When it comes to buying or selling online businesses, Empire Flippers and FE International are two of the most popular brokers in the industry.
Both Empire Flippers and FE International are for larger deals(for both buying and selling online businesses). The process is slightly more formal with FE International and the commission rates are the same(15%)for both brokers for deals under $7,00,000 and you get a lower commission rate with Empire Flippers for higher-value deals.
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Empire Flippers
Empire Flippers is known for its high-quality listings and a thorough vetting process that ensures the businesses listed on their platform are legitimate and profitable. They also offer a range of services, including due diligence, migration, and post-sale support, to help buyers and sellers navigate the process smoothly. However, their commission rates are higher compared to their competitors.
FE International
On the other hand, FE International is a mid-market broker that specializes in businesses with a 94.1% selling success rate. They also offer a free valuation service to help sellers determine the worth of their business. However, their listings tend to have a higher entry point, which may not be suitable for buyers looking for smaller businesses.
Listing Information and Accuracy
When it comes to buying or selling an online business, having accurate listing information is crucial. Both Empire Flippers and FE International provide detailed information about the businesses they list, but there are some differences in how they approach listing accuracy.
Empire Flippers has a rigorous vetting process for businesses that are listed on their platform. They require sellers to provide detailed financial information, traffic data, and other relevant details about the business. Moreover, Empire Flippers has an inspection period during which buyers can thoroughly review all aspects of the business before making a purchase. This helps to ensure that the listing information is accurate and that buyers have all the information they need to make an informed decision.
FE International also has a vetting process for businesses that are listed on their platform and also has a 5-day inspection period. They also provide buyers with a detailed due diligence report that includes financial information, traffic data, and other relevant details about the business.
In terms of listing accuracy, both Empire Flippers and FE International have a good track record. Empire Flippers has sold over 450+ million worth of online businesses, while FE International boasts a 94.1% success rate. However, it’s important to keep in mind that no platform can guarantee that every listing will be accurate or that every transaction will go smoothly.
Commission and Fees
When it comes to commission and fees, Empire Flippers and FE International have different structures.
Empire Flippers charges a commission of 15% for businesses sold under $700,000 and 8% for businesses between $700,000 and $5M. For businesses over $5 million, the commission rate will be reduced to 2.5%. They do not require buyers or sellers to pay escrow fees because they have an in-house system for handling the transfer of funds.
On the other hand, FE International does not provide comprehensive information about their commission fees. However, their site states a standard 15% commission and the fee can go lower depending on the final sale price. They also require buyers to pay a fee of 2.5% with a maximum payment of $1000. This fee is used to cover administrative and legal work.
It is important to note that both brokers charge a similar %15 commission rate, but FE International’s additional buyer’s fee may be a consideration for some sellers.
Valuation
When it comes to selling your website or online business, getting an accurate valuation is crucial. Both Empire Flippers and FE International offer valuation services to help you determine the value of your website or business.
Empire Flippers uses a proprietary valuation tool that takes into account various factors such as traffic, revenue, and growth potential to provide an accurate valuation. They also have a team of experienced analysts who review and verify the data before providing a final valuation.
On the other hand, FE International requires you to compile your own P&L statement, which can be time-consuming. Once you submit your P&L, they will review it and provide a valuation based on their analysis. However, this process can be slower than Empire Flippers.
Vetting and Due Diligence
When selling or buying a website, it is crucial to ensure that the transaction is legitimate and secure. This is where vetting and due diligence come into play. Both Empire Flippers and FE International have a vetting process in place, but the level of due diligence varies between the two.
Empire Flippers requires sellers to fill out a comprehensive seller’s questionnaire, which includes information about the website’s traffic, revenue, and expenses. They also have a vetting team that performs a thorough review of the website’s financials, traffic, and other important metrics. On top of that, Empire Flippers offers a 14-day inspection period, which protects the buyer in case there are any misrepresentations in the information provided by the seller.
FE International also has a vetting process in place, but they take it a step further by performing due diligence for their buyers. They provide interested buyers with an information sheet that details any legal trouble the seller has had, the time spent on the business each month, and potential growth opportunities for the business. FE International also has a team of vetting specialists who review the website’s financials, traffic, and other metrics.
Both Empire Flippers and FE International encourage buyers to ask questions and perform their own due diligence. Empire Flippers has a dedicated support team that can help buyers with any questions they may have, while FE International provides a dedicated broker to assist with the due diligence process.
Analytics and User Data
When it comes to buying or selling a website, it’s important to have access to accurate analytics and user data. Both Empire Flippers and FE International provide detailed information about a website’s traffic and user behavior, but they approach this aspect of the business differently.
Empire Flippers uses Google Analytics to track website traffic and user behavior. They require sellers to grant them access to their Google Analytics account, so they can verify the accuracy of the data and provide potential buyers with detailed reports. This ensures that buyers have access to up-to-date information about a website’s traffic and user behavior.
FE International also uses Google Analytics to track website traffic and user behavior, but they take a slightly different approach. Instead of requiring sellers to grant them access to their Google Analytics account, they use a third-party tool to analyze website traffic and user behavior. This tool provides them with detailed reports that they can share with potential buyers.
Both Empire Flippers and FE International provide realistic and accurate valuations based on the data they collect. They use sophisticated analysis and market data to determine the true value of a business, taking into account factors such as website traffic, user behavior, and revenue.
Post-Sale Support
After the sale of your website, you may require some support from your broker. Both Empire Flippers and FE International offer post-sale support to their clients.
Empire Flippers provides 14 days of free verification and post-sale support to their clients. During this period, they will help you with any technical issues that may arise with your website. They will also provide you with a detailed handover checklist to ensure that you have everything you need to run your website smoothly.
FE International, on the other hand, also offers post-sale assistance During this period, they will assist you with any issues related to the transfer of your website. They also offer a support ticket system that allows you to submit any queries you may have.
It is important to note that both brokers offer post-sale support for a limited time only. Therefore, it is recommended that you take advantage of this support as soon as possible to ensure that any issues are resolved promptly.
Customer Service and Support
When it comes to buying or selling a website or online business, having reliable customer service and support is crucial. Both Empire Flippers and FE International prioritize their customer service and support, but there are some differences to consider.
Empire Flippers offers a dedicated support team that is available 24/7 through email and live chat. They also provide a comprehensive knowledge base with articles and video tutorials to help customers navigate the buying and selling process. Empire Flippers also assigns a dedicated migration manager to assist with the transfer of the website or online business after the sale is completed.
FE International also offers a dedicated support team that is available during business hours through email and phone. They also have a knowledge base with articles and resources to help customers.
Final Thoughts: Empire Flippers vs. FE International
Empire Flippers and FE International are both reputable online business brokers that help buyers and sellers connect and complete transactions. They have different approaches and commission models, so it’s important to research and compare them to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Empire Flippers has a focus on smaller businesses. They charge a listing fee and a success fee based on the final sale price. They also have a comprehensive vetting process for businesses that are listed on their platform, which can give buyers peace of mind.
FE International, on the other hand, has a focus on larger businesses. They charge a buyer fee or a success fee based on the final sale price. They also offer a range of services, including valuation, due diligence, and deal structuring.
FE International’s buyer’s fee may be a drawback for some customers, but the platform also boasts an impressive 94.1% selling success rate. Empire Flippers, on the other hand, has a more rigorous vetting process, which means that you can buy and sell on their platform without hesitation.
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