Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.

I would like to buy a small business. Are there any sites that collects businesses that are for sale? I am asking about this in a general way, because that produces answers, which are relevant for more users. In my case I am specifically after buying the rights of Iphone apps. I know that I could contact developers directly, but it is a lot of work and negotiations, which might lead to nothing.

share|improve this question

closed as not constructive by Zuly Gonzalez Nov 8 '12 at 4:45

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

6 Answers

up vote 2 down vote accepted

Bizbuysell.com is a good site. Just be wary of all the 'become a millionaire working from home' "businesses" you can buy.

But there are legit businesses on that site. I sold my first company using it.

share|improve this answer

Do you mean something like this: https://flippa.com/ - it is made by the founders of 99designs.

I have not used it myself, but just browsed a little bit. Seemed very interesting, but the prices for the businesses seemed a little low.

share|improve this answer

In my opinion, be wary of any business that is for sale. When you buy a business, always ask yourself what you would do differently. If a person is making money, and doing so easily, they have no reason to sell. If you have to change the whole business plan, then don't pay much. If you have to pay much at all, why not just do it yourself from the ground up?

share|improve this answer

There are a number of websites that collect and show businesses for sale. Beware, however, as some of the larger sites (or sites that brag about how many listings they may have) tend to carry quite a bit of outdated listings information.

What I also did not like was having to wade through all the 3rd party advertising and the various listings which were nothing more than MLM type listings and work at home scams. A listings site that only caters to business brokers and provides an excellent experience for you - the potential business buyer - is what you should look for.

Being in the business brokerage and listings technology market for over eight years now, I decided to design a combination online listings management AND marketing service so that the listings information can be automated by the business brokers listing their current businesses for sale.

share|improve this answer
Greg, please take a moment to read our FAQ before continuing to participate on this site. Particularly the sections on excessive self-promotion and signatures. – Zuly Gonzalez Sep 27 '12 at 3:57

I think business for sale has problems. Or they don't have reason to sell it. But if you still want to do so, I suggest you to publish your information on some B2B platform, many people will contact you. Or just search the companies for sale on the internet.

share|improve this answer
1  
welcome to the site! There are many good reasons to sell a good business. Illness of CEO/Owner could be one good reason. Your answer does not really answer my question. – David Sep 27 '12 at 7:51

If you're talking about small businesses in the generic sense, you may want to consider looking at commercial real-estate listings. Restaurants, stores, contracting, consulting and other small business for sale, are often listed in commercial real estate directories.

If you're talking about web-based small businesses, then the best directory I know of would be the SitePoint marketplace: http://sitepointmarket.com/

share|improve this answer
I cannot see that I can buy business on sitepointmarket. – David Mar 27 '11 at 8:58
Not saying I would either. Just pointing out that it's a very well-populated site. :D – Joseph Fung Mar 31 '11 at 17:51

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.