Someone wants to buy my website

Should I tell them how much I'm making from the site?

[anon123]

I've been in talks with someone who would like to buy my website.

I am interested in possibly selling it because I could really use the money towards a down payment on a house, and have lost interest in keeping it updated anywawy.

I told them a number I would be comfortable with selling it, but they are now wanting to know how much I make per month on average with Adsense, affiliate ads, etc.

Should I disclose this information to them?

It's understandable they would like to know this, but I'm not sure I feel really comfortable giving this info out.

What would you do?

[ken_b]

Would you buy a site if the seller refused to give you those numbers?

[maximillianos]

You need to have the buyer sign a non-disclosure agreement. You can find plenty of examples online to use. Basically it is the best and only thing you can do to "attempt" to protect yourself from the buyer abusing/misusing the private information you are about to share with them.

It is an unfortunate part of selling a business... You must open up the books. Like Ken said, no one will buy your business without seeing the books, traffic stats, log files, etc. They will want to see it all.

If you are talking 6-7 figure deal, I would also recommend getting a lawyer to aid in protecting your interests.

[HugeNerd]

Depending on the potential sales price of your site/business, you may wish to contact a brokerage house -- there are those who specialize in the sales of business. That way, your numbers would likely be safe with an independent 3rd party. They can filter the information so the potential buyer knows the value is there and that they are getting a fair price without necessarily seeing all of your site statistics. However, these services can be quite pricey.

[MrHard]

Try to get a feel for who they are and what they are expecting before you release all your information.

If a buyer approaches you it is proper for them to make a ballpark offer rather then ask for all confidential information or make you name a price. Just the opposite if you are publicly looking for a buyer.

We had someone once who approached with such an interest. We finally got a ballpark number out of him (we would not name a price up front) and they offered about what we make in two weeks profit, so we did not have to waste time with information disclosure.

[toplisek]

This last post is correct approach I think