This review is from Adrian Morrison's eCom Success Academy.
You can trust me to tell you everything you need so that you can make an informed decision about whether it is worth the cost.
This is still the gold standard for dropshipping courses.
However, does it still live up to the high expectations four years later?
First, let's talk about dropshipping.
Which one is right for you?
These are my thoughts.
I have also included the NEWEST model that is currently on the market.
Before we go any further, let's clarify a few points.
It is important to choose the right model for you and your financial resources.
First...
Do I really need to buy a course to learn dropshipping?
This question is often asked of me.
As someone who has spent thousands of dollars on conferences, courses, and programs, I can tell you that it is worth the investment.
You can scroll online for hours trying to put it all together.
Here's the problem: It's a waste.
Time you should use to earn more .
You can never get back.
You will be light years ahead of your peers if you have a quality program that covers every aspect of the business model.
This leads us to the next question.
What should I look for in a course?
A bunch of videos is not enough, IMHO!
Research has shown that the majority of people don't finish courses on their own.
Remember how quickly things can change online. Many dropshipping videos are out of date in a matter of months.
If you are serious about making money online, it is best to find a program that offers ongoing training as well as an active community .
Get involved and stay committed.
Great things are possible when you put your all into massive action.
Next, choose the best business model for your goals and available resources.
>>>>> Which dropshipping models are available?
Let's take a look at them.
The Original Dropship Model
Dropshipping is easy to teach.
It is also easier to convince people that they can do it, because it doesn't seem like you need much money to start.
What is the secret to it?
Find a product on AliExpress or another platform and then list it in your store.
Put some ads on it to get people to open their credit cards.
AliExpress's supplier handles storage, packaging and shipping.
This is high-risk because you don't have any quality control over the items that arrive at your customers doors...or if they even get shipped.
Why has the Dropship Model 'Original" become obsolete?
This model is a good starter option for those with a low budget, but it has many problems.
TBH, AliExpress has long outlawed the shipping of cheap crap.
Dropshipping is a popular method that many people learn because it's easy to convince them they can make a lot of money with little risk. This makes it easier for them to sell their courses.
It might have worked in 2017 if it wasn't.
Unfortunately, this model is saturated right now.
If you look at the actual date from the course testimonials, it's hard to find any showing 2021 while using AliExpress.
This old method has a low entry barrier that puts you up against all the dabblers and cheap-skates.
It appeals to those who doubt their chances of success.
Or those who have the desire to win even if they don't possess the financial resources.
Print on Demand
Print on Demand is another simple way for beginners to get involved in the action.
You can make sales if you are a skilled designer and have the ability to devise a great advertising strategy.
Selling items that can be customized printed and delivered directly from printer to customer is the basic idea.
These are some of the most popular items:
Anything that can be printed and shipped with a design will work.
There are many companies that offer print on demand services.
Many printers have a network of printers that can be selected based on address. This helps speed up delivery times.
It may sound simple, but it is not.
- 1Before you can receive money from customers, you must pay for the items you sell.
- 2Copyright laws must be adhered to in the country you are selling to.
- 3Paid ads are still a great way to make sales.
- 4You will need to find a way of standing out from the crowd, which is getting more saturated every day.
If you have to choose between AliExpress dropshipping and print on demand, I recommend printing on demand.
Private Label Dropshipping
Dropshipping private labels is worth the effort if you have a product that works well and can be ordered in large quantities.
Find a trustworthy supplier that will manufacture the item and then label it with your logo.
The customer gets something that feels more brand-named.
You will need to pay your supplier upfront .
You can either have them handle shipping and storage, or you can keep your inventory yourself (see next model).
What happens if they aren't sold?
Yes, it's true.
Money gone sour.
It is essential to understand the market and how you can generate sales.
It takes a lot of trial and error to find the right way to place paid ads.
You don't have to hear me tell you that this is NOT the place for complete beginners .
The eCommerce Model
This model is the most similar to running a real-world business.
This involves ordering quantity.
It is important to understand all costs and lead times for production and delivery.
