If you’re into eCommerce, you may have come across Beau Crabill and his courses. But, you might be wondering, is Beau Crabill a scam? Is the Online Retail Mastery course worth your money?
As an internet entrepreneur, I’ve reviewed my fair share of online courses, software, and even MLMs. And while I’m not affiliated with Beau Crabill, I can give you an honest, unbiased review of the program.
I’ll also let you in on a little secret at the end – a free training platform that’s great for online business beginners.
Here’s what I’ll be covering in my review of Beau Crabill and Online Retail Mastery.
Table of Contents
- Who is Beau Crabill?
- Beau Crabill’s Net Worth
- Beau Crabill’s Courses
- Beau Crabill’s Analyzer Tool software
- What is Online Retail Mastery?
- How does Amazon FBA wholesale work?
- Amazon FBA Wholesale vs. Private Labeling
- Online Retail Mastery Course Modules
- Free Training
- How much does Online Retail Mastery cost?
- Any Upsells?
- Refund Policy
- Are students getting results?
- Pros
- Cons
- Is Beau Crabill a scam?
- Should you join Online Retail Mastery?
- Is Amazon FBA wholesale worth it?
- Why I Quit Amazon FBA?
- Online Retail Mastery Alternatives
- Is there a better way to make money online?
Who is Beau Crabill?
Beau Crabill is a self-proclaimed Amazon FBA seller and Internet entrepreneur. This dude’s got a pretty impressive entrepreneurial journey, starting from selling customized Nike socks in 6th grade to earning big bucks through Amazon FBA by 15.
It all started in 2011 when black and white Nike Elite socks were all the rage. Beau saw an opportunity to dye them in unique colors and sell them for a higher price. With the help of his dad’s eBay know-how, Beau took his business online and was making 200 to 500 bucks a week at just 12 years old.
But the journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. In high school, Beau encountered a copyright infringement claim from Nike for selling their socks without permission. But that led him to learn about wholesaling the right way, with proper documentation. Meanwhile, he was also a track star until a season-ending injury gave him time to focus on his business.
Eventually, Beau dropped out of college (he had snagged a running scholarship to Pepperdine University in Malibu) to fully dive into Amazon. He started creating his online training course and had 8 students on day one. In May 2017, he launched his YouTube channel and now has over 45.7K followers. However, since October 2020, his platform hasn’t focused on Amazon FBA.
Overall, Beau’s journey shows how a kid with a creative mind and a drive to succeed can turn small ideas into big businesses. Who knows where he’ll go next, but one thing’s for sure, this guy’s got mad entrepreneurial skills.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Beau Crabill’s Net Worth
It looks like Beau Crabill is worth around $5 million dollars. That’s pretty impressive for a guy who sells online courses. Most successful course gurus are worth at least a few million.
Before he started selling his courses, Beau’s net worth was estimated at $2 million. But now, with the success of his $997 course and the $2,100 Supplier Scout program, it’s safe to say he’s worth more like $5 million. Keep in mind, the exact amount he sells his courses for isn’t public information.
And on top of all that, Beau also earns money from speaking engagements. So all in all, it’s easy to see why Beau Crabill’s net worth is estimated at $5 million or more.
Beau Crabill’s Courses
Are you ready to follow in Beau Crabill’s footsteps and turn your online business dreams into reality? Beau went from selling socks on eBay in high school to becoming a millionaire and now he’s sharing his secrets with you. Let’s take a closer look at his three courses.
Beau Crabill Amazon FBA course
This comprehensive course will give you the skills you need to launch a business on Amazon. Priced at $2,497, Beau covers everything from sales strategies and the Amazon Buy Box, to product research and supplier management, and even ungating – the process of becoming qualified to sell restricted products.
With the course, you’ll also get access to bonus modules, extra courses and resources, a private Facebook group, and 24/7 support. It’s everything you need to get started on the path to Amazon success.
Beau Crabill’s Online Retail Mastery Course
If you’re on a budget, check out Beau’s Online Retail Mastery course for just $997. You’ll still get the same great lessons as the Amazon FBA course, plus extra training videos, automation scripts, and access to the private Facebook group.
