Top Marketplaces to Buy Established Shopify Stores (Legit & Secure)

The eCommerce world is evolving faster than ever, and Shopify continues to lead the way as one of the most trusted platforms for online business. With millions of merchants using Shopify to run their stores, many entrepreneurs are beginning to realize a new opportunity — buying an already established Shopify store instead of starting from scratch.

Purchasing an existing store can save you months (or even years) of effort and testing. You’re essentially stepping into a business that already has a customer base, sales records, traffic, and brand presence. However, finding a legit and secure marketplace to buy such stores is crucial. The internet is full of platforms claiming to sell ready-made Shopify stores, but not all of them can be trusted.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the best marketplaces for buying established Shopify stores, along with tips on what to look for, how to protect yourself, and how to ensure you’re making a smart investment.

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Why Buy an Established Shopify Store?

Starting an online business is exciting, but it also comes with major challenges. From finding the right niche to testing products, running ads, and building brand recognition — it takes time, money, and a lot of patience. Buying an established Shopify store helps you skip most of that process.

Here are the top reasons many entrepreneurs prefer buying instead of building:

1. Instant Launch – You get a fully functional website, usually with all integrations (apps, payment gateways, and themes) already set up.

2. Proven Revenue – An existing store has real sales data, giving you confidence in its profitability.

3. Brand Equity – Some stores come with social media followers, email subscribers, and a loyal customer base.

4. Supplier Relationships – Dropshipping or inventory connections may already be established.

5. Reduced Trial & Error – Since the business model is already working, you can focus on scaling rather than experimenting.

However, the benefits only hold true if you purchase from legit marketplaces that offer transparency, verified performance data, and secure transfer procedures.

How to Identify a Legit Marketplace

Before listing the best options, it’s important to understand what makes a marketplace trustworthy. A legitimate platform should offer these key features:

1. Verified Listings

Each store’s data — such as sales numbers, traffic, and expenses — should be verified through access to Shopify analytics, Google Analytics, or revenue screenshots.

2. Secure Payment System

Reliable marketplaces use escrow services or hold payments until the ownership transfer is confirmed.

3. Transparent Sellers

A trustworthy platform will ensure that the seller’s identity and reason for selling are clearly stated. Hidden sellers or incomplete profiles are red flags.

4. Easy Ownership Transfer

The marketplace should guide both parties through the process of transferring the Shopify admin account, domain, email list, and other assets.

5. Support & Mediation

Top marketplaces offer customer service and dispute resolution to protect both buyers and sellers during the transaction.

When these safety measures are in place, your chances of being scammed drop dramatically.

Top Marketplaces to Buy Established Shopify Stores

Let’s explore the most reliable platforms where you can buy established Shopify stores safely and confidently.

1. Shopify Exchange Marketplace

Best for: Beginners and Shopify users who want direct access to authentic stores.

Shopify Exchange is Shopify’s official marketplace for buying and selling stores. Because it’s integrated into Shopify itself, listings are verified directly from Shopify analytics. This gives you real insights into traffic, revenue, and performance — all verified by Shopify’s own system.

Why it’s Legit:

• Listings are backed by verified Shopify data.

• Easy transfer process since the store already exists within Shopify.

• Transparent communication between buyer and seller.

Downsides:

• Some stores are just “starter” stores with minimal revenue.

• Limited mediation support — you’ll need to do your due diligence.

Ideal for: First-time buyers who want official Shopify-backed transactions and lower-risk acquisitions.

2. Flippa

Best for: Buyers looking for variety — from low-cost starter stores to profitable eCommerce businesses.

Flippa is one of the oldest and most recognized online business marketplaces. You can buy Shopify stores, websites, domains, apps, and more. Its huge inventory makes it a great place to explore options at various price points.

Why it’s Legit:

• Wide range of listings (starter to premium stores).

• Built-in communication tools for negotiating deals.

• Seller verification and transaction protection features.

Potential Risks:

• Because it’s open to anyone, quality varies greatly.

• You must double-check claims about profit and traffic (ask for Google Analytics access).

Pro Tip: Focus on verified listings with a solid transaction history and sellers with strong reviews.

3. Empire Flippers

Best for: Serious investors looking for vetted, profitable Shopify businesses.

Empire Flippers is a premium marketplace that focuses on established, revenue-generating online businesses. Every store listed goes through a strict vetting process that checks financials, traffic, and seller identity.

Why it’s Legit:

• Detailed revenue reports verified by the Empire Flippers team.

