BJK University Review (2023): Bashar J. Katou Scam or Legit?

Are you interested in learning about BJK University? It’s a community and course that teaches you how to build and grow an Amazon FBA business. But you might be wondering, is it a scam? Well, as an internet entrepreneur, I’ve reviewed a ton of online courses over the years, and I’m in a good position to give you the lowdown on BJK University.

First things first, I want to make it clear that I’m not affiliated with BJK University in any way. That means I’m not getting paid to write this review, so you can trust that my words are unbiased.

And at the end of this review, I’ll also share a better alternative that’s helped me earn a passive full-time income online.

So if you’re curious about BJK University and want to know if it’s worth your time and money, keep reading!

BJK University Review – Key Takeaways

  • Course Name: BJK University
  • Founder: Bashar J. Katou
  • Overall Rank: 2/5
  • Pros: Regularly updated; well-rounded business knowledge
  • Cons: Overpriced; fake scarcity; messy course content
  • Verdict: A great program for Bashar’s fans looking to start an Amazon FBA business

What is BJK University?

Developed by Bashar J. Katou, this program utilizes the popular Amazon FBA model to help you build a successful online business.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t this just another one of those Amazon FBA courses?” Well, yes and no. While it may have some similarities to other courses out there, BJK University sets itself apart through aggressive promotion on social media and advertisements.

But don’t let that scare you away! According to Bashar, BJK University is the perfect program for those who are new to online sales. In fact, it’s specifically advertised as a course for beginners. And with Bashar’s experience as a former struggling Amazon seller, he’s eager to share his strategies with you.

Now, I have to admit, when I first visited the BJK University website, I was a bit skeptical. The three-minute video that greeted me was filled with images of Bashar’s supposed wealth, but didn’t offer much in terms of concrete information about the program.

Despite that initial skepticism, I believe that BJK University could be a valuable resource for Bashar’s fans looking to break into the world of online business.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Who is Bashar J Katou?

Bashar J. Katou is a successful entrepreneur and the founder of BJK University. He immigrated to Detroit, Michigan from Iraq in 2006 with his family, and a year later moved to California. Bashar has been an entrepreneur his entire life, starting his first business at just 19 years old with his brother.

Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the business he had built, leaving him bankrupt and unable to pay his bills in 2015. While it may seem like a tragic setback, Bashar’s story is a testament to the idea that most success stories come after failure.

In 2015, Bashar’s life changed when he lost his bar and restaurant and discovered Amazon FBA. He started a YouTube channel in 2017, where he shares his entrepreneurial journey and has gained tens of thousands of viewers. Bashar’s Instagram page has millions of followers who are inspired by his content and dedication.

In 2019, Bashar founded BJK University, which offers courses to help aspiring entrepreneurs succeed in their ventures. Thanks to his determination and marketing skills, Bashar now earns seven figures a year selling on Amazon.

To get a sense of his teaching style, you can watch the following video:

How does BJK University help you make money?

BJK University is a course designed to teach you the ins and outs of building a profitable Amazon FBA business. With Amazon FBA, you can sell physical products online and let Amazon handle the logistics like warehousing, packaging, shipping, invoicing, and returns processing. All you need to do is pay fulfillment and storage fees.

BJK University guides you through the Amazon FBA process and shares specific strategies to help you outshine your competitors. Here’s the basic game plan:

  1. Find niche products
  2. Link them to your brand
  3. Stand out and add value
  4. Sell your products at a higher price than you paid for them

As an entrepreneur, you can enjoy the benefits of running your business like a large company without the added headaches. Focus on discovering product opportunities, and let Amazon take care of the rest.

How is the training structured? 