You don't want extra costs that you didn't include in your sales price, or running out of stock before you have new inventory available for shipping.
If you have the space, you can either store your inventory or hire someone to do it.
There is a high risk of spending thousands on a product you cannot sell.
Dropshipping at a High Price
This allows you to target a particular demographic (aka wealthy people), with more costly products that can be shipped.
You can negotiate a deal with a supplier who will dropship the products on your behalf.
This model is a trap because it only takes a few sales to make lots of money. You can also have higher profit margins.
Reality: Finding a reliable supplier willing to work with your company is not easy.
Particularly if your business has not been established.
Marketing must also be of the highest quality.
A site that appears amateur is not worth the money.
Subscription Dropshipping
A few people in the eCom sector believe that this is the place where the buzz currently is.
There are two main ways to approach this:
- Offer automated delivery for items that require replenishing
- You can offer a monthly subscription to receive discounts on your store.
This long-term strategy is better than trying to grab as many sales before a product becomes saturated.
It would be more reliable than other dropshipping models if it is done well.
Although it feels like you are ripping off the Amazon subscription model, it sounds like a better option than the original.
Let's find out.
What's eCom Success Academy?
This nearly is the complete A-Z of dropshipping (more details on the "almost") coming up).
Let's summarize:
You may need to spend some time working through some of the complex modules.
It is believed that he spent quite a bit to produce the course.
It's definitely one of the most beautiful courses and it's very easy to navigate.
What kind of dropshipping is eCom Success Academy? Is it still possible to do dropshipping in 2022?
It is unfortunately based on the original dropshipping, but it does use AliExpress to source product sourcing.
It has a section on Print on Demand, which Adrian loves.
It also covers branding basics and high-ticket dropshipping, but it's not all you need.
IMHO there are better ways to make money online . Keep scrolling to find out more.
Most people who attempt this model end up losing more than they make, and packing it all in.
Is eCom Success Academy Legit
It will all depend on your situation.
This course is for you if you have zero dropshipping experience.
It also includes the Shopify seal approval, which gives it a little more credibility than some cowboys who drop courses on their own.
Let's now get straight to the point.
Adrian Morrison is a dropshipper?
Absolutely!
You can learn it with ESA.
Yes, but this course is not enough.
This course has the biggest flaw (apart from the biz model).
Facebook ads are not a one-size-fits all solution.
It is something dropshippers often struggle with so I expected better training.
Continue reading to find out what I have learned about Facebook Ads, and what you need to know.
Is eCom Success Academy up to date?
The short version - NO
But you should be careful.
In 2017, the original course was dropped (pun intended).
A 2019 update included:
There are approximately 2 years between the last update and this one. Perhaps another update is in the future? ?
Additionally, Adrian's weekly profit power hour offers plenty of new content ideas and content.
Adrian seems to be more focused on the weeklies than on course updates.
Adrian, for example, shared the subscription-based dropshipping idea in recent episodes.
It won't suffice to just watch the videos.
You will need to consistently display and continue learning.
This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn't reflect the way the course is promoted.
Why I don't like Facebook Ads Anymore?
Ads on Facebook were very affordable back then.
It's quite a different scene when you look at it today.
It's becoming more noise than substance, with so many people using it to promote or push political agendas.
The mega-companies and large organizations with huge budgets have driven up the cost for everyone.
Let's face it, no one is scrolling Facebook with their credit cards in hand, waiting to be sold.
Facebook ads are interruption marketing.
You must grab people's attention, and convince them to make impulse buys.
I don't know about yours, but I like to go where people want to buy, and then offer them the best solution.
It feels more like a legitimate business with better ethics.
Facebook Ads at a Rising Cost
Facebook ads get more expensive each year.
Remember, this is an auction-based setup.
Prices rise with increasing demand.
It really drives up the cost of Facebook advertising for all, especially for large companies and organizations that invest millions of dollars per week.
Dropshippers with limited budgets will find it like swimming with sharks with minnows.
Keep in mind that you are not a blip of FB's radar, so don't expect too much customer service.
