You’re ready to buy or sell an online business, but choosing between Empire Flippers and Flippa feels overwhelming.
Here’s the thing:
picking the wrong platform could mean overpaying for a dud website, getting stuck with unrealistic buyer expectations, or watching your business sit unsold for months.
I’ve tested both platforms extensively, and after helping dozens of people navigate these marketplaces, I can tell you exactly which one fits your situation.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can make the right choice for your goals.
Quick Summary: Empire Flippers vs Flippa
| Feature | Empire Flippers | Flippa |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Listings | Vetted, profitable websites | Open marketplace for all levels |
| Buyer Vetting | Yes | No |
| Fees | 15% commission (under $700K) | $49–$499 listing + 5–10% success fee |
| Support | Full M&A support | Limited unless you upgrade |
| Best For | Investors, high-ticket buyers | Beginners, small-budget buyers |
| Minimum Revenue | $2,000+/month | No minimum |
What Is Empire Flippers?
Empire Flippers launched in 2013 as a curated marketplace for established online businesses.
They built their reputation for credibility and trustworthiness by leveraging their firsthand experience in successfully selling their own businesses.
They don’t accept just any website.
Your business needs to make at least $2,000 per month in profit and pass their screening process.
Think of Empire Flippers as the luxury car dealership of website sales.
Everything’s polished, vetted, and comes with a higher price tag.
What Is Flippa?
Flippa started in 2009 as an auction-style marketplace where anyone can list their online business.
It’s an open marketplace that allows anyone to list a business for sale, boasting a high volume of listings ranging from starter websites and small businesses to established eCommerce stores and SaaS platforms.
You’ll find everything from $500 starter sites to million-dollar businesses.
It’s more like the used car lot approach, lots of options, but you need to do your homework.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Listing Quality
Empire Flippers pre-screens every business before it goes live. They verify income, traffic, and business operations. When I was testing their vetting process, they rejected a site that looked profitable on paper but had traffic from questionable sources.
Flippa lets anyone list anything. I’ve seen everything from legitimate $100K businesses to sites that haven’t made a penny. The quality varies wildly.
Winner: Empire Flippers for serious buyers who want quality listings.
Ease of Use for Buyers
Empire Flippers makes buying simple. The dashboard shows verified metrics, and you get assigned a broker who walks you through everything. When I was evaluating a content site on their platform, the broker provided detailed traffic breakdowns and answered technical questions within hours.
Flippa gives you more control but requires more work. You’ll need to analyze listings yourself and negotiate directly with sellers. Their new AI matching system helps, but with 6x more buyers than Empire Flippers and over 400,000 AI powered buyer matched weekly, competition can be fierce.
Winner: Empire Flippers for hands-off buyers, Flippa for DIY investors.
Note: Ease of use is great and all when building a website, but when buying or selling yours, it’s ok if ease of use isn’t fully there. Because overall, you need a good process to make sure you are in good hands.
Ease of Use for Sellers
Empire Flippers handles everything once you’re approved. They write your listing, field buyer questions, and manage negotiations. The downside? Getting approved can take weeks.
Flippa lets you list immediately. You control the listing description, pricing, and buyer communication. But you’re also responsible for due diligence requests and negotiations.
Winner: Empire Flippers for busy sellers, Flippa for hands-on sellers.
Fees and Pricing
Empire Flippers uses a tiered commission structure:
- Under $700,000: flat 15% commission
- $700K-$5M: 8% on amounts above $700K
- Above $5M: 2.5% on amounts above $5M
Flippa charges listing fees plus success fees:
- Listing fees: $49-$499, depending on features
- Success fees: 5-10% based on sale price
- Brokered service for sites over $100,000 with higher fees
Winner: Flippa for lower-priced sites, Empire Flippers for high-value businesses.
Traffic and Buyer Pool
Empire Flippers attracts serious investors with deep pockets. They regularly sell 6-8 figure businesses, so buyers come prepared for substantial investments.
Flippa has a much larger buyer pool but mixed quality. Flippa is home to cheaper businesses, attracting everyone from first-time buyers to experienced investors.
Winner: Depends on your business size and target buyer.
Due Diligence Tools
Empire Flippers does the heavy lifting. They verify everything before listing and provide detailed reports to qualified buyers.
Flippa offers due diligence tools, but you’re mostly on your own unless you pay for their premium services.
Winner: Empire Flippers for peace of mind.
Success Rate and Time to Sell
Empire Flippers has higher success rates because of their vetting process. Most listings that make it to market eventually sell, though it might take 3-6 months.
Flippa has more listings but lower success rates. Many auctions end without sales, especially for overpriced or poorly presented businesses.
Winner: Empire Flippers for success rate, Flippa for speed to market.
Who Should Use Which Platform?