If you’re looking to learn the ins and outs of Amazon FBA, BJK University has got you covered. In just six weeks, you’ll explore a range of topics through engaging webinars and easy-to-digest modules. Here’s what you can expect to learn:

  • The right mindset for success
  • Essential tools to help you on your journey
  • Proven strategies and formulas
  • How to find profitable products to sell
  • Mastering negotiation and supplier management
  • Navigating purchasing, shipping, tariffs, and inventory management
  • Building your brand with private labeling and UPC codes
  • Understanding Amazon FBA fees
  • Crafting killer product listings, descriptions, titles, and more
  • How to handle organic and negative reviews
  • Making the most of PPC advertising, sales funnels, and incentives

And there’s more! You’ll also gain access to:

  • Five weekly webinars hosted by coaches who’ve made it big with their FBA stores
  • Q&A sessions with the pros
  • An exclusive Facebook group for networking and support

BJK University’s course doesn’t just teach you the theory; it dives deep into real-life concepts. You’ll learn the difference between Grinders, who make money with a single product, and Rainmakers, who rake in profits with multiple products.

Choosing the right products to sell on Amazon FBA might seem daunting, but this course steers clear of recommending items like anti-gravity planters, self-stirring cups, and hand dishwashers. Why? Maybe they’re dominated by one brand, have high FBA fees, or just aren’t in demand.

How to sign up for BJK University?

It’s complicated to sign up for the program. But we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down:

  1. Find a sales funnel: First, you’ll come across one of Bashar’s sales funnels, usually from an ad, YouTube, or social media. If you’re here, you’ve probably found one already!
  2. Check out the free case study: You’ll be directed to a page with a free case study. Here, Bashar shares his story, shows off some success stories, and gives you a taste of the lifestyle.
  3. Apply and see if you qualify: Next, you’ll answer some questions and provide your full name, email address, and phone number. An enrollment coach will reach out to you later.
  4. Share your goals and history: Be prepared to discuss your target monthly profit, what’s holding you back, and how long you’ve been following Bashar.
  5. Stand out from the crowd: Write a short essay explaining why you’re unique and why they should work with you.
  6. Answer some final questions: Before submitting your application and scheduling an interview, answer these:
    • When can you start?
    • Can you guarantee you’ll answer the phone at the appointed time? (If not, you’ll be disqualified.)
    • Do you have the funds (or access to funds) to get started?
  7. Chat with a registration coach: If you’ve got the funds, a coach will contact you and encourage you to sign up. They’ll also give you some financial advice before you commit.

Don’t worry if you don’t have the cash right now. You can still find free tutorials on Bashar’s YouTube channel. Just remember, you’ll still need money for products, fees, and other expenses later on.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Does Bashar J. Katou have a good reputation? 

Sure, he’s not a scam, and he’s a legit guru, but I wouldn’t jump to sign up for his course. To be honest, some of his actions kinda rub me the wrong way. Like many gurus, he claims he’s different from the rest, but is he really?

As more and more people enroll, Bashar seems to be backing away from helping his students. Maybe he’s too busy enjoying the high life, which seems to happen with lots of these money-making programs, especially when there’s no active community. I mean, the coach can’t be there for everyone, right?

It’s funny how gurus like Bashar think people won’t catch on to false claims. Come on, it’s super easy to fact-check with a quick Google search these days. And don’t even get me started on the fake scarcity tactic he uses in his program. Those ads that say only a few spots are left? Yeah, they’ve been running for months. Shouldn’t those spots have been filled by now?

Long story short, the program is just…meh. It gets a lot of hype, probably because Bashar is shelling out some serious cash for ads. And don’t forget how he pumps up the Amazon FBA earnings potential without mentioning the challenges you might face. So, there you have it! Legit guru? Sure. Worth your time and money? Maybe not so much.

BJK University Pricing and Hidden Costs

BJK University is priced at $3800 for lifetime access, but be aware that the price and terms might change in the future.

Besides, starting an Amazon FBA business involves other expenses, as it’s quite a costly venture.

Here are some of the additional costs:

1. Research and Analytics Tools

Monthly costs for tools like JungleScout or Helium 10 can range from $29 to $249, depending on your chosen plan.

2. Products for Sale Investment

With a minimum investment of $1000, it’s risky to start, but ideally, your total product cost should be around $2,000 for a $10,000 sales target.

3. UPC Codes

Expect to pay $5 to $10 for UPC codes, with each product requiring a unique barcode.

4. Brand Logo

Design a logo for free using tools like Canva or hire a freelancer for $25 to $100.