This brings us to the problem dropshippers often face.
How to Disable Your Facebook Ad Account?
This is a real problem!
You don't have to rely on Facebook ads to get up in the morning and find your account disabled.
There are no more customers
There are no more sales!
There is no more income!
Facebook uses algorithms and filters.
A suspension can be initiated quickly.
These guidelines are also very vague.
Good luck trying to reach customer service.
Dropshippers are everywhere if you search Reddit and FB groups. They're asking for help to get their accounts back online.
I don't want to risk my entire business by putting my faith in something so fragile.
What about you?
If that's not enough to concern you...
Facebook Ads Issues for 2022
Facebook and Apple are engaged in a ongoing war over data privacy.
Facebook has been collecting data from people for years and monetizing it.
They were able to track the browsing habits of users after they left Facebook. This allowed them to create a profile for each user, with their interests and needs.
This makes it easier to target them by offering products and services that they are more likely than others to purchase.
The IO14 update to the iPhone by Apple made it difficult to allow apps such as Facebook to track your movements.
This revealed how many data these companies have on us.
Companies like Facebook don't want to be seen as compromising privacy or their rights in a world where people are more concerned about privacy.
They have been able make billions from the data they collect on users in order to sell highly targeted advertising.
We are already hearing complaints from Reddits and FB groups about the inability to convert ad campaigns.
It's not surprising, considering the data quality is lower to target many users.
Alrighty, let's get back to ESA.
Adrian Morrison: Who are you? Is He Legit?
Morrison is an inspiring story of 'rags-to-riches'.
Many of his teachers dismissed this high school misfit.
It was not easy to understand.
Look at him!
I'm sure not one of those teachers had expected Adrian to have a few companies.
They might even consider him getting a flamethrower.
I don't know about others, but I love stories that show the true strength of an underdog.
Adrian claims that he has made as much $21,000 in one day and $420,000 during his best month.
There is no way to verify these numbers.
These crazy sales metrics are a problem in dropshipping, as you may have noticed.
How to Avoid Being Fooled by Dropshipping Sales Numbers?
Dropshipping is a popular option. You've probably seen "testimonials", which have insane sales figures.
You've probably been tempted to believe that it could be you.
It is easy to get excited about 6-figure or 5-figure stores.
The cold, hard truth is?
You may be dreaming of exotic vacations, luxurious homes, and exotic cars. But that's just the digits.
This is sales revenue.
It is what's known as " vanity Metrics" within the business world.
As in "all appearance, but no substance".
It's certainly sexy for big numbers to be displayed.
But
It's not real income.
The expenses are something you won't hear about when selling dropship courses.
With so many products on the market, it's difficult to stay competitive in a saturated market.
It is not unusual to see profit margins as low as 5%, and this is before you factor in expenses and other lesser-known costs.
These are the expenses that you should consider:
Now, imagine figuring all these out and then how to add this into your product price.
This will give you an idea of the reasons that many stores make less money than their owners.
What will I learn from eCom Success Academy?
Module 1 Shopify
This is the nuts and bolts training to get your store up-and-running.
Although there is a lot to it, you will be well-prepared once you have finished.
You'll also learn:
This is a strength of the program, with its simple, step by-step tutorials.
Adrian shares some tricks and tips that will help you get ahead of other newbies.
Save you from serious headaches
Module 2: Sourcing Products
Adrian shows you how to choose good suppliers and products.
He also shows how to negotiate with suppliers, which is a unique example that was available when the course was released.
A bonus section is available on designing for print on demand.
Morrison provides a deep dive into all things sourcing, and almost makes it seem easy.
Although he is a skilled professional with years of experience, there will still be steep learning curves once you get into the trenches.
Module 3 - Facebook
Facebook ads were the bread-and-butter dropshippers for years.
Here's the deal.
If you do it correctly, you will be able to generate lots of sales.
You can lose thousands of dollars if you do it wrong.
Most people don't know that $5 is not enough to bring in a lot of sales.
There is so much to be learned and only experience can help you get there.