Beau Crabill’s eBay course
This course teaches you how to sell on eBay. It is sold at $197.
The course outline is as follows:
- Sep up an eBay account
- Product listings
- Pricing strategies
- Product research
- Product sourcing
- Shipping and delivery
- Set up an eBay store
- Optimize eBay business
- Customer service
Beau Crabill’s Analyzer Tool software
Beau Crabill’s Analyzer Tool does exactly what the name suggests – it scans thousands of Amazon products to help you find the most profitable ones. You can easily filter your search by ROI, sales rank, and profit.
Sure, there might be other established product research tools out there, but why not give this one a shot? At just $39.99 a month, it’s worth checking out.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
What is Online Retail Mastery?
Online Retail Mastery is an Amazon FBA wholesale course by Beau Crabill. This comprehensive video training program consists of 10 meaty modules, plus 2 bonus sessions for good measure. All in all, you’re looking at 16 hours of top-notch content to get you on track.
Not only that, but you’ll also get some handy templates and cheat sheets to help streamline your process. And as a cherry on top, you’ll get access to the “Automate Your Business Blueprint” bonus, plus 24/7 customer support and a private Facebook group to connect with other students. It’s all focused on taking your Amazon FBA wholesale biz to the next level.
How does Amazon FBA wholesale work?
Amazon FBA wholesale is a business model for making money online. In this setup, you search for products to sell on Amazon and bulk-buy items that already have their own brand. You purchase these products from a supplier at a low price and sell them on Amazon for a higher price. The best part? The supplier ships the product straight to an Amazon warehouse that handles packaging and shipping (for a fee).
However, winning the Amazon buy box can be challenging, especially for popular items. Also, with this model, you have less control over your inventory and any changes made to your product. The wholesale model involves purchasing products in bulk from the manufacturer at a wholesale price. This way, you may be one of many sellers selling the same product on Amazon or the only seller offering it in the Amazon store.
Ultimately, the Amazon FBA wholesale model has its pros and cons. While it may save you the hassle of product listings, photography, and Amazon PPC, it comes at the cost of reduced control over your inventory.
Amazon FBA Wholesale vs. Private Labeling
If you’re thinking about selling products on Amazon, you might be wondering whether to go for wholesale or private label. Both have their pros and cons, and it really depends on what you’re looking for.
One big similarity between wholesale and private label is that you’re sourcing directly from the manufacturer, so you can expect a reliable supply chain and great scalability potential.
But the main difference is in the time it takes to get started, and the competition you’ll face. If you go for wholesale, you’ll benefit from the recognition of an established brand, which can help you build your customer base more quickly. But on the flip side, you’ll be competing with other sellers for the buy box, not just the customer.
With private label, it might take a little longer to get up and running as you’ll need to work with a manufacturer to develop or modify your product. But once you’re there, you’ll be the only seller of that product, so you’ll only be competing for the customer, not for the buy box.
In conclusion, both wholesale and private label have their pros and cons, and it really depends on your individual needs and goals. Just make sure to weigh up the factors and choose the one that’s right for you.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Online Retail Mastery Course Modules
Beau Crabill’s Online Retail Mastery Course is all about Amazon FBA Wholesale and covers the basics of selling on Amazon in 2019 and 2020.
Module 1: Introduction
In this module, Beau covers the three criteria for choosing products to sell on Amazon: they should be in-demand, already existing, and not new. He also walks you through setting up your Amazon Seller Central Account, getting your legal business in order with an LLC and EIN number, and the difference between FBA and FBM (Fulfilled by Amazon and Fulfilled by Merchant).
Module 2: How to Get Sales on Amazon
This module delves into the Amazon Buy Box, which is the key to getting sales on Amazon. Beau covers how to get the buy box by using Amazon FBA services and the metrics Amazon uses to rotate sellers through the buy box. He also shows you how to send your products to an Amazon warehouse, walk you through a complete product listing, and answer any questions you might have about Amazon FBA.
Module 3: Product Research
In this module, Beau talks about sales rank, the overall rank of how many units an Amazon product sells in its category. He explains why understanding sales rank is crucial to understanding sales volume and gives a complete overview of Amazon fees.
