Start and Scale Review – Gretta Van Riel | Legit Or No?

eCommerce business has seen a massive boom in recent years. Many people are jumping on the online business train as it has proven to be a very lucrative business.

Start and Scale is an eCommerce course that goes beyond just teaching you how to start an eCommerce business. Creator Gretta Van Riel will show you how you can commercialize your idea and turn it into a money-making enterprise.

Therefore, this course might be applicable to almost any type of business. Nonetheless, there is a waiting list for the course, and if you’re like me, I had to wait quite a while before getting a spot as the course is still in its early stages.

To find out if this is true and if the course is suitable for you, keep reading!

Is Start And Scale Legit?

Absolutely, Start And Scale is a legitimate and credible ecommerce course. There are a few aspects that make this clear.

First, the course boasts an impressive number of students, surpassing 22,000. This substantial enrollment is a strong indicator of the course’s popularity and trustworthiness.

Additionally, the course offers a robust refund system, which underscores the confidence the creators have in their content. We’ll dive deeper into these points as we move forward.

Start And Scale Review

The Start and Scale Course, a collaboration between e-commerce expert Gretta Van Riel and Foundr Magazine, is like a detailed roadmap for success in the ever-changing world of online business.

They cover stuff from brainstorming money making ideas to setting up your own brand, launching, growing, and all the marketing jazz.

Some say it’s got practical tips that could be useful, but you have to wonder if it’s all just another online business hype. They talk about real experiences and proven strategies, but then again, they all do, right?

If you’re into building an e-commerce gig, maybe it’s worth checking out, but remember, not every course is a golden ticket.

Gretta Van Riel and Her Experience With Ecommerce

Before we get to the main course, let’s go through another important question – Who is Gretta Van Riel?

Let’s put her background under the microscope here. In 2012, she entered the scene with a mere $24 and kick-started SkinnyMe Tea, riding the “teatox” trend. It’s a catchy concept, no doubt, but my seasoned entrepreneur senses question how much of that initial success was fueled by the hype around detox teas.

Sure, she bagged Shopify’s Build-a-Business Competition, which is commendable. However, competition can sometimes be more about marketing and less about long-term business viability. I’d want to see how her ventures fared in the real world over time.

What’s intriguing is that Gretta didn’t stop at one shot. She co-founded a bunch of businesses, including The 5th (watches), Drop Bottle (drink bottles), and Nichify (brand-influencer network). It sounds impressive, but it also makes me wonder if she’s a serial entrepreneur jumping onto trends or someone who truly understands the nuances of each market.

Let’s talk about her emphasis on influencer marketing—a buzzword in today’s ecommerce. She hones in on micro-influencers with high engagement. From my standpoint, that’s a wise choice, but the question nags: Is this an insightful strategy or simply capitalizing on a trend that’s currently in vogue?

She’s all about personal relationships with influencers, which is something I’ve seen play out effectively. But here’s the thing, Influencers are business people too. Are these relationships genuine collaborations or just strategic partnerships? The thin line between authenticity and promotion is something I’m wary of.

As for the payment game, her approach seems straightforward—commissions, payment-for-posts, and samples. But I’ve seen this approach go awry when influencers prioritize income over genuine endorsement. Balancing these dynamics is crucial for long-term credibility.

Creative freedom for influencers—that’s a buzz phrase. Yet, I’ve seen it lead to mixed results. Sure, authenticity matters, but who’s maintaining quality control? An overzealous influencer could inadvertently steer the brand off course.

Her Thunderclap strategy, with multiple influencers hitting a product launch simultaneously, sounds like a classic hype-building tactic. But seasoned dropshippers know that hype doesn’t always translate to sustainable success. It’s the consistent strategies that win the long game.

In the grand scheme of things, Gretta’s background paints a picture of a trend-sensitive entrepreneur who’s capitalized on some thriving markets. As a dropshipper with my fair share of experience, I’d be looking closely to see if she’s riding waves or crafting a lasting blueprint for business success. It’s a world where trends can fizzle as quickly as they sizzle, and I’d need to know if her strategies stand the test of time.

What Contents Are Offered In Start And Scale Course

Let’s give you an idea of what you’re onboarding for:

Finding Your Idea

Right off the bat – the journey begins with niche selection and validating business ideas. 

