Trust & verification
What “verified” means on StartExus
Every listing is reviewed by a person. Four specific checks sit behind every badge, and anything we could not confirm is clearly marked as seller-reported.
The four checks
Exactly what we check, and how
A check passes only when we have compared the claim with an independent source. The badge on the listing names that source.
- 01
Seller identity
A real, identifiable person is behind the listing.
How we check: The seller submits a government-issued ID and a reviewer confirms it matches the account holder. Buyers see only that the check passed, never the document.
Buyers see: Seller IDor Seller-reported - 02
Domain ownership
The seller controls the domain being sold.
How we check: The seller adds a DNS TXT record that starts with "startexus-verification=" to the domain, and we look it up. Where DNS is not possible, the seller shows admin access to the registrar.
Buyers see: Domainor Seller-reported - 03
Revenue
Reported revenue matches the payment processor.
How we check: We compare the revenue in the listing with the source records, such as Stripe or another payment processor, or bank statements. The badge names the source we checked.
Buyers see: Revenueor Seller-reported - 04
Traffic
Reported traffic matches the analytics account.
How we check: We compare the traffic in the listing with the analytics account, usually Google Analytics 4. The badge names the source we checked.
Buyers see: Trafficor Seller-reported
Verified vs seller-reported
Two labels, no grey area
Sellers can list before every check is done, so buyers always see which figures are confirmed.
We compared the claim with the source named on the badge, and it matched.
The seller provided the figure but we have not confirmed it yet. Ask for proof before you rely on it.
The human review
Nothing goes live automatically. For every submission, a reviewer will:
- 1Read the listing: does the business, its numbers and its story make sense together?
- 2Run each check the seller has provided proof for, and record the source
- 3Ask the seller for anything missing or unclear, by email
- 4Publish the listing, with a green badge only for checks that passed
We reject listings that don't add up. We would rather have fewer listings than doubtful ones.
Confidentiality
Private details stay behind an NDA
Sellers can hide their URL, name and detailed financials. Signed-in buyers accept a click-through NDA to unlock them for that listing, and the acceptance is recorded.
- Protects sellers from competitors and copycats
- Gives buyers the detail they need to evaluate properly
- Recorded per listing, per buyer
Payment protection
Every sale closes through Escrow.com
A licensed escrow company holds the buyer's money until the business has been transferred. Never pay a seller directly, and report anyone who asks you to.
Buyer
Pays the agreed price into escrow, never to the seller directly.
Escrow.com
Holds the money while the business is handed over.
Seller
Is paid only after the buyer confirms every asset arrived.
- 1
Buyer funds escrow
The agreed price goes to Escrow.com, which confirms receipt to both sides.
- 2
Seller transfers
Domain, code, accounts, content and supplier contacts move over, following a checklist.
- 3
Buyer inspects
The buyer checks everything arrived and works as described.
- 4
Funds released
Escrow.com pays the seller. Its fee is split 50/50 between buyer and seller unless agreed otherwise.
If something is not as described, the dispute is handled before any money is released.
Limits
What we don’t do
Our checks reduce risk. They don't remove it, and they don't replace your own due diligence.
We are not a broker
We do not represent either side, negotiate for you or take a view on the right price.
We are not advisors
Nothing on StartExus is legal, tax, financial or investment advice.
We do not audit
Checks confirm figures against a source at a point in time. They are not an audit or a forecast.
We never hold your money
Funds go to Escrow.com, a licensed escrow company, not to us or the seller.
Do your own diligence: request read-only access, reconcile exports with the P&L, talk to the seller, and get professional advice where the deal calls for it.
Report a listing
If a listing looks wrong, a seller asks you to pay outside escrow, or something doesn't add up, email us. Include the listing link and what concerns you. A person reads every report and follows up.
Buy and sell with confidence
Browse listings with clear verification, or list your own business free and earn the badges buyers look for.