5. Product Photos

High-quality product photos are crucial. They can be free if you create them yourself, but a professional package might cost up to $100 per product.

6. Amazon Seller Account

For top rankings, a professional seller account costing $39.99/month is required if you sell more than 40 units per month.

7. Amazon FBA Fees

Aim for Amazon FBA fees to be around 25% of your total sales, but this may vary depending on your product type and size.

8. Product Samples

While optional, product samples are highly recommended to avoid risking a large investment on unknown items, with costs starting at $100.

9. Amazon FBA Inspection Service

Another optional but important expense, Amazon FBA inspection services like QIMA cost between $150 and $300 to ensure product quality and avoid issues with returns or account suspension.

BJK University Refund Policy

So, from what I understand, you’ve got a three-day window from the date of purchase to request a refund. I gotta admit, that does seem like a pretty short amount of time, especially for something that you can’t really research thoroughly before buying.

But here’s the deal: you can only use up to 30 percent of the course if you want to be eligible for a refund. I know it might seem a bit limiting, but it’s to prevent people from copying the course and then asking for their money back.

Overall, it might not be the most flexible policy out there, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re considering signing up for a course at BJK University.

Who is BJK University for?

BJK University may not be for everyone.

First things first, you’re gonna need some cash on hand. I’d say between $10,000 and $15,000 is a sweet spot, but that’s just me. I don’t know your situation, and hey, I’ve seen people lose it all trying to build online businesses (been there, done that).

Having a $10,000 to $15,000 buffer means you’ve got some wiggle room if your first product doesn’t go as planned. But to join BJK University, you need at least $6,000. That’ll cover the course fee and leave you with a bit extra.

Now, if you’re in a rush, BJK University might not be for you. You won’t join today and start raking in cash tomorrow. If you’ve got rent and car payments due at the end of the month, an Amazon FBA biz might not be the best idea.

But if you’re cool with your current situation and don’t mind waiting a few months (or more) to see a return on your investment, BJK University could be your jam.

Praise for BJK University

1. Regularly Updated

This course is known for its regularly updated tutorials and webinars. This ensures students always have access to the latest trends and tips, making it easier for them to succeed in the fast-paced world of Amazon FBA.

2. Well-Rounded Business Knowledge

Another great advantage of BJK University is that it doesn’t just focus on Amazon FBA. The course also provides valuable knowledge in other fields of business, equipping students with a well-rounded understanding of the entrepreneurial world. This broader perspective can help students excel not only in Amazon FBA but also in other aspects of their business journey.

Criticism of BJK University

1. The Coaching is Lackluster

One major downside to BJK University’s Amazon FBA course is the quality of coaching provided. Unfortunately, the coaching offered is subpar, leaving many students feeling dissatisfied with the level of support provided. If you’re expecting detailed answers to all your questions, you may be disappointed. The coaching often consists of generic answers that are not helpful in addressing specific issues. Instead, you may have to rely on the community, which is primarily made up of newbies with limited knowledge. This lack of quality coaching could impact your chances of success in the long run, especially since the business model itself has a low success rate.

2. The Course Content is Confusing

If you’re a beginner, you may find the course challenging to follow. While BJK University covers various strategies, it can be hard to determine which one is best suited for your needs. The course content is also cluttered, making it difficult to identify essential information. In some cases, important details are left out, which can be especially frustrating for newbies who are still trying to grasp the basics. Even after paying a significant amount for the course, you may still need to use Google to solve problems on your own. To make matters worse, BJK University lacks transparency when selling its courses. One student even reported that the university refused to provide him with course information before purchasing the course, which could be a red flag for some potential students.

BJK University review on Trustpilot

3. Fake Reviews?

When looking at reviews online, it’s hard to know what to trust, right? One thing that stands out to me is that a lot of the five-star reviews on Trustpilot seem suspiciously similar, which leads me to believe that they may not be entirely genuine. Additionally, it’s odd that nobody seems to mention making money with BJK University. Even if the reviews are legit, you’d expect people to be shouting from the rooftops about their financial success, but there doesn’t seem to be much of that going on.

