Helping People Buy & Sell Online Businesses
Learn from a Flippa Certified Broker Partner who has sold two online businesses — including a $1M SaaS — using Flippa.
About me
Hi, I’m Laurence Smith
I’m the New Zealand-based founder of Passive Projects, and my goal is to help people buy and sell online businesses with confidence. The easiest way to get started is by exploring listings on Flippa, the global marketplace I personally use and recommend for buying and selling digital businesses.
A few years ago I sold my SaaS business for a $NZ seven-figure sum, and later bought and sold a travel destination website — all through Flippa. Going through these exits taught me how confusing valuation, due diligence, and negotiations can be for first-time buyers and sellers. When Flippa reached out to me to work with buyers and sellers on their platform I leapt at the chance, and I’m now a Flippa Certified Broker Partner.
Flippa focuses on digital and online-first businesses. The main types you’ll see on the platform include:
- SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) – subscription-based software businesses
- Ecommerce – Shopify stores, Amazon FBA, dropshipping, DTC brands
- Websites – blogs, niche sites, affiliate/SEO-driven websites
- Mobile Apps – iOS and Android apps (subscription, ad-based, or paid)
- Social Media – YouTube channels, Instagram & Facebook accounts
- Agencies – marketing, development, or service-based businesses with recurring clients
If you’re curious what online businesses are available or what they sell for, the best first step is to create a free account and browse the marketplace.
Buy an Online Business
Build passive income
Earn immediate ongoing revenue from an established business.
Skip the startup phase
Avoid the trial-and-error of launching a new venture by acquiring a proven model.
Work from anywhere
Run your business remotely with the flexibility to work from home or while travelling.
Verify revenue
Request financial proof and platform access to confirm the business earns what it claims.
Check traffic sources
Look for diversified traffic so your income isn’t dependent on a single platform or algorithm.
Look for growth potential
Choose businesses with clear opportunities to improve revenue through marketing, pricing, or expansion.
Sell an Online Business
You’re ready for a new project
If you’re moving on to your next idea, selling your existing business can unlock capital and free up your time.
Growth/interest has plateaued
Many owners choose to sell when a business has stabilised, or they lose motivation, allowing a new buyer to take it to the next level.
Market demand is strong
Online businesses are in high demand, and the right buyer may be willing to pay a strong multiple for a proven asset.
Consistent revenue
Buyers pay more for businesses with stable, predictable income over time.
Diversified traffic
Websites with multiple traffic sources are less risky and therefore more attractive to buyers.
Documented processes
Clear documentation makes it easier for a new owner to operate the business and increases buyer confidence.
If you’d like a second opinion on a listing or help preparing a business for sale, feel free to reach out.