• Built-in migration and escrow services for secure transfers.

• Strong reputation for high-quality, legitimate listings.

Things to Note:

• Most listings start in the five-figure range, so it’s not ideal for beginners.

• Competition among buyers can be high for strong listings.

Best for: Investors and entrepreneurs ready to acquire a proven Shopify store with minimal risk.

4. Ecomswap

Best for: Buyers who want Shopify-exclusive listings and smaller-to-medium-sized stores.

Ecomswap focuses solely on Shopify stores, which makes it an appealing choice for buyers looking for niche-specific businesses. They offer both starter and established stores across categories like fashion, beauty, tech, and home goods.

Why it’s Legit:

• Dedicated to Shopify stores only.

• Offers transparency about revenue, product types, and reason for sale.

• Some listings include after-sale support and supplier information.

Downsides:

• Smaller inventory compared to Flippa or Empire Flippers.

• Verification standards can vary by listing, so confirm details independently.

If you’re looking for a Shopify-focused platform with straightforward listings, Ecomswap is worth exploring.

5. Acquire.com (formerly MicroAcquire)

Best for: Professional buyers looking for structured acquisitions.

Acquire.com is a modern acquisition marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of online businesses, including Shopify stores. The platform is known for high standards, confidentiality, and detailed business data.

Why it’s Legit:

• All listings are reviewed before publication.

• Focus on profitable, scalable online businesses.

• Secure private communication and deal support.

• Offers optional legal and escrow services.

Things to Watch:

• Many listings are larger businesses with higher valuations.

• Some sellers require proof of funds before detailed data sharing.

If you’re serious about buying a Shopify business and want a smooth, professional acquisition experience, Acquire.com is a strong option.

Comparison Table: Best Marketplaces at a Glance

Steps to Safely Buy an Established Shopify Store

Once you’ve found a store you like, follow these steps to ensure a safe purchase.

Step 1: Verify Data

Always request verified Shopify and Google Analytics access. Double-check sales, traffic, profit margins, and ad spend.

Step 2: Understand What’s Included

Clarify what assets you’ll receive — domain, customer list, supplier contacts, email subscribers, social media handles, and digital ad accounts.

Step 3: Negotiate Clearly

Discuss price, payment terms, and any post-sale support the seller will provide. Everything should be documented in writing.

Step 4: Use Escrow

Never send money directly without protection. Marketplaces like Empire Flippers and Acquire.com automatically use escrow to protect your funds.

Step 5: Transfer Ownership

Make sure you receive:

• Shopify admin access

• Domain registrar credentials

• All associated business accounts (email, ads, social media)

• Supplier and inventory information

Step 6: Confirm Transfer Completion

Only release payment once everything is securely transferred and tested.

Red Flags to Avoid

Even on legitimate marketplaces, you must stay cautious. Here are some warning signs:

• Unverified revenue claims — No access to analytics or missing financial data.

• Sudden sales spikes — Could be the result of one-time ad campaigns.

• Generic stores — “Template” stores sold repeatedly with no real brand identity.

• Suspiciously low prices — If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Unclear supplier or fulfillment details — You might be left without a product source after buying.

• Poor communication from seller — Lack of transparency is always a red flag.

Benefits of Buying vs. Building a Store

Both paths have value — but if your goal is speed and reduced risk, buying an established Shopify store from a trusted marketplace is often the smarter route.

Post-Purchase Tips for Success

Once you’ve purchased your store, it’s time to make it grow. Follow these steps:

1. Analyze Existing Data – Understand which products sell best and which marketing channels convert.

2. Optimize the Store – Update product descriptions, visuals, and SEO to align with your brand.

3. Build Relationships – Communicate with existing customers through email or social media to retain loyalty.

4. Diversify Marketing – Explore new channels like TikTok ads, influencer marketing, or organic SEO.

5. Maintain Financial Clarity – Keep accurate records and separate business finances from personal.

6. Plan Long-Term Growth – Add new products, expand regions, or rebrand once you have consistent revenue.

Final Thoughts

Buying an established Shopify store can be one of the fastest ways to enter eCommerce with reduced risk. However, the key is choosing the right marketplace. Platforms like Shopify Exchange, Empire Flippers, Acquire.com, Flippa, and Ecomswap each have their own strengths — the right one for you depends on your budget, goals, and experience level.

Always prioritize verified data, secure transactions, and clear ownership transfers. Never rush into a deal, and use escrow whenever possible. With proper due diligence, you can acquire a legitimate Shopify business that generates income from day one.