How to Sell Your Shopify Store (2026 Guide)
Selling a Shopify store has become a mainstream exit strategy across Europe. Whether you’re ready to start something new, reduce operational complexity, or realise the value of what you’ve built, you’re entering a mature and active market.
By 2026, European e-commerce continues to grow steadily, with online retail revenue projected to exceed €6 trillion globally, and Shopify remains one of the most sought-after platforms among buyers. Investors, operators, and portfolio builders are actively acquiring Shopify stores with proven revenue, clean operations, and scalable systems.
This guide walks you through the entire process of selling your Shopify website on Mabya, from preparation and valuation to negotiations and secure transfer, so you can exit with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Shopify stores remain one of the most liquid digital assets in online business sales.
- Most stores sell for 2.5x to 4x annual net profit, depending on stability, growth, and automation.
- A typical sale takes 20 to 90 days, including due diligence and transfer.
- Listings with verified financials, traffic data, and documented processes attract higher-quality buyers.
- Secure Mabya payments without additional fee and structured transfers significantly reduce risk.
- Timing matters, stores sold during growth phases or stable peaks achieve stronger valuations.
Why Sell Your Shopify Store?
There’s no single “right” reason to sell—but there are many smart ones.
Across Europe, founders sell Shopify stores every day to unlock capital, reduce workload, or transition into new ventures. Buyers, in turn, are looking for stable, well-run businesses they can grow further.
Common reasons sellers choose to exit include:
- You’ve reached a revenue or profitability milestone and want to realise gains.
- You want to reinvest capital into a new project or market.
- Time constraints make daily operations difficult.
- You’re aiming for better work-life balance.
- You want exposure to a different industry or business model.
With billions of consumers shopping online each year and cross-border commerce stronger than ever in the EU, demand for established Shopify businesses remains high.
How to Prepare Your Shopify Store for Sale
Preparation directly impacts both sale price and speed. Buyers want clarity, consistency, and proof.
Organise Your Financials and Analytics
Clean, verifiable data builds trust and shortens due diligence.
Before listing, make sure you can clearly show:
- Monthly revenue, expenses, and net profit
- Shopify Analytics or Google Analytics access or screenshots
- Traffic sources (organic, paid, email, referrals)
- Advertising performance, if applicable
- Email marketing metrics and product margins
Buyers on Mabya are particularly attentive to transparency and compliance accuracy matters.
Streamline Store Operations
Buyers want to know how involved you are and whether the business can run without you.
Document recurring tasks such as:
- Order fulfilment (dropshipping, 3PL, in-house)
- Customer support workflows
- Supplier and inventory management
- Marketing activities (ads, email, social media, Influencer marketing, affilate marketing)
- Tools and subscriptions used and their monthly cots
Clearly outlining tasks and time requirements makes your store more attractive and easier to transition.
Highlight Your Unique Selling Points
Strong differentiation increases value.
Consider what makes your store appealing:
- Loyal customer base or repeat purchase rate
- Niche positioning within Europe or cross-border markets
- High-performing products
- Engaged email list or community
- Automations and systems already in place
Clearly showcasing these strengths can help justify a higher multiple and speed up negotiations. Organic reach is one of the most valuable assets, so if your store has it, make sure to highlight it to potential buyers.
How Much Is Your Shopify Store Worth?
Most Shopify stores sell based on profit, not revenue.
In 2026, typical valuations fall between 2x and 4x annual net profit, depending on several factors:
- Net profit: The most critical metric
- Revenue consistency: Stable income beats seasonal spikes
- Traffic quality: Organic and returning customers are highly valued
- Operational simplicity: Less owner involvement = higher value
- Brand strength: Reviews, reputation, and customer loyalty matter
- Return rate: How often customers return your product.
Example:
A Shopify store generating €2,500 per month in net profit could reasonably sell for €50,000–€10,000, depending on risk and growth potential. Higher prices are always possible.
If pricing feels uncertain, Mabya’s valuation tools use real marketplace data and European benchmarks to help you set a realistic and competitive price.
How Long Does It Take to Sell a Shopify Store?
Most Shopify listings on Mabya get contacted by buyers within 1 to 3 days. How quickly a store sells depends on its quality and the asking price.
Well-prepared listings with verified data can sell significantly faster. On average, sellers close within 30 days.
Negotiation and Transfer: What to Expect
Once you have a serious buyer, the process becomes structured and secure.
1. Agree on Sale Terms
You’ll confirm:
- Final price
- Included assets (store, domain, social media, email lists, inventory)
- Any post-sale support period, if agreed
Clear terms reduce friction and delays.
2. Use Secure Mabya Payment
Mabya’s escrow system protects both parties. Funds are held securely and released only after the buyer confirms successful transfer.
3. Transfer the Store and Assets
For Shopify:
- Add the buyer as a staff member
- Transfer ownership via Settings → Users and Permissions
- Transfer the domain (via Shopify/OpenSRS or external registrar)
You’ll also transfer:
- Social media accounts
- Branded email addresses
- Logos, creatives, product images, and ad assets
- External accounts like email marketing, which used only for the store.
4. Final Verification
Once the buyer confirms receipt of all assets, escrow releases payment. Most transfers are completed within 2–7 days.
How to List Your Shopify Store on Mabya
Once you’ve set up your free Mabya account, listing your business is simple:
- Create your listing
Add business details, financials, and analytics access. - Upload screenshots and documentation
Transparency attracts serious buyers. - Set pricing or auction format
Choose fixed price or bidding, plus optional visibility upgrades. - Launch and promote
Mabya matches your listing with relevant buyers across Europe and beyond.
Tip: A short Loom or video walkthrough explaining the business can dramatically increase buyer confidence.
Final Thoughts
Selling your Shopify store doesn’t have to be complex or risky. With proper preparation and the right marketplace, it becomes a structured, secure process.
Mabya helps European founders connect with serious buyers, price their businesses accurately, and close deals with confidence. If your store is profitable, automated, and well-documented, there’s a strong chance a buyer is willing to pay a premium.
The key is simple: be organised, be transparent, and sell at the right moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I increase my store’s value before selling?
Focus on profit margins, automation, and reducing your personal involvement. Buyers value systems they can scale.
Should I use a broker?
For stores valued above €250,000, a broker can help. For most sellers, Mabya’s tools are sufficient.
Can I sell a Shopify store less than a year old?
Yes, but expect lower price. Strong traction and niche positioning are essential.
What should I do after selling?
Remove payment methods, tax data, and personal information. Back up any files you want to keep before transfer.