Sell My Shopify Store – AI-Powered Brokerage & Valuation

Thinking of an exit? Get a data‑driven valuation, a buyer‑ready package, and a confidential process designed for DTC/eCommerce brands.

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How Much Is My Shopify Store Worth?

Short answer: Valuation ≈ Annual Net Profit (SDE) × market multiple, adjusted for revenue growth, margins, unit economics (LTV:CAC, payback), channel mix (paid/organic/marketplaces), returning customer rate, AOV/CR, seasonality, supply‑chain risk, and brand/IP strength.

Valuation, in brief (5 steps)

  1. Choose method: SDE multiple for most owner‑operated stores; EBITDA for larger systemised brands.
  2. Normalise metrics: monthly P&L, gross margin, returns/chargebacks, ad spend, owner comp, add‑backs.
  3. Benchmark with comps: niche, GEO mix, AOV/CR, repeat rate, paid share/ROAS, subscription %, wholesale share.
  4. Adjust for risk: supplier concentration, inventory turns, 3PL/fulfilment SLAs, compliance (claims, safety), IP/trademarks.
  5. Run scenarios: base / upside / de‑risked (e.g., CAC efficiency, retention uplift, COGS improvement) to set a defensible range.

Shopify Store Valuation Multiples in 2025 (Indicative)

Ranges vary by size, quality, and buyer type. Treat these as directional bands, not guarantees.

ProfileBasisIndicative Range*
Owner‑operated, <$500k annual profitSDE multiple~2.0×–3.5× SDE
$500k–$2m annual profit, steady growthSDE multiple~3.0×–4.5× SDE
$2m+ annual profit, brand‑like operationEBITDA multiple~4.0×–7.0× EBITDA

*Illustrative bands only; actual outcomes depend on growth, margins, LTV:CAC, repeat rate, channel risk, operational complexity, buyer type, and market conditions.

How We Value Stores: Growth, Margins, LTV:CAC, Repeat Rate

DriverStrong SignalEffect on Multiple
Revenue GrowthConsistent MoM/QoQ with forecasted pipelineHigher (durability of growth)
Gross Margin≥ 60% (category‑dependent) with stable COGSHigher (profit potential)
Unit EconomicsLTV:CAC ≥ 3:1; payback < 3 monthsHigher (efficient growth)
Repeat Purchase Rate30%+ within 12 months; strong email/SMSHigher (revenue resilience)
Channel MixDiversified; no channel > 40%; healthy ROASHigher (lower volatility)
Ops & Supply ChainReliable suppliers; 3PL SLAs; low returns/chargebacksHigher (smoother diligence)

SDE vs EBITDA for Stores: Which One Matters?

Smaller, owner‑operated Shopify stores are commonly priced on SDE (profit + reasonable owner compensation + normalised add‑backs). Larger, systemised brands trend to EBITDA. We compute both and align to the buyer pool.

How our AI model improves the valuation

  • Maps your metrics to live deal/comparable bands (niche, margins, repeat rate, CAC, GEO).
  • Runs sensitivity on CAC, COGS, returns, and email/SMS lift to show multiple upside.
  • Ranks buyer fit (aggregator vs strategic brand) to indicate likely price/structure scenarios.
Example (illustrative): Net profit $600k; 28% YoY revenue growth; 64% gross margin; LTV:CAC 3.6:1; 90‑day payback; 37% repeat rate; diversified traffic → AI comps produce a defensible range and show how −3 pts returns or +5 pts gross margin shift the range upward.

What to prepare (faster valuation)

  • Last 24 months P&L/BS/CF; channel‑level ad spend & ROAS; add‑backs schedule; inventory reports.
  • Shopify/GA4 exports: revenue by product/channel, AOV/CR, cohorts, repeat rate, refunds/chargebacks.
  • Supplier & 3PL contracts; SLAs; inventory ageing; landed COGS; compliance docs (claims, safety).
  • Email/SMS list metrics (Klaviyo etc.); subscription %; marketplace share (Amazon, etc.).
  • IP/trademarks; brand assets; pixel/ad account ownership; privacy/returns policies.

Quick answers:

Revenue or profit multiple? Mostly SDE for SMB stores; EBITDA/revenue multiples apply to larger brands.

What improves my multiple fastest? Better margins & CAC efficiency, higher repeat rate, reduced returns/chargebacks, and stronger supplier/3PL reliability.

