Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about selling, valuing, buying, and closing online business transactions.
Navigate Through FAQ
Why Acquisitions Direct
What types of businesses does Acquisitions Direct sell?
We specialize in the sale of online businesses, including eCommerce brands, Amazon FBA businesses, Shopify stores, SaaS companies, direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, and hybrid online ventures. Our team works with established digital businesses across a wide range of industries and helps business owners navigate the entire sales process, from valuation and marketing to buyer negotiations, due diligence, and closing.
Why should I use Acquisitions Direct?
Acquisitions Direct specializes in selling eCommerce businesses, Shopify stores, Amazon FBA brands, SaaS companies, and other online businesses. With over 20 years of M&A experience and hundreds of successful transactions, we take a boutique approach by focusing on a limited number of high-quality listings at a time. This allows us to provide personalized service, experienced guidance, and access to a large network of qualified buyers.
Why is your close rate so high?
We have over 20 years of M&A experience and has sold hundreds of eCommerce, SaaS, Amazon FBA, and online businesses. Unlike high-volume brokers, we take a boutique approach and only represent 12–18 high-quality listings at a time. This allows our team to provide hands-on support, experienced guidance, and a focused sales process for every client.
What geographic areas do you work with?
Acquisitions Direct primarily works with online business owners based in the United States, which represents approximately 90% of our sold listings. We also work with international business owners and have successfully sold eCommerce, Amazon FBA, Shopify, SaaS, and other online businesses on every continent worldwide.
Can Acquisitions Direct help increase the value of my business before selling?
Yes we can help business owners identify ways to improve the value of their online business before going to market. This may include improving profitability, cleaning up financials, reducing owner involvement, diversifying traffic sources, streamlining operations, and strengthening growth trends. Businesses with stable operations and strong financial performance typically receive higher valuation multiples.
Valuation
How is the price determined if I want to sell my online business?
The listing price of your online business is determined during the business valuation process. Multiple factors impact the valuation, including revenue and profit history, current financial performance, industry focus, buyer demand, growth trends, and the overall infrastructure of the business. The amount of time and effort required for a new owner to operate the business can also affect value.
How long does it take to complete a valuation on my business?
We typically complete online business valuations within 24 hours after receiving all requested financial and business information. More complex valuations, industry-specific research, or businesses valued above $5 million may take longer to ensure the most accurate valuation possible.
Are valuations confidential?
Yes. Acquisitions Direct takes confidentiality very seriously. All information provided during the online business valuation process is kept strictly confidential.
What size businesses do you work with?
Acquisitions Direct typically works with eCommerce, Shopify, Amazon FBA, SaaS, and online businesses valued between $250,000 and $30 million+. Our buyer network is primarily focused on established online businesses with strong profitability and growth potential.
What industries do you work with?
We have worked in a wide range of industries including health & wellness, beauty & skincare, apparel & fashion, pet products, home goods, sporting goods, automotive parts & accessories, electronics, medical supplies, industrial products, vitamins & supplements, musical instruments, luxury consumer brands, private label brands, DTC companies, B2B eCommerce businesses, and other niche online retail brands.
What factors increase the value of an online business?
Factors that can increase the value of an online business include consistent revenue and profit growth, diversified traffic sources, strong profit margins, recurring customers, operational stability, documented systems, a strong brand, and low owner involvement. eCommerce, Shopify, Amazon FBA, and SaaS businesses with clean financials and scalable operations typically receive higher valuation multiples.
What factors decrease the value of an online business?
Factors that can decrease the value of an online business include declining revenue or profits, customer concentration, inconsistent financial records, high owner involvement, reliance on a single traffic source, supplier risk, poor profit margins, and operational instability. eCommerce, Shopify, Amazon FBA, and SaaS businesses with volatile performance or limited growth potential typically receive lower valuation multiples.
How important are current year financials in a valuation?
Current year financials are extremely important when valuing an online business. Buyers want to understand the recent performance and growth trends of the business, especially for eCommerce, Shopify, Amazon FBA, and SaaS companies. Strong current-year revenue and profitability can increase valuation, while declining performance may lower the value of the business.
If there are no upfront fees, how does Acquisitions Direct get paid?
Acquisitions Direct is 100% performance-based. We only get paid when your business successfully sells at the agreed asking price, or at another price you choose to accept. There are no upfront fees for our business brokerage services.
Do you accept all listings?
No, Acquisitions Direct does not accept every listing. Unlike many business brokers that focus on volume, we take a boutique approach and only represent 12–18 high-quality online businesses at a time. This allows our team to provide each client with personalized attention, experienced guidance, and a focused sales process.
How long is the listing agreement?
Due to the time required to market a business, identify qualified buyers, and complete the sales process, Acquisitions Direct requires a minimum 6-month listing agreement. Most online business sales involving eCommerce, Amazon FBA, Shopify, and SaaS businesses take 3-5 months from listing to closing.
Why doesn’t Acquisitions Direct accept low-priced listings?
