The Short Version
Some of the links on WholeSMB are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and sign up for or transact on a business-sale marketplace or service, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. This is how we keep the site running and our guides free.
Our guidance is based on independent research, not on which companies pay us commissions.
How Affiliate Links Work
When you click an affiliate link on WholeSMB, you're taken to a partner's website — typically a business-sale marketplace such as Flippa, Empire Flippers, or BizBuySell. A cookie is set that identifies WholeSMB as the referral source. If you sign up or complete a qualifying action (sometimes within a certain time window, typically 30–90 days), we earn a commission from the partner.
Important things to know:
- You pay the same whether you use our link or go directly to the partner's site. Affiliate commissions come from the partner, not from you.
- Not every marketplace or service we mention has an affiliate program. We mention them anyway if they're genuinely useful for buyers.
- We clearly label pages that contain affiliate links.
Our Editorial Independence
We take editorial independence seriously. Here's how we maintain it:
- Research first, monetization second. We decide what's genuinely useful for someone buying a business before checking whether an affiliate program exists. If the best resource doesn't pay us, we still recommend it.
- No pay-to-play coverage. Marketplaces and brokers cannot pay for more favorable mentions. Our guidance reflects how deals actually work, not revenue potential.
- Honest trade-offs. If a marketplace, niche, or deal type carries real risks, we say so — even if we earn affiliate revenue from a related partner.
- Transparency. We disclose affiliate relationships clearly. You'll see a note on every page that contains affiliate links.
Types of Compensation
WholeSMB may receive compensation through:
- Affiliate commissions — a one-time or recurring payment when a reader signs up or transacts through our link.
- Referral bonuses — some programs offer flat-fee bonuses for qualified referrals.
We do not accept:
- Payment for writing favorable guides
- Payment for guaranteed positive coverage
- Payment to feature one marketplace above another
- Free products or services in exchange for favorable coverage
FTC Compliance
This disclosure is provided in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) guidelines on endorsements and testimonials (16 CFR Part 255). We are committed to transparent and honest communication with our readers.
Questions?
If you have any questions about our affiliate relationships or how we make money, we're happy to explain. Contact us at hello@wholesmb.com.