Some folks like to start their own businesses from scratch, but others prefer to buy an existing one. If you’re in the latter camp and have some money to invest, buying an existing online business can be a safer bet.

However, buying a Shopify store can be a bit tricky. But don’t worry! With a bit of planning and careful research, you can successfully buy a Shopify store. 

Let me walk you through the details!  

Why Should You Consider Buying Instead of Starting A Shopify Store?

When expanding your online business presence, many entrepreneurs default to building a new Shopify store from scratch. However, buying an existing Shopify store can offer significant advantages that are often overlooked. Here’s why purchasing might be the smarter strategy: 

• Skip the Setup & Save Time: When you buy a store, much of the groundwork is already done: products are listed, the design is set, and the site is live. You don’t have to build from scratch or spend weeks setting up everything yourself.
• Get Immediate Traffic & Revenue: Established stores often come with existing customers, website traffic, and even active sales. That means you can start earning right away instead of waiting for your marketing efforts to kick in.
• Benefit from a Validated Niche: A store that’s already generating revenue has proven that there’s demand for its products. This removes a lot of the guesswork and risk involved with testing an entirely new business idea.
• Save on Branding & Content Creation: Buying a store means you also get access to assets like logos, product photos, social media accounts, and email lists—things that take time (and money) to build from scratch.
• Focus on Growth Instead of Launch: Rather than worrying about technical setup, you can spend your time improving what already exists—like optimizing ads, expanding the product line, or improving customer experience.conduct thorough due diligence on its financials, traffic sources, and backend operations.

So, Which Shopify business models do merchants want to buy?

Business Model	Key Benefits	What Buyers Look For	Best For
Dropshipping	– Low upfront cost- Easy to launch and manage remotely- Scalable with ads	– Reliable suppliers- Profitable ad campaigns- Strong branding- Fast, consistent fulfillment	First-time buyers or solo operators seeking low risk
Print-on-Demand (POD)	– No inventory- Creative product lines- High margins	– Unique, niche-focused designs- Loyal audience- High-quality mockups	Creatives, marketers, or community-driven brands
Branded / Private Label	– Long-term brand value- Higher LTV- Greater control over quality	– High-quality unique products- Strong story/mission- Custom packaging	Buyers looking for premium, sustainable eCommerce assets
Subscription Box	– Predictable recurring revenue- High retention potential	– Solid MRR- Low churn- Efficient fulfillment systems	Buyers seeking stable monthly income
One-Product/Niche Store	– Easy to manage- Focused targeting- High conversion potential	– Proven winning product- Viral marketing history- Upsell/cross-sell opportunities	Buyers wanting a simple, focused scaling opportunity
Wholesale / B2B	– High AOV- Repeat purchases- Less competition in niche markets	– Established B2B clients- Efficient backend operations- Tiered pricing systems	Experienced operators or buyers with B2B sales background
Content + Commerce Hybrid	– Built-in traffic- High trust & engagement- Multiple monetization options	– Active blog or channel- SEO rankings- Engaged email list or community	Buyers who value organic traffic and long-term authority

Okay, let’s dive into the place and process of buying a Shopify store and help you navigate the twists and turns of the online marketplace with ease.

5 Best Places to Buy A Shopify Store

If you are looking to purchase an existing Shopify store instead of building one from scratch, there are several reputable platforms and marketplaces where you can find businesses for sale.

1. Flippa

Flippa is one of the largest marketplaces for digital assets, including Shopify stores, blogs, SaaS businesses, and apps. It’s especially popular among beginner buyers due to its low entry cost and wide variety of listings, though quality can vary significantly.

Price Range: $500 – $100,000+

Key Features:

• User-friendly marketplace
• Auction and “Buy It Now” formats
• Access to traffic and financial data
• Due diligence tools (via Flippa Due Diligence add-on)

Pros & Cons:
✅ Huge listing variety
✅ Beginner-friendly filters and tools
❌ Requires thorough vetting (some listings overstate metrics)
❌ No built-in escrow (must use external service)

Best For: First-time buyers or budget-conscious entrepreneurs looking for small to medium Shopify stores.

2. Acquire.com (formerly MicroAcquire)

Acquire.com is a curated marketplace that connects buyers with vetted online businesses, including profitable Shopify stores. Unlike open listing platforms, Acquire.com emphasizes quality over quantity, featuring established businesses with consistent revenue and growth potential.

Price Range: $10,000 – $1,000,000+

Key Features:

• Private, invite-only buyer/seller interactions
• Verified revenue and traffic (in many cases)
• Legal templates and acquisition support
• No middleman (you negotiate directly)

Pros & Cons:
✅ High-quality, serious sellers
✅ Clean UI, strong filters
❌ Less inventory for minimal budgets
❌ Direct negotiation may feel intimidating to beginners

Best For: Experienced buyers or those looking for legit, revenue-generating Shopify stores with growth potential.

