Agencies.co vs Empire Flippers: Agency M&A Compared
Choosing the right platform or advisor for your agency M&A transaction is one of the most important decisions you will make. Both Agencies.co and Empire Flippers offer pathways to buying or selling a business, but they differ in focus, approach, and the type of seller they serve best. This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed choice.
We believe in honest comparisons. Empire Flippers has genuine strengths, and there are situations where they may be the better fit. Our goal is to help you understand the differences so you can choose the right partner for your specific situation.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Agencies.co | Empire Flippers |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Marketing agencies only | Online business marketplace |
| Deal Size Range | $500K – $30M+ | $10K – $15M+ |
| Pricing Model | Transparent tiered pricing | Commission (8-15% sliding scale) |
| Advisory Support | Full M&A advisory included | Verified marketplace with migration support |
| Time to Close | 90 days average | 1-3 months for smaller deals |
| Buyer Network | Vetted agency buyers | Massive online business buyer community |
| Free Valuation | Yes | Yes (automated tool) |
About Agencies.co
Agencies.co is a marketplace and advisory platform built exclusively for marketing agency M&A. Every aspect of the platform — from valuation methodology to buyer network to deal structuring — is designed specifically for the marketing and communications agency sector. Founded to help agency owners navigate the complex process of buying, selling, or merging their businesses, Agencies.co offers transparent pricing, hands-on advisory, and a vetted network of agency-focused buyers. With a target close time of 90 days, the platform is built for speed, simplicity, and outcome.
About Empire Flippers
Empire Flippers has built one of the largest online business marketplaces in the world, with a massive buyer community and an impressive volume of completed transactions. They are known for their rigorous vetting process — every listing undergoes financial verification before appearing on the marketplace. Their sliding commission structure rewards larger deals, and their marketplace model provides transparency on pricing and performance metrics. Empire Flippers excels at smaller to mid-market online businesses and has streamlined the buying process with escrow services, migration support, and post-sale assistance.
Key Differences
Marketplace vs Advisory
Empire Flippers operates a marketplace where vetted listings are presented to a large buyer community. Agencies.co provides hands-on M&A advisory with active buyer engagement and deal management. For complex agency transactions involving team transitions, client contract assignments, and earnout negotiations, advisory support can add significant value beyond marketplace exposure.
Deal Size Focus
Empire Flippers handles deals from $10K to $15M+, with strong volume in the $100K to $2M range. Agencies.co focuses on the $500K to $30M range typical of marketing agency transactions. Larger agency deals benefit from advisory support for complex deal structures, while smaller deals may be well-served by Empire Flippers’ efficient marketplace model.
Business Type Coverage
Empire Flippers covers the full spectrum of online businesses — Amazon FBA, content sites, SaaS, e-commerce, and some service businesses. Agencies.co serves marketing and communications agencies exclusively. Agency buyers on Agencies.co are specifically looking for agency acquisitions, meaning higher intent and better matching for agency sellers.
Verification Process
Empire Flippers’ financial verification is robust and well-regarded. Agencies.co provides agency-specific due diligence support that goes beyond financial verification to include client contract review, team assessment, and service line analysis. Both approaches build buyer confidence, but from different angles.
Who Should Use Empire Flippers
Empire Flippers may be a better fit if you are selling an online business other than a marketing agency, want exposure to a very large buyer community, have a smaller business (under $500K) where marketplace efficiency is beneficial, prefer a self-directed selling process with marketplace support, or value the verified financials that come with their listing process.
Who Should Use Agencies.co
Agencies.co is the better choice if you are selling a marketing agency valued above $500K and want specialized advisory, need help with complex deal elements like team retention, client contracts, and earnout structures, want access to a buyer network specifically interested in agency acquisitions, or value a structured 90-day close process with dedicated deal management.
Pricing Comparison
Empire Flippers uses a sliding commission scale — typically 8% for larger deals scaling up to 15% for smaller ones, with a recent restructuring of their fee model. Agencies.co offers transparent tiered pricing. For mid-market agency deals ($1M+), comparing total fees and included services is important since advisory support has tangible value in complex transactions.
The Verdict
Empire Flippers is an excellent marketplace for online businesses, with scale and buyer volume that few can match. For smaller online businesses, their verified marketplace model is efficient and effective. For marketing agency owners selling a more complex business — one with employees, client relationships, and service delivery requirements — Agencies.co’s advisory model and agency specialization provide value that a marketplace model cannot easily replicate.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you are leaning toward Agencies.co or still evaluating options, the best next step is to understand what your agency is worth. Our free valuation gives you an honest, data-driven assessment with no obligation.
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