4. Overpriced

At $3800, it can be difficult to justify the cost, especially when there are other courses and systems available that offer similar or better results for a fraction of the price. Investing that much money in a course can be a significant financial commitment, and there’s always a risk that it might not work out as planned. Personally, I think that there are more affordable options out there that can teach you how to make money online without breaking the bank.

5. Revenue Figures Can Be Misleading

Their revenue figures may not tell the whole story. While the course touts five or six-figure monthly incomes, it’s important to remember that these figures reflect gross revenue rather than net profit. In other words, they don’t account for expenses such as product costs, shipping fees, Amazon FBA fees, and advertising expenses. 

So while a million dollars in revenue per month might sound impressive, the actual profits may be significantly lower. It’s important to take a closer look at the numbers and consider all of the expenses involved before making any assumptions about the potential profitability of an Amazon FBA business.

6. Selling a Lifestyle Rather Than Expertise

BJK University may be more about selling a lifestyle than providing expertise. Although Bashar denies being one of those flashy gurus who flaunt their yachts and mansions, there’s still a certain “lifestyle” being promoted. 

Throughout his case study video, he includes images of a yacht, a jet, and a Ferrari, and he talks about making $5,000-$6,000 in monthly income with a twenty times ROI. He also contrasts himself with other so-called gurus, using photos of him and his wife on a boat or in a Bentley. All of this could make the whole thing seem like a get-rich-quick scheme.

7. No Standard Price

BJK University is a popular course that many people are interested in. But if you’re interested in signing up, you may notice that the price is not readily available. Unlike most educational institutions that offer tuition calculators and detailed information on associated costs, BJK University’s price is nowhere to be found. This can be a major red flag for anyone who wants to invest in their education. It’s essential to know the cost before making any decisions, and not having a standard price makes it challenging to budget and plan for this educational investment.

8. Fake Scarcity

The course’s scarcity might not be as real as advertised. On one of BJK University’s sales pages, there was a countdown timer that reset every time the page was updated. This was obviously fake, and it’s possible that it was just a technical glitch. However, this kind of incentive can be misleading and dishonest. 

While limiting enrollment can increase exclusivity, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for Bashar to keep up with his rapidly growing number of students in terms of live webinars, questions, and coaching. Therefore, setting a cap on enrollment might be necessary to maintain order and meet the needs of students who are actually paying for services.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Is BJK University a scam or Legit?

BJK University is not a scam. However, before you decide to enroll, there are some things you should know.

Firstly, the program has several flaws, and the business model it teaches is too complex for beginners who lack money. The course is also overpriced and not suitable for everyone, especially those who are new to the world of online businesses.

Moreover, the program lacks a clear structure, and only experienced business owners can understand what they are getting into, even if they are unfamiliar with Amazon FBA. Besides, the refund policy is unclear, and some have suggested that it’s only three days, which is not enough time to make a fair judgment.

It’s important to note that many people have unrealistic expectations about how much time and money they can make with online businesses like BJK University when they first start out. The reality is that Amazon FBA is the most expensive and difficult way to make money online.

To run an eCom store on Amazon, you need to source products and keep them in stock, which costs tens of thousands of dollars. In most cases, you’ll probably need more than $25,000. Even after paying for all the costs, success is not guaranteed.

In conclusion, BJK University is not a scam, but it’s not a program we can recommend with a clear conscience. If you’re a beginner or lack the necessary funds, we suggest looking for alternative programs that are more suitable for your needs.

BJK University Alternatives

Below are some popular Alternatives to BJK University. You can also check out our list of the best Amazon FBA course

Proven Amazon Course

If you’re into building an Amazon FBA biz, Proven Amazon Course is a great pick. It’s got a bunch of training modules and live events that’ll guide you through product sourcing, private labeling, and logistics. Plus, it’s cool that they’ve got a whole section for international FBA, so it’s not just for peeps in the US and Canada. 

You can get in for $500 or pay $30 per month.

Freedom Ticket

New to Amazon selling? Check out the Freedom Ticket from Helium 10. It’s like your all-in-one guide to selling on Amazon, with videos, in-person labs, and a ton of reading stuff. What’s really neat is the personal sessions with marketing pros who’ll give you the lowdown on sales and competition. 

