Someone is Interested in buying our website

and wants to see traffic logs

[Nova]

Someone has expressed interest in making us an offer to buy our website. They requested the stats (impressions, uniques) and revenue, which we provided. We have not signed anything. and now they want to see our log files for the past few months.

I don't want to give out this information. All the keywords, most visited pages, etc, - it's all there. We have not even signed NDA. I don't have any guarantee that they will not abandon this negotiation and go build their own website.

What should we do? Since they have the revenue and impressions, is not it sufficient to make some kind of offer? and then go into details? For example, if they would send us a range (100K-130K)in which we would negotiate after releasing the asked details.

In short, I think we need to have something signed before we continue.

Thanks for any help.

[physics]

I would be very cautious. It sounds like someone is doing competitive intelligence on you. If it were me I would not hand over that information. Even companies with deep pockets (i.e. could easily buy and sell your company in an afternoon) are prone to do this sort of thing and then turn around and use the info to their own benefit without paying you a dime. IMO, unless you are dying to sell tell them get lost. If you want to go forward with it you should talk to a lawyer first and definitely get them to sign something (maybe even pay something for the information).

[deMorte]

I agree with physics. I would not give out this information until the deal is done and the money has changed hands. If they are serious about buying, they should be satisfied with this.

[tomda]

A big NO !

Personally, for a big amount like yours, I would ask for the services of professional company just to play it safe...

[Nova]

So, how does it usually work? I understand their need to see proof of the impressions and earnings, but I want to see their offer first.

Also, if they do make an offer, I am sure they will always be able to back out of the contract after they get all the data and for some reason decide not to go through.

and How "professional companies" will be able to help?

[tomda]

They will sit in-between you and the purchaser, they review your website to give it a value, then contact your purchaser to make a deal.

Once the deal is completed, the money is wired to them. They push the domain name/website to the purchaser, then after a week or two, they send the money to you (minus 10%). Some even offer services to fight against escrow (usually called escrow services).

[Nova]

Thanks, tomda.

I guess my question has more to do with the details of the deal.

using broker or not, If the buyer wants to see log files before making a purchase, is it common in the industry to meet his requirement since the buying party is not under any obligation at that point and can walk away from the deal having valuable information on hands.

To everyone who have experience selling/buying websites. Did you see/show log files before signing the purchase contract?

How do you prove the impressions/uniques? Is sending a screenshot from a log analyzing program sufficient?

What documents do you provide to potential buyer to back up your claims about impressions and revenues?

If someone knows a good reading source with this info, please let me know. Thank you!

[LaurentB]

The log files are not CIA or NASA files ? I don't see why it needs so much caution to share stats. I the guy wants to invest that kind of money into a site, the least you can do is show logs.

[Nova]

The numbers in my first post are just for illustration purposes.

I am asking what's acceptable in the industry, I can share the stats, but I'd prefer to make sure first his offer will interest me.

[pageoneresults]

Don't share full stats. Just provide enough "snippets" so that they can see the numbers are there. A "taste" as they say. I've provided screenshots before of statistics and then did a blur on all the data that would have given them the full picture. All they needed to see were "some" numbers to get a feel for the websites performance.

[jatar_k]

>> I don't see why it needs so much caution to share stats

because if you give me your raw logs it cuts down my need to find traffic sources and keywords for my site, that is when I build it based on your metrics and blow you out of the water, which might reduce cost and timeline against a successful purchase

maybe i'll build a couple to be sure ;)

no one needs to see your full logs, too many stories of heart break