Buying Web-Based Businesses

Posted on August 13, 2007 
Filed Under Internet Biz

laptop_case.jpgIn my quest for retirement, I recently looked into buying an e-business that sells services related to search engine optimization (SEO).  My research into web-based businesses has been interesting to say the least.  As someone with a background in finance, I found it surprising that these businesses are commonly sold for the equivalent of one-year’s net income.  In traditional businesses, it is often many multiples of one-year’s net income.  Seems like a cheap way to buy cash flow. 

The business I wanted was purported to generate $80K in revenues against $30K in expenses, for 10 hours of work per month by the owner.  The asking price was $60K.  A few days after verbally accepting my bid, the seller told me that they signed a contract with another buyer.  No big deal.  I’ll definitely be looking into more web-based businesses to get my feet wet in the industry.

I think I may look for niche markets which may be easier to break into.  I’ve always liked reef tanks so something like a site selling protein skimmers may work.

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