You can get access for free with a $39/month subscription to Helium 10.

Marketplace Superheroes

Ready to go global? Marketplace Superheroes is your jam. Created by Amazon gurus Stephen Somers and Robert Rickey, this eight-week course helps you find and launch low-competition, profitable products on a big scale. You’ll learn how to find, import, and sell products under your own name across Amazon. Plus, they’ve got a cool product discovery tool to help you find high-converting products. 

You can get in for $997 or pay $97 per month for a year.

5 Challenges of Amazon FBA Business Model

1. Hefty Upfront Costs

Launching an Amazon FBA business can be a pricey endeavor, requiring at least $15-20k to kick things off. Furthermore, you’ll need to invest in testing multiple products to discover the winning formula. This involves creating listings for different items, filtering out the best sellers, and parting with a substantial amount of cash. So, think twice before risking your hard-earned money on this venture.

2. It’s a Complex Affair

Running an Amazon FBA business is no walk in the park. You’ll have to tackle challenges such as negotiating with suppliers, comparing shipping companies, working with freight forwarders, and complying with Amazon and local government regulations. This can be overwhelming for beginners, especially those seeking a low-effort side hustle or passive income source.

3. Don’t Expect Fast Cash Flow

Cash flow is crucial for any business, but it’s often slow to materialize in the Amazon FBA model. Sellers usually invest a significant amount in purchasing inventory from suppliers in China. Creating a unique private label product can be even more expensive, with manufacturers charging hundreds of dollars just for a prototype. Production can take 1-2 months, followed by a couple of weeks for shipping and customs clearance. This means you might wait months before receiving payment for your inventory.

4. Price Wars Can Slash Profits

Price wars are all too common on Amazon. When a seller lowers prices to attract customers, competitors are forced to follow suit. To avoid losses, you might feel compelled to reduce product costs, resulting in lower quality and negative customer feedback.

5. Navigating Strict Amazon Policies

Running an Amazon FBA business also means dealing with ever-changing sales tax laws, category restrictions, and Amazon policies. Amazon has the final say on what you can and cannot sell on their platform, and any rule violation could lead to a permanent ban. Losing your account overnight is a real possibility, which is why building your own website is a safer bet. This way, you can have more control over your business, make your own rules, and grow on your own terms.

Is there a better way to make money online?

If you’re new to online business, you might wonder if there’s a better business model that doesn’t need initial capital and can do it as a side hustle.

Of all the business models I’ve tried, affiliate marketing is the easiest and most rewarding so far.  

In affiliate marketing, you can run your business at almost zero cost. Most importantly, you don’t need to invest in creating and developing any products.

Also, it is less time-consuming since you don’t have to manage inventory or handle customer service.

You can enjoy a steady stream of passive income while going on vacation or working a full-time job.

Since the world is full of uncertainty, I’d always choose a business model that has the lowest risk.

But How Much Can You Earn in Affiliate Marketing?

A 21-year-old student from my #1 recommended training platform of affiliate marketing was able to earn $7,395 in just 1 week, which means he made more than $1k a day…all while using free traffic methods and affiliate marketing.

Amazing Selling Machine Review

For more information, you can check out my full review of Wealthy Affiliate

Where to Join Wealthy Affiliate?

Wealthy Affiliate has a very simple pricing scheme. It has a free and premium membership.

If you want to feel about Wealthy Affiliate, you can sign up for the starter membership here (no credit card required). You can select to be a free member with no time limit.

And as a starter member, you can get instant access to the community, live chat, over 500 training modules, 2 classrooms, networking, commenting, 1 free website, and access to the keyword tool.

You can enjoy all these values without paying a penny. 

So I strongly recommend you register a free account and see it yourself.

If you’d like to be the next success story and get the most out of Wealthy Affiliate, you can upgrade to the Premium Membership later. 

After that, you can get access to everything without the bother of any upsells.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Interested in receiving one-on-one mentorship for building an online business? Join my online business coaching program.

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