Drop Shipping Buy the Numbers
Update 4/23/06
1.5 to 2.5 is the current multiple of ACF when buying an E-commerce “drop shipping” based business.
This article refers to a “buyer” acquiring an E-business. This is quite different than an “investor” buying an E-business. A buyer’s focus is on the historical information to determine value. An investor’s focus is on the future of an E-business to determine value. An investor focuses on a “future” multiple of revenue or profits. A “buyer” does not. The “value” of an E-business to a “buyer”, as with any other type of business, is based on a “multiple” of “revenue” or “adjusted cash flow” (often referred to as Seller’s Discretionary Earnings, or SDE). To determine the “adjusted cash flow” (SDE) you review the historical expense of the business to determine what costs are at the “discretion” of the owner. Some examples of discretionary costs of an E-business are auto payments, health insurance, trips to Jamaica (wink), cleaning services (the housekeeper is NOT a required expense of a business) and long distance phone expense. These “discretionary” expenses are “added back” to the profit side of the E-business.
Once a buyer has determined this “adjusted cash flow” he can apply a “multiple” to assign a purchase value to the E-commerce business.
An E-commerce business that sells products that are drop shipped to customers by a 3rd party, and retains no or little inventory, is valued at a premium compared to a direct marketer using other media (e.g. TV infomercials and 800 numbers). The multiplier ranges from 1.5 to 2.5. Time in business, extent of competition, and repeat customers are key determiners that affect whether the value will be at the low, or high end of the range.
Read More About Drop Shipping
Part One: Drop Shipping | Internet Business Review
Part Two: Drop Ship vs. Affiliate
For more information on a drop shipping Internet Business Opportunity, or more than 400 additional Internet Business Opportunities, contact Business Broker Don Janke. With over 20 years Online/Internet experience I can guide you to your ideal acquisition to make money online!
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5 Answers You Want To Know Before Making An Offer
1. Which Seller to buy from to get the best price to value.
2. What the real visitor count is to a web site.
3. What to say to guarantee that the Seller will carry back a note.
4. Which one website has the absolute best Internet businesses for sale. (not Internet Business Guide ![]()
5. You should think about this one. We have 90 minutes to explore your questions. It is best to establish a written list of your questions prior to the consultation. The questions may be as broad, or specific, as you desire; including a review of a business you want to buy. Reserve Now!



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Update: 2nd Quarter 2007
Although the overall trend has shifted to a “buyer’s market” drop shipping sites have historically sold in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 multiple of Seller’s Discretionary Earnings.
This category never reached the higher multiples in the heated Seller’s market and has retained its’ earnings multiple.
July 21st, 2007 at 6:14 pm