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How Long Does an eCommerce Exit Take? (Typical 2–4 Month Timeline)

PhaseWeeksWhat Happens
Preparation1–2Normalise financials & analytics; assemble docs; create CIM; data room setup.
Outreach & IOIs1–3Targeted buyer list; NDAs; teaser/CIM distribution; initial Q&A (niche & GEO fit).
LOIs & Negotiation1–2Term negotiation (price, structure, earn‑out); select preferred LOI.
Due Diligence3–6Financial, legal, brand/IP, analytics verification; supplier/3PL checks.
Closing & Handover1–2Legals, funds flow, asset & account transfers (Shopify, domains, ad accounts); transition plan.
Timelines vary by deal size, data quality, and buyer type. Clean books, reliable supply chain, and a complete data room compress time‑to‑close.

Shopify Store Sale Process (Step‑by‑Step)

  1. Preparation: normalise financials, verify analytics (revenue, AOV/CR, LTV), review supplier/3PL contracts, IP, licences.
  2. Packaging: CIM/teaser, KPI deck, and secure data room.
  3. Buyer Outreach: confidential, thesis‑based approach to qualified buyers; NDAs first.
  4. Offers & Negotiation: manage Q&A; align on price & structure.
  5. Due Diligence: coordinate financial, legal, and operational/analytics diligence.

IOI vs LOI: What’s the Difference?

IOI (Indication of Interest) is a non‑binding price range and high‑level terms used to shortlist buyers. LOI (Letter of Intent) sets a specific price/structure, exclusivity period, and key conditions; it is still largely non‑binding except for exclusivity, confidentiality, and certain clauses.

Closing & Handover

Post‑LOI, definitive agreements are drafted (SPA/APA), schedules completed, treatment of inventory, gift cards, returns/chargebacks, and ad spend cut‑offs finalised, funds‑flow and escrow arranged, and Shopify/ad accounts, domains, and IP are transferred. A clear transition plan reduces post‑close risk.

Due‑Diligence Checklist & Data‑Room Index

  • Financials: last 24–36 months P&L/BS/CF; revenue recognition policy; monthly revenue bridge by channel.
  • Analytics: Shopify & GA4 exports (AOV/CR, cohorts, repeat rate, CAC/LTV); refunds/returns; chargebacks.
  • Legal: incorporation, cap table (if any), contracts (assignability), trademarks, IP ownership, product claims/compliance.
  • Ops/Access: supplier contracts, 3PL SLAs, inventory ageing; ad accounts (Meta/Google/TikTok), pixels, email/SMS tools.
  • Commercial: pricing, top SKUs, seasonality, subscription %, marketplace share; email/SMS list metrics.
  • HR/Operations: org chart, contractor agreements, SOPs, content assets/UGC rights.

Deal Structures & Terms

ElementWhat it isProsConsiderations
Asset vs ShareWhat the buyer purchasesAsset: cleaner; Share: simpler continuityTax impact; liabilities; contract assignment; sales tax/VAT
Earn‑outDeferred, performance‑linkedBridges valuation gapsMetrics definitions (revenue, gross profit); control; reporting
Seller NoteVendor financingFaster close, better priceInterest, security, covenant terms
Escrow/HoldbackFunds reserved post‑closeProtects against surprisesDuration, claims process

Working Capital & Inventory Adjustments

Expect a normalised working‑capital target at close. For eCommerce, inventory, deposits/prepaids, gift cards, and returns/chargebacks require clear treatment to avoid double‑counting or cash shortfalls. Define mechanics in the LOI.

Who Buys Stores?

  • Strategic Buyers: established brands/retailers seeking product/audience fit and supply synergies.
  • Financial Buyers (Aggregators/PE): disciplined underwriting, roll‑ups of DTC brands, structured deals.
  • Search Funds/Entrepreneurial Acquirers: operators aiming to professionalise paid media, ops, and LTV.

Broker Fees vs DIY

PathTypical CostWhat You GetWhen It Fits
BrokeredCommission (tiered) + minimal upfrontPackaging, buyer network, negotiation, DD coordination, ops/supply reviewLimited time, larger buyer pool, price protection
DIYLow fees; high time costYou run outreach, Q&A, negotiation, legals, analytics & supply verificationVery small deals; existing buyer already sourced

Best Time to Sell a Shopify Store

Sell into momentum: clean books, durable revenue/margin trajectory, strong LTV:CAC and repeat rate, diversified channels, reliable supply. If metrics are soft, a 2–3 month tune‑up (COGS, CAC, email/SMS, returns) can lift multiples.

