·
9
min read
Looking to sell your Amazon FBA business? Here are the top 5 Amazon business brokers in 2024 that can help sell your business.
Selling your Amazon FBA business is a pivotal moment in your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're looking to cash out on your hard work, pivot to new ventures, or simply ready for a change, the decision to sell can be both exciting and daunting. The good news is that the market for Amazon FBA businesses remains robust, with many buyers eager to acquire profitable operations.
However, getting acquired is not as easy as it used to be in 2021–2022. Today, finding the right Amazon business broker is more important than ever. Navigating the sale process can be complex, time-consuming, and fraught with potential pitfalls. This is where partnering with an experienced Amazon business broker helps maximize your sale price and ensures a smooth acquisition process.
In this article, we'll cover the 5 best Amazon business brokers in 2024, each with distinct features that might best suit your needs and goals. But before we get into the list, let's cover some basics.
Amazon business brokers are professional firms specializing in facilitating the sale of Amazon-based businesses, primarily FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) business models. They act as intermediaries between sellers and potential buyers, handling various aspects of the transaction.
A business broker's services typically include:
The main goal of a broker is to maximize the final sale price and provide a smooth sale experience for their clients. The higher a business broker sells your business for, the more money they will make, which can be lucrative for both you, as the seller, and the broker. This mutually beneficial partnership is why brokers are so popular among Amazon FBA business owners looking for an exit.
Selecting the right broker is crucial when selling your Amazon FBA business. A skilled broker can significantly impact your sale's success, potentially increasing your final price and ensuring a smoother transaction. The wrong broker can make the process a stressful nightmare.
Look for brokers with specific experience in Amazon FBA businesses. They'll understand the unique aspects of your business model and will have a repeatable methodology tailored for Amazon businesses, making the process smoother. A good broker will accurately value your business, create compelling marketing materials, connect you with qualified buyers, and guide you through negotiations and due diligence.
A broker should also have a proven track record of successful sales in your price range and industry, with plenty of legitimate testimonials and case studies to review. While broker fees can be substantial, the right professional can often justify their cost by securing a higher sale price and reducing stress.
Best for: Established Amazon FBA businesses looking for an easy exit
Total sold: Over $500 million
Average multiple: 20–60x monthly net profit
Minimum listing price: No minimum; generally over $50,000 ($2,000 net profit monthly minimum)
Success fee: Stacked commission structure — 15% under $700,000, 8% between $700,000–$5 million, and 2.5% over $5 million.
Empire Flippers is a well-respected broker/marketplace specializing in selling online businesses. A large percentage of their sales volume comes from FBA business sales, with listing prices typically in the $100,000–$10 million range. Empire Flippers has a rigorous vetting process, accepting only 9% of submitted businesses for sale.
Best for: Mid-sized to large Amazon FBA businesses looking for personalized service
Total sold: Over $500 million
Average multiple: Varies, typically 3–4x annual profit
Minimum listing price: Not specified; generally starting at $100,000
Success fee: Tiered structure — 15% on first $500,000, decreasing percentages for higher amounts. 10% for $500,000–$1 million, 9% for $1–$2 million, down to 3% above $8 million.
Quiet Light is a reputable brokerage specializing in mid-market online businesses. They offer personalized service with experienced brokers with hands-on buying and selling experience. Many of the businesses Quiet Light sells are in the $1–10 million range, but they start as low as $100,000 and go as high as $50 million.
Best for: Mid-large Amazon FBA businesses looking for a high-touch service
Total sold: Over $2.2 billion
Average multiple: Varies, typically 3–5x annual profit
Minimum listing price: No set minimum, but generally over $500,000
Success fee: Does not publicly disclose fees
Website Closers specializes in selling e-commerce and technology companies. They have experience selling Amazon FBA businesses from as little as $500,000 to over $100 million. Website Closers stand out for their experience with larger deals, high-touch service, network of qualified buyers, and ability to close deals quickly.
Best for: Smaller Amazon FBA businesses and first-time sellers
Total sold: Not disclosed; likely over $10 billion
Average multiple: Varies widely, marketplace model
Minimum listing price: No minimum
Success fee: Tiered structure — 10% sub $10,000, 9% for $250,000–$499,900, 8% for $500,000–$999,900, 7% for $1 million to $4,900,000, 4% for $5–$9,900,000, and 3% for $10–$50 million+. Plus, self-service or brokered listing packages are available at varying rates.
Flippa is the largest online marketplace for buying and selling online businesses, including Amazon FBA businesses. They offer a self-service platform and a premium managed brokerage service for larger listings. However, the open marketplace model with minimum vetting might dissuade some buyers and require extra due diligence.
Best for: Mid-market Amazon FBA businesses with complex needs
Total sold: Over $1 billion
Average multiple: Typically 3-6x annual profit
Minimum listing price: $50,000
Success fee: Tiered structure — starting at 15%; and lower percentages, the higher the sale price.
FE International is a well-established M&A advisor focusing on SaaS, e-commerce, and content businesses. They have a strong track record with Amazon businesses, boasting a 94.1% sales success rate. FE International provides end-to-end, fully managed solutions, with an in-house team handling everything from due diligence to technical transfers.
Amazon business brokers typically charge a commission of 5-15% of the final sale price of the business. This fee is usually paid by the seller upon successful completion of the sale. Some brokers may have minimum fees or tiered pricing structures, so discussing their specific fee structure upfront is best. The exact percentage can vary based on factors such as the size and complexity of the business.
In many cases, yes. A good broker can significantly increase your chances of a successful sale and often helps you get a higher price. They bring expertise in valuing FBA businesses, marketing, and negotiation, which can be invaluable, especially if it's your first time selling a business. However, if your business is very small or you have experience in M&A, you might consider handling the sale yourself.
The timeline can vary widely, but on average, you can expect the process to take 3-6 months from listing to closing. Some sales happen faster, while others may take longer, depending on factors like the size and complexity of your business, market conditions, and how quickly you can provide the necessary details for due diligence. Your broker should be able to give you a more specific estimate based on your particular situation.
You'll need to share quite a bit of information, including:
Be prepared to provide at least 24-36 months of data. If the business is new, most will expect at least 12 months of data, minimum. The more comprehensive and organized your details, the smoother the process and the quicker the sale.
The typical process includes:
Your broker will guide you through each step and handle much of the work, but you'll need to be involved throughout the process.
Look for a broker with:
Don't hesitate to interview multiple brokers and ask for references. You want a broker/marketplace you trust and feel comfortable working with, as you'll share sensitive business information.
If you decide not to use a broker, you have a few options:
Each option has pros and cons regarding time investment, potential sale price, and complexity. When deciding which route to take, consider your skills, available time, and comfort level with the sales process. While you might want to handle the sale yourself to save on broker fees, remember that brokers will generally get you a higher sale price and facilitate a quicker and smoother closing, making it easier and less stressful.
Choosing the right Amazon business broker can be a game-changer when it's time to sell your FBA business. While it's not the only path to a successful sale, working with a professional broker can help maximize your return, expedite the process, and minimize stress.
The options on this list for brokers and marketplaces are all credible places to sell your business. However, remember to do your due diligence, ask plenty of questions, and choose a partner that aligns with your goals and communication style.
I hope this article helps you find a successful exit, and I wish you the best of luck. 🤞