ESA will teach you the fundamentals of setting up and using Facebook for advertising and promotions.
Take, for example:
Facebook closing down your advertising account is one of the most frustrating things.
Morrison does not offer any solutions to this problem, but most courses won't want to make such things public.
Adrian is a respected teacher with a lot of experience.
He's got some golden nuggets that wisdom that aren't available to most young 'wannabes'.
You should also look for people with real and lasting experience to learn.
There is no one who has had quick success and decided that they wanted to sell a course in order to make quick money.
ESA's biggest problem is the absence of bidding strategies.
It's amazing to see gurus boast such impressive numbers.
It is disappointing that he has not shared the secret sauce he used.
Although I am aware that bidding strategies don't work for everyone, Adrian could have provided some examples or case studies.
However, bidding strategies can make or break your Facebook ads.
It is important to ask how relevant it is.
Paid advertising can, as with most things in digital marketing, change quickly.
This section can be combined with your own research or Morrison's Profit Power Hour replays.
Module 4: Email Marketing
This module is faster than the previous two.
Adrian shows you how to set up your autoresponder app for your store.
A subscription fee is required.
As you will soon discover, dropshipping is not only possible but also profitable.
It is just part of the business cost.
Adrian suggests using these email templates to communicate with customers.
Tip - Use templates as a structure but sound like yours - there are hundreds, even thousands of people who use the same template.
You'll also find the structure of how to order your emails to get maximum results.
Module 5: Building Your Team
It is crucial to be able to outsource certain tasks if you want to increase your sales.
You'll feel overwhelmed otherwise.
You'll also need to begin researching and getting your next product lined up.
Hint: If you are busy with customer service issues, it is impossible to do this.
It's also quicker and cheaper to outsource certain tasks at every stage of your journey.
You don't have to spend hours creating a logo that looks amateurish when you can hire someone to do it for a few dollars.
You'll be amazed at how many tasks can be outsourced once you have had a taste.
This information is fairly standard for finding Virtual Assistants.
I would have loved to seen more information about what to look out for and how to onboard them.
Many VAs were hired by me and they were some of the most difficult to work with.
Module 06 Project Management
This module builds on the outsourcing module and provides two platforms for managing all ongoing projects.
They can help you monitor progress and manage your workload.
Both are subscription-based and per person.
You can do what you want, but I recommend that you avoid adding additional subscriptions or apps to your income stream until you have a stable one.
If you have multiple VAs, this can add up quickly.
While organization is essential for scaling, there are many things you can do with Google Sheets and a chatting app like Skype.
Module 7 - Long-Term Exit Strategy
You might be wondering why Adrian talks about exit plans before you even get started.
This topic is not covered in any other courses.
It can also be a very lucrative business model, if you are able to set up stores and run them successfully.
Adrian does not mention that you need more information to be able sell a store.
This module focuses primarily on maintaining a profit-loss spreadsheet.
NO information is available on:
- How to find a buyer in your store
- What information do you need (certainly more than a spreadsheet)?
- How to verify them so that you don't get duped
- Tax implications
- Transferring ownership
It's a good idea to make this known to students as a way for them to cash out and make extra money.
It could be even more thorough.
Module 8 - Bonuses
I am always skeptical about what is added to a bonus section.
It's important to ensure that this is not a ruse to increase the perceived value and be used as a sales trick.
ESA offers 5 bonus sections.
- 1Archive of weekly coaching video archives
- 2Emailing Anthony
- 3Mastery outsourcing
- 4Sizzle Product Sniper Software
- 5Case studies
Let's have a closer look...
1. Profit Power Hour Video Archive
These videos date back to 2016.
There will be plenty of useful information and ideas, but you have to decide what is still relevant right now.
These are some of the most popular topics:
- Shopify Settings
- Shopify Apps
- Different Facebook Strategies
- Email marketing
- Products made to order
Adrian is more likely to choose a topic than to go wild on his text app.
It is better to see something than listen to someone talking at you.
You will find tons of videos.
Some are old and others are new.
