IndieMaker is a marketplace where makers buy and sell side projects, unused domains and small online businesses. It grew out of the indie maker community and keeps a friendly, maker-to-maker feel. Unlike free bulletin boards, it includes escrow, which makes small deals much safer for both sides.
At a glance
| What it is | A community marketplace for side projects, domains and small businesses |
| How you earn | Selling projects you built, or buying and growing them |
| Seller fees | Free to list; a low fee on sales, reported at 3% for pre-revenue projects |
| Buyer access | Premium buyer plan, reported at $25 a month or $240 a year |
| Who it’s for | Indie makers and small buyers |
| Where it works | Online, worldwide |
How it works
You list your project with a description, metrics and an asking price. Buyers browse, message you and make offers. When you agree a deal, payment goes into escrow, you transfer the assets, and the funds are released once the buyer confirms. Projects range from unfinished code and domains to small SaaS with revenue.
Fees
IndieMaker is free to list. It takes a fee when a project sells; a mid-2026 comparison of side project marketplaces reported a low 3% fee on pre-revenue projects, with paid buyer access at about $25 a month or $240 a year. Older figures quoted higher buyer and seller fees, so check IndieMaker’s current pricing before you list or buy.
Why escrow matters
On small deals, the biggest risk is trust: the buyer worries about paying first, and the seller about handing over code first. Escrow solves that by holding the money until the transfer is done. For projects worth a few thousand dollars, that protection is often worth more than a few percent in fees.
What sells
Small SaaS tools, Chrome extensions, mobile apps, newsletters, content sites and domains are common. Pre-revenue projects with clean code, a good domain or real users can find buyers, especially makers who want a head start rather than building from scratch.
Selling tips
Be honest about traction and why you’re selling. Show running costs and the time the project takes each week. Include every asset in the sale clearly. A short demo video and good screenshots help buyers understand the project fast.
Buying tips
Check the code runs and is maintainable, and that every account can be transferred. Look at how users find the product. Start with small purchases while you learn, and always use the escrow.
Getting started
Create an account, list your project with clear numbers and promote the listing in maker communities. If buying, browse free listings first and upgrade only when you’re actively looking.
Pricing realistically
Look at sold and active listings for similar projects before setting a price. Buyers on IndieMaker are mostly makers with modest budgets, so realistic prices sell faster. If your project has revenue, price on a multiple of profit; if not, price on what it would cost to rebuild and the value of any users, domain or rankings.
Handover
After escrow is funded, transfer assets in an agreed order: domain, code repository, hosting, third-party accounts and any social profiles or email lists. Keep notes of each step. Offer a short period of support so the buyer can run the project without surprises.
Domains on IndieMaker
Unused domains are a common listing. Price them on the name and any history, and transfer through escrow like any other asset.
Owen’s take
IndieMaker hits a sweet spot for small deals: free to list, a low fee and escrow included. That combination is rarer than it should be. For selling a side project worth a few thousand dollars, I’d put it near the top of the list.
Who it suits
It suits indie makers selling small projects and buyers who want escrow protection on small deals. It suits less well large businesses that need brokerage-level support.
Similar options
- SideProjectors is free but has no escrow.
- Microns is a vetted marketplace with a transfer service.
- Transferslot is a reviewed marketplace for side projects.
- Flippa is the biggest open marketplace, with higher fees.
More options are in Business Marketplaces.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free to list
- Escrow included
- Low fees on small deals
Cons
- Smaller buyer pool than big marketplaces
- Paid plan needed for full buyer access
- Fee terms have changed over time
FAQ
Is it free to list on IndieMaker?
Yes. IndieMaker takes a fee when a project sells.
Does IndieMaker have escrow?
Yes. Payments are held in escrow until the transfer is complete.
What can I sell on IndieMaker?
Side projects, domains, apps, SaaS, newsletters and small online businesses.
Do buyers pay?
There’s a premium buyer plan, reported at about $25 a month or $240 a year.
Can I sell a project with no revenue?
Yes. Pre-revenue projects are common, usually at lower prices.