Module 4: Sourcing
Finally, in the Sourcing module, Beau teaches you how to find and buy products from suppliers. He covers the difference between authorized and unauthorized suppliers, where to find the best suppliers, and what to ask them. Beau’s main advice is to find a few suppliers and not rely on a single source for your online business. This will help you avoid receiving a cease and desist letter from the brand or having your Amazon Seller Central Account shut down.
Module 5: Finding Suppliers
Finding the right suppliers for your online retail business can be a challenge. In this module, you’ll learn how to find suppliers on wholesale central websites, forums, and by researching your competitors.
Module 6: Vetting Out Suppliers
Once you’ve found a few potential suppliers, it’s time to vet them out and choose the best one. Beau explains the key factors to look for, such as the supplier accepting online retailers, a focus on brick and mortar sales, and brand logos on their website. Steer clear of suppliers that advertise generic products or come up first on Google.
Module 7: Working with Suppliers
Now that you’ve chosen your supplier, it’s time to set up an account. This module will guide you through the process, including finding the application form, filling it out with your business information, and submitting it according to the supplier’s instructions.
Module 8: Building Relationships with Suppliers
Building a good relationship with your suppliers is key to a successful online retail business. Beau covers tips on how to treat your supplier like a person, pay them on time, and keep your promises.
Module 9: Ungating
Some product categories have restrictions, and you may need specific documentation to sell in these categories, such as FDA approval for food items. This module covers the process of “ungating” and accessing these restricted categories.
Module 10: Conclusion
The final module covers accounting strategies, including QuickBooks, hiring a bookkeeper, and creating a filing system. The rest of this module is a wrap-up and motivational tool to help you move forward and succeed in your online retail business.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Free Training
Beau’s website has a pretty sweet deal going on – he’s offering a free 4-day training series. That’s cool, right? But, hold up. Beau is a digital marketer after all, so keep in mind that the free content might be valuable, but he’s also moving you through his sales funnel.
If you’re familiar with Russell Brunson’s book, “Dot Com Secrets,” then you’ll recognize this as the “Value Ladder” strategy. Essentially, Beau is “baiting” you with his free offer, hoping you’ll see the value he offers and sign up for his paid training course.
This is a common marketing technique, but it’s worth being aware that nothing is truly free in the online world. So, enjoy the free 4-day training series, but keep in mind that there’s always a catch.
How much does Online Retail Mastery cost?
At the time of writing, Online Retail Mastery is priced at $997. But, if you’re short on cash, don’t sweat it – there’s a monthly plan option for just $297 for four months.
In my opinion, the price is pretty reasonable. I like the fact they offer installment payments so anyone who’s serious about learning can take the course.
Any Upsells?
Online Retail Mastery doesn’t have any upsells right now.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Refund Policy
Just a heads up on Online Retail Mastery’s refund policy. They have a 30-day “action-based” guarantee, which means you can only get a refund if you complete the whole course and all its work within 30 days. If you’re not satisfied after that, you can request your money back. But, if you can’t finish the course in that time, no refund for you.
Their philosophy is that “nothing changes without action,” which is true, but can be a bummer when it comes to refunds. 30 days is a tight deadline to cover all the info, especially if you’re new to the game and still working a 9-5.
And if you start the course and realize you don’t like the teacher or the Amazon FBA wholesale biz, well, tough luck. This refund policy can trap you into spending time on something you may not even like.
Are students getting results?
Want to know if Beau’s Online Retail Mastery course is actually delivering results for students? Well, we gotta dig into the real customer feedback.
Don’t just rely on the reviews on Beau’s website. Those are usually pretty biased, ya know?
Let’s look at the feedback left on other platforms where Beau doesn’t have any control. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any reviews on Trustpilot, Quora, or Reddit.
But here’s the interesting part – Beau has published the results from a customer survey on his website. Check it out and decide for yourself.
