Where's a reputable place to sell a web site?

[artefaqs]

I have a couple of web sites that I'm interested in selling, and maybe a domain, too. But I'm not sure how to go about it. One is on the large side (30k uniques per day), so I want to be careful.

I checked eBay, and it just looks like a big spammers mess. A Google search turned up a few places, but I can't tell which ones are reputable with a track record of successful sales and which ones are just trying to get a fee for a listing that will never be seen by anyone serious.

Are there individual brokers who do this sort of thing one-on-one?

I know that posting web addresses is a problem with Webmaster World, so if you're recommending some site or some person specifically, you might want to contact me by PM.

[longen]

Try Sedo or Flippa.

[maximillianos]

You may also try BizBuySell. I've used them before about 7 years ago. They garnered quite a bit of interest in my site.

[D_Blackwell]

Depending upon how well you know the potential players, you may be able to pitch the sale quite well yourself. Just put transaction protections in place; escrow.com and such.

[artefaqs]

Thanks for all the replies. Since I'm new at this, I think I'm going to start with just the domain sale and use Sedo. We'll see what happens!

[artefaqs]

I've actually decided to sell the web site first, and maybe the domain later.

Any suggestions for ways to protect myself in this transaction?

I saw a mention of using an escrow service. Any others?

[maximillianos]

An escrow service is a good idea.

[artefaqs]

Can you explain why an escrow service is a better idea than accepting payment via PayPal, credit card, or just a check that would clear my bank before I transfer anything?

[D_Blackwell]

Why should the buyer trust you?

How about you transfer the domain and when they are satisfied that everything is okay, then they pay you?

The point of escrow type transaction is that neither side is likely to be stupid enough to trust the other. Hence, a reputable 'middle man' with no stake in either side.

[artefaqs]

So I put one web site up for auction on Flippa. That seems to be working OK so far. I have gotten a few inquiries, unfortunately mostly from con artists, but there's still two weeks left in the auction.

I listed the domain for sale with Sedo, and that's been a disaster. I would avoid Sedo if you're thinking about selling something.

I applied to Sedo on October 19th. October 21st I got an e-mail saying my application was approved and a "senior broker" would be in touch with me shortly. It never happened.

November 3rd I inquired with the customer support ticket system and received a reply the same day from someone who said they'd specifically instructed my broker to contact me. Three days later -- still nothing.

I have one more web site I'm going to put up for sale, and I can tell you this -- it won't be with Sedo.

[D_Blackwell]

No experience with them, so can't say first-hand. Maybe their customer service is an issue. On the other hand, if you gave them one site that they don't see much value in, and their cut will be minimal - how much customer service can you expect? You also don't have a track record with them. It sounds like they don't think that is worth enough to them to do much more than list.

[artefaqs]

As mentioned above, there is an evaluation you go through first so they can determine if the site is worth their time. I passed that review.

If they don't see any value in my business, fine, tell me that and I'll be on my way. But don't tell me someone will contact me (TWICE!) and then don't. That's not just bad customer service, it's a bad business practice, and it's also rude.

[OutrageousSteve]

I have had excellent responses and used BizBuySell to both buy and sell websites over the years.