3. Empire Flippers

Empire Flippers is a premium M&A-style marketplace for buying and selling online businesses, including well-established Shopify stores. Every listing undergoes strict vetting, making it a go-to for serious buyers seeking high-performing assets.

Price Range: $50,000 – $5,000,000+

Key Features:

• Verified financials and traffic
• Hands-on migration support
• Personalized buyer guidance
• Extensive listing data and filters

Pros & Cons:
✅ High trust and quality control
✅ End-to-end assistance from advisors
❌ Higher listing prices
❌ $297 deposit to unlock full listing details

Best For: Buyers with solid capital who want to invest in reliable, high-revenue Shopify stores with long-term potential.

4. FE International

FE International is a global M&A advisory firm that helps investors buy and sell digital businesses, particularly in eCommerce, SaaS, and content. They handle mid-to-large Shopify business acquisitions with full legal and financial support.

Price Range: $100,000 – $10,000,000+

Key Features:

• Comprehensive business valuation and due diligence
• Professional deal management
• Targeted to institutional buyers and serious investors
• Trusted by large portfolio buyers

Pros & Cons:
✅ Best-in-class M&A service
✅ High success rate and smooth acquisition process
❌ High entry threshold
❌ Not suitable for casual or new buyers

Best For: Enterprise buyers or investors looking for turnkey Shopify businesses with significant revenue and proven operations.

5. Private Brokers & Facebook Groups

Private communities and groups like “Shopify Store Exchange” on Facebook or independent brokers offer more flexible, off-market deals. These can be ideal for finding niche stores or negotiating better prices, though the risk is higher without platform safeguards.

Price Range: $1,000 – $50,000+ (varies widely)

Key Features:

• Direct access to founders
• Negotiation flexibility
• Often faster transaction timelines
• No listing or platform fees

Pros & Cons:
✅ Good deals for savvy buyers
✅ Lower fees
❌ Minimal protection or verification
❌ High risk of scams without due diligence

Best For: Experienced buyers who can perform due diligence independently and are looking for hidden gems or deals outside mainstream platforms.

How To Buy A Shopify Store: A Detailed Guide

Step 1: Preparation Before Buying A Shopify Store

Preparation is key. So, take the time to assess your financial limits and personal interests. Your investment should align with your goals.

Your Budget

You should ask yourself: How much am I willing to invest upfront? And how much do I have for ongoing costs like inventory and marketing?

Your budget isn’t just about dollars. It’s also about the time you’re willing to invest. When I started, I underestimated the time needed to run a hands-on store, and it became overwhelming. Learn from my mistake-don’t stretch yourself too thin! 

Your Niche

The store should match your interests and expertise. Knowing what excites you will make running your store more enjoyable and keep you motivated when challenges arise. If you care about ethical business, look for stores that align with those principles. 

Besides, try to balance demand and competition. Some trendy niches on Shopify are custom products, eco-friendly items, tech gadgets, beauty, and skincare. These niches often have strong customer interest, but they can also be competitive. 

Step 2: Browse Businesses For Sale

Once you’ve set your budget and decided on your niche, it’s time to explore what’s available on the market.

Find selling platforms 

There are several reputable platforms where you can find Shopify stores for sale. Here are some of the platforms to consider:

• Flippa: This platform offers a wide variety of businesses, ranging from small stores to larger ones. You can filter by niche, price, and performance metrics to find a store that fits your needs. Flippa also provides buyer protection services and a bidding system for competitive purchases. 
• Empire Flippers: If you are looking for a vetted, profitable Shopify store, consider Empire Flippers. Right here, you can get detailed due diligence reports to access the business before making an offer. 
• BuySellEmpire: With a focus on high growth, BuySellEmpire comes with detailed revenue reports, growth analysis, and customer data. The platform also offers a range of pricing options. Thus, you can choose from a budget-friendly choice or a high-end purchase. 
• FE International: Known for its high-quality listings, FE International provides a curated selection of Shopify stores. Plus, you can access a full-service acquisition experience, including due diligence support and post-sale assistance. 
• BizBroker24: BizBroker24 is another trusted option for buying ecommerce stores. They list a mix of small, medium, and large Shopify businesses, with comprehensive information on each one. There are also many tools here to help you evaluate stores. 
• Acquire.com: If you focus on high-value transactions and want to reach sellers of well-established online businesses, do not miss Acquire.com. The platform is popular for transparency, with detailed metrics and performance reports. 