Getting profitable product ideas is a pivotal starting point. In this module, Gretta’s teachings tackle the cold start problem that many newbie entrepreneurs face. 

She takes you on a journey through the concept of dropshipping, discussing how to develop a unique business concept even as a newbie in the industry. You’ll learn how to validate your ideas and turn them into a tangible business model.

However, while the module provides a solid foundation, showing creative brainstorming techniques could encourage participants to think more expansively. 

Interactive group activities, for instance, might stimulate diverse idea generation – which is something I think the module doesn’t do well with.

Build Your Brand from Scratch 

This module focuses on how creating a recognizable brand is essential, especially in a crowded online marketplace. Gretta guides you through building your brand from the ground up.

With the help of practical tips, you’ll learn how to design a compelling logo, choose a fitting domain name, and create a landing page that resonates with your target audience.

While it covers the essentials, delving deeper into the psychology of brand perception and consumer behavior could have enhanced the module’s impact. This knowledge would enable entrepreneurs to craft a compelling brand story.

Turn Your Idea Into a Prototype

Taking your concept from ideation to reality is one of the biggest steps. This module is where you turn your concept into a tangible product. 

Gretta breaks down the intricate world of supply chain logistics and procurement. You’ll discover how to create prototypes that accurately represent your vision. The module provides the tools to create prototypes that will set you on that path.

While getting a tangible product is vital, extending its scope to digital products and services would have added versatility to the course. Addressing prototyping tools for software or online services would cater to a broader audience.

Making Your Product Profitable

Naturally, financial success is a top priority for a sustainable venture. 

Here, Gretta’s expertise shines as she walks you through the financial aspects of your business. With the knowledge you gain, you’ll confidently manage cash flow, calculate costs, and ensure a profitable venture.

From understanding margins to optimizing expenses, this module equips you to navigate the financial landscape confidently – or at least, it’s meant to.

It does the job well for the most part. However, it could have incorporated a deeper discussion on ethical business practices and sustainability would have provided a more well-rounded perspective. 

Addressing social and environmental responsibility is very important, especially to maintain a brand reputation.

Building An Audience of Hungry Buyers

The road to a successful launch begins with a robust audience. You can learn from 

Gretta’s expertise as she reveals how to cultivate an engaged following before your product even hits the market. By mastering social media strategies, you’ll position your brand for impactful sales on launch day.

While there’s a decent emphasis on pre-launch audience-building, a section on customer retention post-launch could have complemented the strategy. 

Sustaining customer engagement beyond the initial launch phase is just as important for long-term success.

Influencer Marketing Strategies

Influencer marketing holds incredible potential, and Gretta has harnessed its power to amass fortunes. 

You can dive into this module to uncover the intricacies of influencer collaboration. With insights into reaching out and partnering with influencers.

You’ll unlock core strategies that can send your sales soaring, allowing you to build a dedicated customer base. 

Gretta’s insights extend beyond just theory – she shares her real-world experiences, including her journey with the influencer marketing platform “Hey Influencer.”

While the focus on influencer marketing is valuable, having a module on this sort of strategy mixed with other effective strategies like SEO could have further enriched the course. 

Strong SEO practices enable organic growth and visibility, which complements influencer-driven marketing efforts.

Launch & Daily Operations

Operational excellence is the heartbeat of every successful business. 

Gretta’s detailed guidance covers everything from setting up payments and logistics to providing top-notch customer support. You’ll even learn how to handle unexpected challenges, a skill crucial in the world of entrepreneurship.

The module still lacks a few things, though. While it covers daily operations well, integrating a segment on crisis management and customer complaints could have made it more practical. 

Handling unforeseen challenges gracefully and turning negative experiences into opportunities is an invaluable skill.

Scaling Your Store

Scaling your business is the ultimate goal, and Gretta’s insights on this are priceless. 

You’ll discover strategies to grow your store beyond the basics, aiming for seven-figure sales. Gretta leaves no stone unturned, making this module a true e-commerce treasure.

However, there’s still a flaw in this module.

There should have been a dedicated segment on diversification and expanding product offerings, which would have been a boost to any entrepreneur’s toolkit. A broader product portfolio mitigates risks associated with market fluctuations.

