid out
• Advanced filtering options of goods by custom parameters
• Outsourced accounting
• Outsourced storage, pick & pack and shipping at amazing negotiated rates
• Can be run from home or anywhere else!
• Payment options: credit/debit cards (WorldPay), PayPal, Google Checkout
• Full social plugin integration
• Matching name Facebook page and Twitter account
• Blog on site with RSS
• Total running cost - £110-120 a month only (includes accounting, eshop rent, minimum fees for payment providers, storage of goods)
• Selling basics for men - socks, undershirts, underwear. Expandable to add shirts, sports basics, cosmetics for men, accessories, etc.

I'm selling it for only £12500 out of which £7000 is stock (market value of £13000+). So I'm not to make money, just to transfer the business to someone who wants to start one without all the fuss (as it does take a few months to set everything up).

If anyone here is interested, I can provide more info - send me a PM. Alternatively, please tell me on which sites I can advertise this as well.

Thanks!

Afraid a failed business is not worth a lot ,possibly the site is worth a few hundred.

Because it took you months to set up ,does not mean that it would take a pro any longer than a week to set up.

Earl

 

[WebTrust]

Not sure you'll get many takers to be brutal.

Yeah one sale = 5k?

Anyone want to buy my eCommerce store? 15k orders so 75 million?

I'll take cash

 

[Mike tells it like it is]

Afraid a failed business is not worth a lot ,possibly the site is worth a few hundred.

Because it took you months to set up ,does not mean that it would take a pro any longer than a week to set up.

Earl

My point exactly.

Any business is sold on good will, and sale and profit figures.

Sorry to be brutal but you have nothing to sell.

 

[KeithGreen]

Hold on everybody. I have sent the OP a PM and I hope he gets in touch.

I have recently sold a business like this which, apart from the product line the story was very similar to the OP. The price we achieved wasn't spectacular but it was worth the effort. Somebody might see value in this and it is certainly worth a go.

To answer part of the original question. Somebody has mentioned Flippa (I don't know how good that is, haven't tried it). Other sites include businessesforsale.com, daltonsbusiness.com, rightbiz.co.uk (which is free to advertise). There are others but these are the best in my experience.

If anyone is considering a sale or purchase of a business (not necessarily e-commerce) then I offer my advice to anyone on this forum free and without obligation and welcome a PM.

 

[Mike tells it like it is]

"The price we achieved wasn't spectacular "

And how much of that not spectacular selling price did he pay to you exactly?

 

[KeithGreen]

An agreed fee which was fair to both of us. I can put you in touch with the vendor if you like.

 

[Mike tells it like it is]

It's a sick sad world