Browse Shopify stores for sale on the platform

Once you’ve identified a platform, start browsing the listings for Shopify stores that fit your budget and niche. The browsing process differs from platform to platform. For example, if you browse Shopify stores for sale on Flippa, follow these steps:

• Visit Flippa’s website. 
• Use the search bar to filter listings, especially for Shopify stores. 

• Browse the available Shopify stores and check the details, such as monthly revenue, profit margins, traffic, and sales history. 

Create a list of your interested stores

Now you have some stores that catch your eye, create a list of your favorite ones. As you go through each listing, note essential details like the store’s niche, sales history, and traffic stats. 

Don’t rush the process! You need to take your time and compare the stores based on their potential. You can always narrow down your choices later as you check the subsequent steps. 

Step 3: Do Your Research

The next critical step is to dive into the due diligence process. This step ensures you make a good investment. 

Understand why the store is being sold

Owners may sell their stores for many different reasons. Ideally, the business is healthy, and the owner will simply retire. There are some possible cases to expect:

• Debts or liabilities: Ask the seller about any debts or liabilities the business may have. The debts can affect its profitability or require immediate attention after the purchase. 
• Financial track record: Request access to the business’s financial records. The store should have consistent cash flow. 
• Supply chain issues: The business may have faced supply issues. Supply chain problems influence inventory levels, customer satisfaction, and product availability. 
• State of equipment: Owners may quit their stores due to problems related to technical infrastructure. If you buy the store, you have to deal with outdated or unreliable equipment. 

Perform due diligence

Due diligence is essential before making a purchase. Each factor plays an important role in determining the store’s true value and future potential: 

• Financial statements: You need to understand the store’s revenue streams, expenses, and profit margins. This way, you can gauge whether the store is financially stable. 
• Traffic reports: Analyze web traffic data to assess the volume of visitors. High traffic often signals strong customer interest. Yet, ensure the traffic is relevant and converts to sales. 
• Supplier details: Reliable suppliers maintain inventory flow. Any issues here could directly impact your ability to run the business smoothly. 
• Store’s performance: Look into the store’s sales history, growth patterns, and customer retention rates. You can then earn insights into the store’s past performance and future potential. 
• Reputation: Check the store’s online reputation. Read customer reviews and check for any negative feedback, too. 
• Potential risks: Identify any risks associated with the business, like sales fluctuations and market instability. 

Evaluate the business owner

The reliability of the seller is a huge factor in your decision-making process. The person you are buying from should have integrity and be reputable within the online business community. Here is how to evaluate them:

• Trustworthiness: Look for signs that the seller is transparent and ethical. 
• Access to information: The seller should give you details about the store’s operations, including analytics, tools, and systems. 
• After-sale support: Discuss whether the seller will provide assistance post-sale. Will they offer training and help with the transition? Their expertise is invaluable as you can learn the ins and outs of your new store. 

Step 4: Value The Store and Negotiate The Price

After thoroughly researching a Shopify store, you need to determine its value and negotiate the price with the seller. 

Valuation formula

To calculate the value of a Shopify store, you can use the following formula:

Net Profit x Multiple = Valuation

The net profit refers to the store’s annual earnings. The multiple is a standard number used to value businesses in your sector. This figure differs by industry and is usually based on common practices and market conditions in similar businesses. 

Consult from third-party specialists

If you are not confident in your valuation, hire a professional. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) or Accredited Senior Appraisers (ASAs) can help value businesses accurately. A business broker can connect you with these experts, providing you with a reliable valuation that removes the guesswork. 

Negotiation 

With your valuation, it’s time to negotiate the price with the seller. Key factors to consider during negotiation are:

• Offers and counteroffers: Negotiation is a back-and-forth process. Be prepared to make initial offers and adjust them based on the seller’s responses and new information you uncover. 
• Clear expectations: Ensure that both parties have clear expectations for the terms of the sale to avoid misunderstandings in the future. 
• Sale structure: Check if you are purchasing the business’ assets or its stock because it will affect the price and terms of the deal. 

Step 5: Finalize The Deal

In this step, you must ensure you meet all legal requirements and complete the transfer of ownership. 

Legal agreements

To protect your interests and formalize the deal, check this list: 

• Letter of Intent (LOI): Outline your intention to purchase the store. Remember to include the purchase price, payment terms, and other agreed-upon conditions. 
• Payment terms: Decide whether to pay in full upfront or in installments. You also need to define how to transfer the funds clearly. 
• Escrow service: This service protects both parties. You can use it to hold funds during the transaction and release the funds only when all conditions of the deal have been met. 

Transfer Shopify store ownership

In this step, the seller transfers the store ownership to you. Here is what you need to do:

• First, ensure you gain access to the Shopify admin panel to manage the store’s products, orders, and customer data. 
• Verify that the seller gives you the domain name, intellectual property, branding, and trademarks associated with the store. 
• Obtain access to any ongoing agreements with suppliers or third-party vendors. 
• Develop a clear plan that outlines the steps and timeline for transferring all operations. 