Use Empire Flippers If:
- Your business makes $2,000+ per month in profit
- You want professional support throughout the sale
- You don’t mind paying higher fees for quality buyers
- You prefer a hands-off selling experience
- You’re buying and want vetted, quality listings
Use Flippa If:
- You’re selling a starter site or smaller business
- You want to control the entire sales process
- You’re comfortable doing your own due diligence
- You want to save on commission fees
- You’re a first-time buyer looking for affordable options
Hidden Costs and Fine Print
Empire Flippers:
- NDA process can slow initial buyer contact
- Higher multiples mean premium pricing
- Transfer support included but timeline depends on complexity
Flippa:
- Escrow fees add to total costs
- Premium listing features cost extra
- Limited transfer support unless you upgrade
- Reserve prices might not be met in auctions
Support and Post-Sale Service
Empire Flippers handles migration support as part of their service. When I was helping a client transfer a WooCommerce store, their team coordinated with hosting providers and ensured everything worked properly.
Flippa provides basic support but leaves most transfer work to buyers and sellers. Their managed service helps, but it costs extra.
Platform Alternatives
Not sure either platform fits?
Consider these alternatives:
FE International: Focuses on SaaS and eCommerce businesses over $1M
Motion Invest: Specializes in content sites under $100K
Acquire.com: Tech-focused marketplace for startups and SaaS
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
For most people, the choice comes down to business size and personal preference.
Choose Empire Flippers if you’re dealing with established businesses and want professional support. The higher fees are worth it for the peace of mind and quality buyer pool.
Choose Flippa if you’re starting out, want control over the process, or need to keep costs low. Just be prepared to do more work yourself.
Pros and Cons
Empire Flippers Pros:
- Vetted, quality listings
- Professional broker support
- Higher success rates
- Verified buyer pool
Empire Flippers Cons:
- High commission fees
- Strict listing requirements
- Longer approval process
- Premium pricing
Flippa Pros:
- Lower fees
- No listing requirements
- Immediate listing capability
- Large buyer pool
Flippa Cons:
- Variable listing quality
- Limited support
- More work for sellers
- Higher risk for buyers
Tips for First-Time Buyers and Sellers
Before Buying:
- Always verify revenue claims independently
- Check traffic sources and sustainability
- Understand the business model completely
- Budget for transition costs
Before Selling:
- Clean up your financials
- Document all processes
- Build relationships with key suppliers
- Prepare for buyer questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flippa safe for buying websites?
Flippa is generally safe, but you need to do your own due diligence. Check seller ratings, verify claims, and use their escrow service for payments.
What percentage does Empire Flippers take?
Empire Flippers charges 15% for businesses under $700,000, with reduced rates for higher-value sales. The exact fee depends on your business value.
What’s the difference between Empire Flippers and Flippa?
Empire Flippers is a curated marketplace with vetted listings and full-service support. Flippa is an open marketplace where anyone can list, giving you more control but requiring more work.
Is Flippa good for beginners?
Yes, Flippa works well for beginners because it has lower entry barriers and educational resources. Just be prepared to learn the due diligence process.
Can I sell a Shopify store on Empire Flippers?
Yes, Empire Flippers accepts profitable Shopify stores that meet their revenue requirements and pass their vetting process.
How long does it take to sell a business on Empire Flippers or Flippa?
Empire Flippers typically takes 3-6 months from listing to sale. Flippa varies widely, from a few weeks for auction-style sales to several months for fixed-price listings.
Which platform gives better ROI for sellers?
It depends on your situation. Empire Flippers often gets higher sale prices but charges more in fees. Flippa has lower fees but may result in lower sale prices.
Do I need a minimum revenue to list on these platforms?
Empire Flippers requires at least $2,000 monthly profit. Flippa has no minimum revenue requirements.
Can I list my business on both platforms simultaneously?
Most platforms discourage this, and it can confuse potential buyers. Choose one platform and commit to the process.
What happens if my business doesn’t sell?
Empire Flippers will work with you to adjust pricing or improve the listing. Flippa allows you to relist with different terms or pricing.
Are there any upfront costs to list my business?
Empire Flippers has no upfront listing fees but takes commission on successful sales. Flippa charges listing fees ranging from $49 to $499.
How do I know if a buyer is legitimate?
Empire Flippers vets all buyers. On Flippa, check buyer ratings, ask for proof of funds, and use their secure communication system.
Ready to make your move? The right platform depends on your specific situation, but now you have all the information you need to choose wisely. Whether you go with Empire Flippers’ premium approach or Flippa’s open marketplace, success comes down to doing your homework and setting realistic expectations.
The post Empire Flippers vs Flippa: Which Is Better? (Let’s Compare) appeared first on Create A Website Today.