Online Business Brokerage Services

Shopify Store Sale Brokerage & Exit Advisory

We guide DTC brands through the full sale — from financials and analytics preparation to targeted buyer outreach and closing. Commission‑based; aligned with your outcome.

Shopify Store Valuation & Exit Planning

Get an AI‑powered, confidential valuation within 24 hours and a focused plan to lift multiples (COGS, CAC, repeat rate, ops risk).

Buy‑Side Advisory & Acquisition Search

For investors and acquirers: retained search, thesis‑matched brand deal flow, modelling and diligence support to reduce risk and speed to close.

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Case Studies (Anonymised)

ProfileSizeOutcomeStructureTime to LOI
DTC skincare$750k annual profit~4.0× SDE rangeCash + 12‑mo earn‑out6 weeks
Apparel & accessories$1.4m annual profit~4.6× SDE rangeCash + seller note7 weeks
Home & lifestyle$350k annual profit~2.9× SDE rangeAsset purchase4 weeks

Illustrative examples; actual outcomes depend on metrics, risk, structure and market conditions.

About Our AI‑Native Brokerage

We specialise in eCommerce M&A with AI‑assisted valuation models, buyer matching, and data‑room standards that speed diligence and protect price. Work is confidential, document‑first, and founder‑friendly.

Partnership Programme

Advisers, accountants, and operators can refer founders ready to exit. Earn partner fees while we deliver valuation, packaging, and deal execution.

Learn more about partnerships

FAQs – Selling a Shopify Store

How long does it take to sell a Shopify store?
Most sales complete in 2–4 months from preparation to close, depending on size, margin profile, buyer fit, supply reliability, and data‑room readiness. See the sale process.
How much is my Shopify store worth?
Valuation is typically a multiple of annual net profit (SDE), adjusted for growth, gross margin, LTV:CAC, repeat rate, channel mix/ROAS, returns/chargebacks, supply‑chain risk, and brand/IP strength. Larger, systemised brands may price on EBITDA.
How do you value a Shopify store (methodology)?
We use AI‑assisted market comps plus metric drivers (gross margin, LTV:CAC, repeat rate, CAC payback, returns, channel mix) to produce a range with sensitivities. Details in How Valuation Works.
What documents do I need for due diligence?
Clean financials; Shopify & GA4 exports (AOV/CR, cohorts, repeat rate, CAC/LTV); bank statements; supplier/3PL contracts; trademarks & IP; product claims/compliance; refunds/returns & chargebacks logs; SOPs. See the checklist.
How are revenue and margins verified?
Via Shopify/GA4 exports, payment processor statements, bank records, and reconciliation of ad spend to attributed revenue; sample order audits to verify refunds and COGS.
Do I need audited financials?
Not always. Accurate, verifiable books with reconciled revenue and consistent KPI reporting are usually sufficient; larger deals may request reviews or audits.
What are typical business broker fees?
Success‑based commission (sliding by deal size) is standard. Some brokers charge optional upfront fees for valuation/exit‑readiness deliverables that reduce time‑to‑close.
How do you keep the sale confidential?
NDA‑gated data rooms, anonymised teasers, and targeted outreach to vetted buyers only. Store identity and sensitive analytics are disclosed in stages.
What deal structures are common (cash vs earn‑out)?
A mix of cash at close plus earn‑out or deferred elements tied to revenue/gross profit is common; structure depends on risk, growth, and buyer type.
Asset sale vs share sale — what’s the difference?
Asset sales transfer selected assets (domains, Shopify store, trademarks, customer lists, content) and liabilities; share sales transfer the company as a whole. Outcomes vary by tax, liability, and operational continuity.
How are IP, accounts, and inventory transferred?
Through an agreed handover plan: domain/DNS, Shopify ownership, ad accounts & pixels, email/SMS tools, trademarks, content rights, supplier/3PL novations, and inventory/freight handoff — sequenced to avoid downtime.
What support am I expected to provide after closing?
Typically a short transition and knowledge transfer period (weeks to months) defined in the APA/SPA; may include vendor introductions, media/account handover, and SOP training.
How can I increase my valuation before going to market?
Improve gross margin (COGS/ops), cut CAC (creative & funnel), lift repeat rate (email/SMS, subscriptions), reduce returns/chargebacks, and de‑risk supply. Even small improvements can move your multiple. See value maximisation.
Should I fix issues first or sell as‑is?
Fix high‑ROI items (data quality, returns/chargebacks, supplier reliability, SOPs) before launching; larger rebrands rarely pay back pre‑sale. We’ll model the valuation impact either way.