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17 Comments

Show IH: LetterXchange - Marketplace to buy and sell newsletters

submitted this link to Icon for group Newsletter Crew
Newsletter Crew
on October 6, 2020
  1. 2

    Wow, last month I had a big issue on buying & selling of newsletters. I didn't know you existed, otherwise I would have included you!

    http://alternativeassets.club/the-world-of-newsletter-acquisitions/

    1. 2

      Great article! Would love to collaborate next time!

    2. 2

      Really cool newsletter idea!

  2. 2

    Hey there!

    May I ask what system you are using for the escrow payments? I imagine you are using a third-party as getting an escrow license is not easy, at least in the US

    1. 1

      Hey Mate,

      Just checking in to see if you could answer this one.

      Thanks

  3. 2

    Hi Newsletter creators,

    LetterXchange is an online marketplace to buy and sell newsletters.

    It has never been easier to create an email newsletter. We are seeing a new wave of newsletter creators starting their newsletter, picking a topic, growing their audience, and monetizing through subscription, ad sponsorship and affiliate marketing.

    At some point they want to move on to another project and want to sell their newsletter. LetterXchange makes selling and buying newsletters easy and safe.

    You may ask, why would anyone buy a newsletter? How do you value a newsletter? The answer is in the niche, the audience and the revenue. Peter Cooper, who runs 12 newsletters, commented on buying email newsletters, "I'd buy those on the right topics at the right price even if I could rip off the idea myself because there's still value there."

    We are not building another newsletter directory website. On LetterXchange, buyers and sellers can find each other and close deals.

    When a seller creates a listing, in addition to the basic newsletter info, we ask for:

    • detailed subscriber and revenue metrics;
    • a pitch to highlight the newsletter's value;
    • proof of ownership to substantiate their claim on readership and revenue.

    We integrate with secure escrow payment. When a buyer clicks the "Buy" button,

    • the buyer is instructed to fund the transaction via escrow;
    • the seller will be notified once the payment is secured;
    • the seller then proceeds to transfer the assets;
    • the buyer receives and approves the assets;
    • the escrow service releases the payment to the seller.

    Buyers can also make a bid on a listing. If a seller accepts a bid, the buyer is required to fund the transaction via escrow.

    We believe the thriving community of newsletter entrepreneurs deserve a dynamic, competitive and safe marketplace. If you or someone you know are considering selling a newsletter, sign up now to create a listing, it's free. We are keen to hear your feedback and we'll be around to answer questions.

    1. 1

      Nice concept!

      Is this custom build? or did you use any platform to create the marketplace?

      1. 1

        Built from scratch myself :)

  4. 1

    How can buyer communicate with seller prior to bid? What if there are questions that should be discussed prior to thousands of dollars being exchanged (or even strongly considered for exchange)?

    1. 1

      Good point. We are considering this feature. On the other hand, the money is in escrow, not yet exchanged, prior to the buyer accepting the assets, so the cost is really minimal.

  5. 1

    Cool idea. Are you worried about being the buyer and the seller simply taking the transaction off the platform to avoid the 10% fee?

    1. 1

      It can always happen, but it's a hassle. People don't do that on AirBnB because it provides great service and builds trust. That's our goal.

  6. 1

    What you're doing is great. I just hope someone doesn't blindly follow you and make selling communities (not audience) a thing..!

  7. 1

    Curious how will you verify their audience. Maybe have them add a pixel image in their next email (so you can see the quality/quantity of IPs that accessed that image)

  8. 1

    Awesome concept. Where are people buying/selling newsletters today (if anywhere)?

    How do you plan to acquire supply (newsletters for sale)?

    1. 1

      Thanks! Newsletter acquisitions have been happening privately. You'll see people posting on Twitter, Facebook groups and small online communities. And the actual deal negotiation and closing is ad-hoc and private.

      We're focused on building a high quality marketplace, and getting involved in newsletter creator communities. So when they want to sell, LetterXchange is the number 1 place to go.

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