From the stats, you’ll see that over half of his students haven’t sold anything on Amazon. While some students have made more than $50k, the majority have made between $1 to $1000/month.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Pros
1. “Cut to the Chase” Content
One of the best things about Beau’s Online Retail Mastery course is that he doesn’t beat around the bush. Unlike other courses that are filled with irrelevant information just to make them appear valuable, Beau’s course is packed with value-added content that gets straight to the point. In every module, you’ll find Beau dropping knowledge bombs and covering all the important topics without any fluff.
2. Affordable Price
Another pro of the Online Retail Mastery course is its price tag. At $997, it’s relatively affordable compared to other courses in the market. Price is an important factor to consider, but it shouldn’t be the only reason to choose or reject a course. Investing in yourself is crucial if you want to succeed online, and Beau’s course is a great place to start.
3. Private Facebook Group
Finally, the Online Retail Mastery Private Facebook group is a huge advantage for students who want to build their online retail business. With over 3,000 students in the group, you’ll be part of a supportive community that can help you with any challenges you face along the way.
If you run into an issue, chances are someone in the group has already solved it and can help you find a solution. This Mastermind environment makes the course even more valuable and sets it apart from others.
Cons
1. Outdated Videos
While the information in the Online Retail Mastery course was generally high quality, I found that some of the videos could use an update. A few of them seemed a bit outdated and the explanations were overly complicated. Additionally, I was a little taken aback by the style of the content. In some of the videos, the instructor went on rants about people in a manner that seemed unprofessional and childish.
2. Hard To Get Approval by Popular Brands
One aspect of the Wholesale method of selling on Amazon that is not discussed in the course is getting approved by popular brands to sell their products. In my experience, getting authorized to sell large retail brands’ products is a tough feat. Most of these brands are very particular about who they work with and have a strict vetting process, so you might find that your request is rejected. Even if you do get approved, the process takes a long time and can be a major roadblock to any goals you have of being the next Amazon millionaire.
3. Competition is Fierce
If you’re considering using the Wholesale method to sell on Amazon, be prepared for tough competition. You’ll be going up against big name brands that have dedicated teams running their Amazon accounts, so it won’t be easy. However, with the right strategies and persistence, it is possible to make money with this model.
Is Beau Crabill a scam?
Beau Crabill is not a scam. If you’re considering starting an Amazon FBA business, Beau Crabill’s 4-day free training might be worth checking out. But, it’s important to keep in mind that starting an Amazon FBA business is not for the faint of heart – it takes persistence and focus.
As for eBay, it’s often seen as a cheaper alternative to Amazon, but comes with many of the same challenges for beginners in online retail.
It was tough to find any negative reviews about Online Retail Mastery by Crabill LLC, but we did find one honest review on YouTube. The reviewer Rochelle says that she hasn’t had much success with the course, despite a few small wins. She also mentions that the $997 price tag might not be worth it, but she thinks she’ll make her money back eventually by selling wholesale products.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Should you join Online Retail Mastery?
Online Retail Mastery may be a good starting point for you to learn about Amazon, but the real question is whether Amazon FBA is the right choice for you.
In my opinion, it’s not. The truth is, Amazon FBA is pretty saturated, and starting a business on Amazon is not cheap. You’ll need at least $10,000 to get started and that’s not including the cost of product samples, inventory, labeling and shipping, product launch services, and advertising. Trust me, the first $10,000 will go fast.
So, before you jump in and invest your hard-earned money, think long and hard about whether the time and cost is worth it for you.
Is Amazon FBA wholesale worth it?
I don’t think Amazon FBA wholesale is worth it. Amazon FBA wholesale is extremely saturated, more so than Amazon private label. This is because multiple sellers are vying for the same buy box you are. Amazon has their own brands competing against you. If Amazon is the other seller in the buy box, you will not win.
There are many challenges that accompany Amazon FBA wholesale and Beau’s strategy. First, Beau talks about obtaining spreadsheets from suppliers to help manage inventory. However, many suppliers don’t supply these or even keep them at all.
Second, Amazon requires many products to have Amazon barcodes. Most suppliers will not place these barcodes on individual products. Some to not ship directly to Amazon.
Third, Amazon FBA wholesale is expensive to start (at least $5K). Profit margins are extremely low (10% to 20% is good). Amazon has full control over your Amazon Seller Central Account, and the brands you sell have full control over your inventory in the future.