Start And Scale Course Cost & Refund Policy

Alright, let’s dive into the money bit. The Start and Scale Course cost and what you get in return. Now, I won’t sugarcoat it – this course doesn’t come cheap.

It depends, the course costs $997 as of right now. That alone is quite a hefty sum, especially with much cheaper yet similar-quality courses out there. 

For instance, eCom Elites, one of my top picks for dropshipping courses, can get you a lot of stuff while costing $297 at most.

Still, Gretta’s got some guts, offering a 365-day money-back deal. That’s quite a statement, but it also raises a question – why the need for such a long guarantee? Is it because the results might not show up right away?

Nonetheless, you can finish the course, put it into action, and if it doesn’t deliver, you can ask for your money back. That’s a solid guarantee, I’ll give her that.

If you’re thinking about joining in, you better be ready to fork out a pretty penny. It’s an investment, no doubt. But then again, if it helps you build a thriving e-commerce business, it could be worth it.

Pros Of Start And Scale Course

Now, let’s talk about the good stuff. What’s there to like about the Start and Scale Course?

Real Deal Experience

This isn’t some guru talking about theories they’ve never tried. Gretta Van Riel has actually built her own 7-figure brands. She’s walked the walk and been recognized by Forbes for it. That’s a real track record, and it’s a breath of fresh air in the sea of online courses.

Blueprint for Success

The best part? Gretta’s not just spewing out textbook knowledge. She’s sharing what’s worked for her, multiple times. So, it’s not just theories; it’s proven strategies from someone who’s been in the trenches.

Community Backup

The course comes with a Facebook community, and that’s gold. Believe me, when you’re sailing the unpredictable waters of e-commerce, having a place to ask questions, share struggles, and maybe find some camaraderie – that’s invaluable.

Get Down to Business

No beating around the bush here. Each lesson wraps up with action steps. And there’s a workbook for each module, so it’s like having a roadmap. Hands-on stuff, none of that fluffy filler.

Up-to-Date Content

We’ve all been burned by outdated course materials. But Gretta’s crew knows what’s up. They’re on top of their game, updating the content to match the latest e-commerce trends. That’s a big plus in my book.

Cons Of Start And Scale Course

Hold on, don’t get too starry-eyed. There are some things to think about on the flip side.

Super Pricey

Let’s be real – this course isn’t exactly easy on the wallet. It’s an investment, and not everyone has a pile of money just lying around. You’ll need to weigh the potential benefits against the cost.

Not Just About Facebook Ads

If your plan is all about conquering Facebook ads and raking in the cash, this might not be the course for you. The Start and Scale Course is more about building a solid brand for the long run.

Overemphasis on Influencer Marketing

Here’s the thing – while influencer marketing can indeed be powerful, it’s not a guaranteed success. Relying too much on this strategy could leave you in a spot if things don’t go as planned, like if the influencer’s audience changes or social media algorithms throw a wrench in the works. Just keep in mind that you need to approach this with care and be ready to adjust if things don’t go as expected.

Gleams Over Too Much

While the course covers a lot, some areas feel like they’re just getting a quick brush-over. You might find yourself wanting more in-depth insights, especially when it comes to certain modules. It’s like scratching the surface without fully diving in.

Is Start and Scale Suitable for Dropshipping Businesses?

You might be wondering if the Start and Scale Course is a good fit for dropshipping businesses. 

While it’s not exclusively designed for dropshipping, it’s worth noting that the course offers a higher quality approach compared to many other options out there. 

You’re still getting the same sort of quality you’d get from more expensive and dropship-specific courses, like Anton Kraly’s Dropshipping Lifestyle Course.

The cool part is, that the course isn’t limited to a specific type of online business. It works for all sorts of e-commerce, whether you’re dropshipping products from suppliers or creating your own goods.

What Is The Success Rate Of Start And Scale Students?

Let’s talk about real results – what’s actually happening with the folks who’ve taken the Start and Scale Course.

There’s a crew of over 22,500 students (according to the course’s Facebook group) who’ve seen some changes from what they learned. Some of them are sharing stories of success that make you stop and think – can these strategies really turn dreams into profits?