We focus on providing a high-quality, customized sales process for every client. Selling an online business requires substantial time, marketing, buyer outreach, and deal management, which is typically not cost-effective for businesses priced under $250,000. In addition, most of our buyers are looking for larger eCommerce, SaaS, Amazon FBA, and online businesses with stronger annual profits and growth potential.
Sales Process
Will buyers need to sign an NDA?
Yes. Acquisitions Direct takes confidentiality very seriously. Qualified buyers are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before receiving detailed information about any of our listings.
How long does it take to sell an online business?
Most online businesses sell within 4 to 6 months, depending on the size of the business, profitability, industry, and buyer demand. High-quality eCommerce, Shopify, Amazon FBA, and SaaS businesses with strong financials, stable growth, and clean operations typically sell faster.
What role does Acquisitions Direct play during negotiations?
Acquisitions Direct helps manage the negotiation process between buyers and sellers throughout the transaction. This includes assisting with offers, deal structure, pricing discussions, due diligence coordination, and helping both parties move efficiently toward a successful closing.
What is a Letter of Intent (LOI)?
A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a non-binding document that outlines the proposed terms of an online business acquisition before due diligence begins. The LOI typically includes the purchase price, deal structure, training period, exclusivity terms, and expected closing timeline for the transaction.
Can I reject offers below the asking price?
Yes. Sellers are never required to accept an offer below the asking price. Acquisitions Direct will present all qualified offers and help guide negotiations, but the final decision to accept, reject, or counter an offer is always up to the seller.
What do buyers look for during due diligence?
During due diligence, buyers verify the accuracy of the business information provided by the seller. This typically includes reviewing financial statements, bank statements, merchant account statements, tax returns, supplier invoices, payroll records, 1099 and W-2 forms, supplier agreements, and business expense documentation. Buyers may also review website analytics, advertising accounts, and operational processes for eCommerce, Amazon FBA, Shopify, and SaaS businesses.
Do you recommend using an escrow company?
Yes. An escrow company should be used for all online business transactions unless the closing is being handled directly by the buyer’s lender. Using a third-party escrow company helps protect both the buyer and seller by securely handling funds and ownership transfers during the closing process. This is especially important when selling eCommerce, Shopify, Amazon FBA, and SaaS businesses.
What happens on closing day?
On closing day, the final purchase documents are signed, funds are transferred through escrow or the lender, and ownership of the online business is officially transferred to the buyer. This typically includes transferring websites, domains, supplier accounts, social media accounts, software, and other business assets included in the sale.
Buying Process
What types of online businesses do you sell?
We specialize in selling eCommerce businesses, Shopify stores, Amazon FBA brands, SaaS companies, direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, and other established online businesses. Our listings typically range from $250,000 to over $30 million in value.
How are online businesses valued?
Online businesses are typically valued based on Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or EBITDA, along with factors such as revenue trends, profitability, industry demand, growth potential, traffic sources, operational complexity, and the overall stability of the business. eCommerce, Shopify, Amazon FBA, and SaaS businesses with strong financials and consistent growth generally receive higher valuation multiples.
How competitive is the market for buying online businesses?
The market for buying quality online businesses is highly competitive, especially for eCommerce, Shopify, Amazon FBA, and SaaS businesses with strong financials and stable growth. Well-run online businesses with consistent profitability and clean operations often receive significant buyer interest from individuals, family offices, and private equity groups.
Can I get an SBA loan to buy an online business?
It depends on the financial history of the business and the financial strength of the buyer. In general, online businesses with consistent or growing revenue and profitability over the past three years have a stronger chance of qualifying for SBA financing. The buyer’s credit profile, liquidity, and experience are also important factors. Eligible listings on Acquisitions Direct are marked as SBA financeable.
As a buyer, how will I know the seller’s financials are accurate?
Buyers should always perform thorough due diligence before purchasing an online business. This process typically includes reviewing merchant account statements, bank statements, supplier invoices, financial statements, and tax returns. A key part of due diligence is tracing revenue from the merchant accounts to the business financials. Most buyers also work with a CPA or financial advisor to help verify the accuracy of the information provided.
How long does due diligence take?
The due diligence process for an online business typically takes 3 to 4 weeks. The timeline can vary depending on the size and complexity of the business, as well as the overall transaction value and level of buyer review required.
What is included in the sale of an online business?
The assets included in the sale of an online business can vary by transaction, but typically include the website, domain names, customer lists, intellectual property, branding, supplier relationships, social media accounts, and operational processes. eCommerce, Shopify, Amazon FBA, and SaaS business sales will also include inventory, trademarks, software, and marketing assets.
Can I speak directly with the seller?
Yes. Qualified buyers will typically have the opportunity to speak directly with the seller after signing a confidentiality agreement (NDA) and reviewing the initial business information. Buyer and seller calls are an important part of the process when purchasing an online business, eCommerce brand, Shopify store, Amazon FBA business, or SaaS company.
Will I receive training from the seller after closing?
Yes all online business sales include a transition and training period after closing. The seller will typically provide support to help the buyer learn the operations, suppliers, systems, and day-to-day management of the business. The length and scope of training are negotiated as part of the purchase agreement.