Finally, while coaches and gurus say that is passive income, there are too many moving parts. You will spend a lot of time finding suppliers, vetting suppliers, getting products shipped, managing customer service, and strategizing to win the buy box.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Why I Quit Amazon FBA?
1. A Lot of Work
If you’re looking for a side hustle or passive income, Amazon FBA might not be the right choice for you. Despite Amazon doing a lot of work for you, there’s still a lot that needs to be done to get your product listed and optimized. You’ll have to deal with various dry tasks, like negotiating with suppliers, comparing shipping companies, freight forwarders, and complying with Amazon and local government regulations.
2. No Quick Cash Flow
Cash flow is crucial for any business, but with Amazon FBA, you’ll have to invest a significant amount of money to purchase inventory from suppliers in China. If you want to create a unique private label product, the costs will be even higher. For example, manufacturers in China will charge you a few hundred dollars just for creating a prototype.
It can take up to several months before you get paid for the inventory you bought. Production may take 1-2 months, shipment and custom clearance takes 2 weeks, and then it takes another 2 weeks for your inventory to arrive at the Amazon warehouse. This process means it could be a while before you see any return on your investment.
3. Price War Reduces Profitability
Price wars are common on Amazon, and they can quickly eat into your profits. If you try to attract customers by lowering your prices, other sellers will follow suit, forcing you to lower your prices even more. To avoid a net loss, you might have to cut the product costs, which could result in lower quality products, negative customer feedback, and a drop in sales.
4. Strict Policies
In addition to intense competition, you’ll also have to deal with changing sales tax laws, category restrictions, and Amazon policies. If you violate any rules, Amazon could even ban your account permanently.
Online Retail Mastery Alternatives
If you’re interested in starting an Amazon FBA business, you can check out our master list of the best Amazon FBA courses. Below are some examples:
Proven Amazon Course
This comprehensive course includes over 22 different modules, each covering a different aspect of starting an FBA business. From finding profitable products to determining your FBA niche, this course covers it all. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, Proven Amazon Course is a great resource for anyone looking to start an FBA business.
Freedom Ticket Course 2.0
This eight-week course is designed specifically to help Amazon sellers succeed. Freedom Ticket Course 2.0 covers everything from managing your business to avoiding common mistakes and keeping up with trends. The course is updated regularly to ensure that the information is always relevant. One week after the start date, a new module becomes available, allowing you to pace yourself and keep up with the course material.
Private Label Masters
In this course, Tim Sanders shares his expertise and experience running successful Amazon businesses through private labeling. Private Label Masters teaches you how to build an e-commerce business using Amazon FBA and private labeling. You’ll learn how to create your own branded products and sell them on Amazon, giving you the edge over competitors and building a loyal customer base.
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 online business models I’ve tried, affiliate marketing is the easiest and most rewarding so far.
In affiliate marketing, you can run your business almost with 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.
Wealthy Affiliate has existed for more than 10 years and there are many success stories over the years.
To give you more examples, here are some of the other inspiring success stories of Wealthy Affiliate members.
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.
Leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Jeff Smith, Founder of High Income Source, is an online business coach with a BBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania. His online business coaching program is so popular that more than 100 students have benefited and started successful online businesses under his guidance.
Jeff started dabbling in online business while he was in college, where he began with dropshipping. After college, Jeff worked at a marketing agency and freelanced as a writer. His breakthrough came when he realized the potential of blogging, leading to a $100,000 sale of a dog-focused website. His expertise includes SEO, affiliate marketing, Amazon FBA, blogging and dropshipping.
This is definitely a scam. I paid for the course, only to find that it is outdated, and not monitored. There are missing links that he says will be posted in the comments, and also web links that are no longer active, and lead you to a 404 error. It is nearly impossible to reach his “support’ team. They take a day or two to respond and then only answer one question at a time. It is an extremely unprofessional way to do business, or it is a massive scam. I’m going with the latter. I have requested multiple times to get a direct email to speak to Beau to file a formal complaint, which has not come to fruition as of yet.