These success stories make you curious, no doubt. But remember, while the course hands you some tools, it’s your own sweat and hustle that’ll really turn the tide. You might even need to put in way too much of that if you’re already knowledgeable about the basic stuff.

Where To Get A Sneak Peek Into The Course: Greta’s Masterclass

If you want to take a quick preview of the course, you can take a look at her masterclass, which seems pre-recorded. Regardless, if you get some time, you can get a good idea of all the basics her course consists of. Here’s what’s discussed in the masterclass.

• “Find Your Product Idea” Workshop: They say they can help you find a winning idea in 45 minutes, even if you think all the good ones are taken. They’re aiming to be quick and focused.
• What You’ll Learn: They’re sharing insights from Gretta’s experience. They promise to teach you how to find and check a product idea without spending months wondering.
• Repeatable Idea Framework: They’re talking about a 4-step idea plan Gretta used for big brands. They suggest this works for competitive markets like teas, watches, and drink bottles. They’ll guide you in building a brand.
• Learning from Million-Dollar Mistakes: They’re honest. They guide you through big e-commerce mistakes. They talk about a $1.3 million mistake of Gretta’s. They’re cautious about usual “guru advice.”
• Real-Life Examples: They’re showing real cases. They talk about how newbies made six figures in months.

Gretta really gets some points for this one – her masterclass is much less of a thinly veiled ad than what I’ve noticed with “Free Webinars” from other courses. You’re actually learning something of value here.

If you’re thinking of turning ideas into online sales, this might help – just remember, look closely.

Is Start And Scale Course Worth It?

Start and Scale is getting some decent feedback, like a 4.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. But we know ratings can be tricky. Are these numbers legit, or just a bunch of pats on the back? 

I’ll give credit where it’s due, though. The course seems to be decent so far, just not something perfectly fit for anyone that’s more experienced with the basics of dropshipping. So, I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt and pick the former. 

Who Should Enroll In Start And Scale Course?

Let’s break it down for who would benefit most from the Start and Scale Course:

• Budding Entrepreneurs: If you’re itching to start your very own eCommerce journey, this course could be your launchpad.
• Traditional Store Owners Going Digital: If you’re already running a physical store and want to tap into the online market, this course might have the insights you need.
• Future-Proof Brand Builders: If your sights are set on building a long-lasting e-commerce brand that brings in consistent income over time, the Start and Scale Course could be your blueprint.
• Tech Skills Not a Must: Don’t worry if tech isn’t your strong suit. The course is designed to be user-friendly and organized, catering to all levels of tech-savviness.

Who Shouldn’t Enroll In Start And Scale Course?

Let’s talk about who might not find the course their perfect match:

• Quick-Cash Chasers: If you’re looking for a get-rich-quick scheme, this isn’t it. Building a solid e-commerce brand takes time and effort, so instant riches aren’t on the menu.
• Not a Fan of Patience: If waiting isn’t your strong suit and you’re hoping for overnight success, this might not be your jam. E-commerce success is more of a marathon than a sprint.
• Urgent Financial Needs: If you’re facing pressing financial needs and need a quick fix, this course might not provide the immediate relief you’re looking for, especially with its price.

FAQs

What does Gretta Van Riel sell?

Gretta Van Riel sells various products in different niches, such as tea, bottles and skincare products, through her online stores.

Can I really build a profitable business through this course?

You may or may not build a profitable business through this course. It depends on a lot of factors. If you’ve got the patience, it might certainly work out.

How long does it take to see results from Start And Scale? 

The results you can expect from this course may vary depending on your product, niche, market and execution. However, some of the students who have taken this course have reported making their first sales within a few weeks or months of launching their online stores.

How much video content does the course contain?

Let me guess, you’re more of a hands-on learner? Well, you can get 10 hours worth of video content with the course.

Is there ongoing support available after I complete the course?

Yes. There is a Facebook group for support after the course.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. I hope I gave you a good idea of everything the Start and Scale course is. It’s not a magic fix, just like most things in life. It’s not a guaranteed path to success, but then again, few things are.

At the end of the day, your success is going to depend on how well you put the knowledge and tools you get into action. 

And remember, success isn’t just about the course – your own commitment and ability to adapt will play a big role in how things turn out.