SideProjectors is a long-running marketplace where makers list side projects for sale or simply show them off. It covers SaaS, apps, websites, plugins, domains and unfinished projects. It’s free to list and doesn’t take a commission, which makes it a popular first stop for developers with projects they no longer have time for.
At a glance
| What it is | A free marketplace and showcase for side projects |
| How you earn | Selling projects you no longer want to run |
| Seller fees | Free to list; no commission on sales |
| Escrow | Not built in; arrange it yourself |
| Who it’s for | Developers and makers with small or abandoned projects |
| Where it works | Online, worldwide |
How SideProjectors works
You create an account, submit your project with a description, screenshots, stats and an asking price, or invite offers. Interested buyers contact you directly. You negotiate, agree terms and handle the payment and transfer yourself. Projects can also be listed just to get feedback, find collaborators or attract attention, not only to sell.
Free but hands-on
Because SideProjectors doesn’t charge, it also doesn’t do much of the selling work. There’s no built-in escrow, no verification of numbers and no deal management. That’s fine for small sales of a few hundred or a few thousand dollars, but above that you should use a third-party escrow service and a simple purchase agreement.
What sells
Small tools with a few users, apps with a niche audience, websites with some traffic, good domains and unfinished projects with clean code all find buyers. Buyers are often developers looking for a head start, so code quality, documentation and the tech stack matter as much as revenue.
Selling tips
Be honest about what works, what doesn’t and why you’re selling. Include the domain, code, design files and any accounts in the sale, and list them clearly. Set a realistic price; most pre-revenue projects sell for modest sums. Respond quickly, since interest fades fast.
Staying safe
Never transfer code or domains before payment clears. For anything beyond a small amount, use escrow. Watch for buyers who ask to pay through unusual methods or pressure you to rush. Keep written records of what was agreed.
Getting started
List one project with full details and a fair price. Share the listing in maker communities and on social media. If it doesn’t sell, try other marketplaces or use the listing to attract collaborators instead.
Pricing realistically
Prices on SideProjectors range from a few hundred dollars for unfinished code to several thousand for projects with users and revenue. Buyers compare what they’d pay you with what it would cost to build the same thing, so emphasise what’s hard to recreate: an aged domain, real users, search rankings, integrations or a polished design. If you have revenue, show verified numbers rather than screenshots.
Using a purchase agreement
Even for small sales, a one-page agreement protects both sides. List exactly what is included, such as the domain, code, design files, social accounts and email list, the price, the payment method and the handover steps. State that the sale is final once assets are transferred and payment clears. Templates are easy to find, and a few minutes of paperwork prevents most disputes.
Promoting your listing
SideProjectors has a built-in audience, but sharing your listing helps. Post it in maker communities, on X or LinkedIn and in relevant Reddit threads where self-promotion is allowed. Mention what the buyer gets in one clear line.
Owen’s take
SideProjectors is the easiest way to give an abandoned project a second life without paying fees. It’s a bulletin board, not a broker, so you do the work and carry the risk. For small projects, that trade is worth it.
Who it suits
It suits developers and makers with small or unfinished projects to sell or showcase. It suits less well larger businesses or sellers who want verification, escrow and support built in.
Similar options
- Microns adds vetting and a transfer service for micro startups.
- Flippa is the largest open marketplace for online assets.
- IndieMaker is a marketplace for indie projects with escrow.
- Product Hunt is a launch platform for getting attention.
More options are in Business Marketplaces.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free to list, no commission
- Good for small and pre-revenue projects
- Doubles as a showcase
Cons
- No built-in escrow or verification
- You handle every part of the deal
- Smaller sale prices than vetted marketplaces
FAQ
Is SideProjectors free?
Yes. Listing is free and there’s no commission on sales.
Does SideProjectors offer escrow?
No. Use a third-party escrow service for larger deals.
Can I sell an unfinished project?
Yes. Many listings are early or abandoned projects.
How do buyers pay?
You agree the method with the buyer. Use escrow and avoid unusual payment requests.
Can I list a project without selling it?
Yes. Some makers list projects to get feedback or find collaborators.