Step 6: Post-purchase Checklist

Now the store is yours. This post-purchase step helps set the foundation for growth and improvement. Here is the checklist for success:

• Marketing strategies: Develop a comprehensive marketing plan to promote your store. Social media, email campaigns, and search engine optimization (SEO) can all increase visibility. 
• Customer service: Review and improve customer practices to enhance customer satisfaction. It would be best to offer clear communication channels like live chat and email to address customer issues efficiently. 
• Product offerings: Analyze current products carefully. Based on the analysis, you can improve your offerings. You can also add new products or introduce promotions to keep customers engaged. 
• Growth opportunities: Find ways to scale your business. Data and customer insights can guide your decisions. You should set both short-term and long-term goals for growth. 

How to Check a Shopify Store Performance

Before buying a Shopify store, it’s essential to evaluate its performance to ensure you’re investing in a healthy, profitable business. A quick look isn’t enough—digging into traffic, sales, and customer data will help you make a smart, confident decision.

• Request Access to Shopify Analytics: Ask the seller for view-only access to their Shopify dashboard. Review key metrics like total sales, conversion rate, average order value (AOV), and returning customer rate to evaluate overall store performance and customer loyalty.
• Verify Traffic with Google Analytics: Ensure the store has Google Analytics (preferably GA4) properly installed. Check traffic volume, bounce rate, time on site, and traffic sources to confirm the quality and sustainability of the store’s traffic.
• Check Ad Performance (if applicable): Request access to Facebook Ads Manager or Google Ads if the store uses paid advertising. Review metrics like ROAS (return on ad spend), cost per purchase (CPP), and which campaigns/products are driving conversions.
• Review Customer Data and Behavior: Analyze customer lifetime value (LTV), repeat purchase rate, and churn (for subscription stores). This reveals how engaged and profitable the existing customer base is over time.
• Inspect Product-Level Performance: Look into which products generate the most revenue, what their profit margins are, and if there’s any over-reliance on a single item. Also review return/refund rates for each product.
• Evaluate Store Reviews and Social Proof: Read through customer reviews on the website, Trustpilot, or social media. Look for consistent feedback themes, customer satisfaction, and the presence of real engagement and user-generated content.
• Assess Operational Metrics:
  Understand how the business runs day to day—check average fulfillment times, shipping delays, support inquiries, and refund frequency. A high workload or frequent issues can hurt long-term performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying A Shopify Store

You can encounter pitfalls when buying a Shopify store, even with careful preparation. Watch out for these mistakes and learn how to avoid them: 

• Overpayment: Always base your offer on a thorough valuation using factors like net profit and industry multipliers. Negotiate the deal to ensure you’re paying a fair price if necessary. 
• Lack of legal and financial checks: Review contracts, verify debts, and examine financial records with a professional’s help. Skipping this step can expose you to legal issues. 
• Insufficient due diligence: Analyze traffic reports, supplier relationships, and customer reviews in detail to gain a comprehensive view of the business. Otherwise, you will be surprised. 
• No post-purchase strategies: Prepare strategies for marketing, customer services, and inventory management in advance. Clear goals will help you drive the store toward profitability. 

Our Expert Tips to Buy a Shopify Store

• Define Your Goals and Budget First: Decide what kind of store fits your goals (side hustle or scalable brand) and set a clear budget, including funds for marketing and operations after purchase.
• Prioritize Verified Financials and Traffic Data: Always request access to Shopify and Google Analytics. Make sure the revenue, profit, and traffic sources are consistent and legitimate.
• Assess the Niche and Target Market: Look for evergreen niches with clear audiences. Avoid overly trendy products unless you have a plan to pivot or expand.
• Check Supplier Reliability: Test order products, review fulfillment speed, and confirm supplier relationships can be transferred to you without issues.
• Understand Why the Seller is Exiting: Ask directly and look for honest answers. Valid reasons include shifting focus or burnout—but vague responses are red flags.
• Review Operational Workload: Understand how much daily effort is required. Stores with automation or VAs are easier to manage and scale.
• Plan Post-Acquisition Strategy: Know how you’ll grow the store—via new ads, SEO, product lines, or email marketing. A 30–60–90 day plan is key.
• Use Escrow and Legal Agreements: Always use escrow to handle payments and make sure a contract outlines what’s included (assets, accounts, support, etc.).

Bottom Line

Buying a Shopify store can be a fantastic opportunity! Follow the steps I’ve outlined here, and you’ll be well-prepared to find a valuable business. Whether you work with a broker or buy directly from a seller, always prioritize security and get professional advice if you need it.

I wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect Shopify store for sale!

FAQs