Profit Power Hour is more valuable if you watch it live each week so that you can learn current strategies.
If you're able to find some gold nuggets in the archives, however, it is possible to find them if you take the time to go through them.
2. Anthony Morrison: Emailing
Anthony, Adrian's brother offers a short course in email strategies.
The 26 videos are unfortunately all whiteboard-based.
It's a good introduction to email, but it's only theory. You'll have to do the math.
3. Outsourcing mastery
This article will give you some tips on how to get your team started and ready to take over certain day-to-day tasks.
Adam Radar is the presenter, but it's unclear who he really is or why he provides the information.
4. Sizzle Product Sniper Software
This software platform, created by the Morrison brothers, allows you to see which products are most popular on AliExpress and Facebook.
It will save you time if you choose the AliExpress model.
TBH, there are several similar platforms and browser extensions that do the same.
However, all of these spying platforms also mean that swarms are following the same product trends.
This means that everyone gets a smaller piece of the pie.
5. Example Case Studies
Adrian uses case studies from his top products to highlight his approach to advertising on Facebook.
These examples will show you how he placed his ads and got attention.
Unfortunately, he has yet to reveal his Facebook bidding strategy.
Remember that these were from years ago, so what worked back then may not work now.
I have learned over time to be careful about copying templates from courses.
The problem is that there are thousands of people copying the exact same thing.
Customers get sick of it.
Second, platforms will eventually notice any clever hacks or workarounds and create a filter to stop you from doing them.
Thirdly, platforms are constantly changing and trends can change quickly - I'm certain you can think of many examples of social media that weren't there a few years ago.
FAQs about eCom Success Academy
These are the most commonly asked questions about ESA, so let's get them answered once and for all.
1. What is the eCom Success Academy's Refund Policy?
Although it is not easy to find a policy regarding refunds on the ESA sign-up page, there are some places on Morrison’s company websites.
There is no refund.
You need to be certain that this is the right purchase, given the high price.
Because you can't change your mind and get your money back for better.
2. Is there an eCom Success Academy affiliate program?
Many dropshipping and affiliate marketing courses offer affiliate programs.
Affiliate payouts for eCom Success Academy are generous.
This is almost $1000 per sale, which is why there are so many marketers pushing this course.
There was actually a leaderboard, and you may recognize one or two names.
Adrian's brother Anthony is just below the top.
Tai Lopez is most likely well-known to many, having blitzed YouTube with advertisements for his social media course.
Bob Proctor is well-known for his role in "The Secret", as well as being a motivational speaker.
It's very interesting to see how he encourages his followers dropshipping.
Given the amount of money being exchanged here, it'd be smart for you to ensure you get a review from someone other than an affiliate who stands to make a good chunk of change if you sign up.
As an aside, I am NOT an affiliate of ESA. You can expect an honest review here.
3. How can I tell if a course review is done by an affiliate?
Simply put, you will find at least one link that takes you to a sign-up page.
A link to a sales webinar is another sign that an ESA affiliate has been identified.
Clicking on these links will cause you to be tracked.
Sign up and you get paid as an affiliate
This is not necessarily a negative thing.
Make sure to do your research and get a neutral opinion.
What is the Difference Between eCom Success Academy and Other Courses? Like eCom Elites?
Okay, let's get to the point.
This expensive course is not as common as many of your other options.
Yes, it's thorough.
It's the brand dropshipping course.
You could still get the same results from a course such as eCom Elites for a fraction of the cost.
Wholesale Ted offers a section on Print On Demand as well as Marketing Psychology for a small monthly fee.
ESA's weekly training is what I like the most.
A regular dose of education and motivation can make a big difference in building a business.
It's expensive overall and the training is outdated, but dropshipping courses are going to be a good fit for those who want the brand.
Review Conclusion
eCom Success Academy is a great place to learn if you are looking to get on the dropshipping train. Adrian Morrison took great care to design and present this professional-looking course.
It is a great course on dropshipping, despite the high price. If you believe dropshipping will still be viable in 2021 ( but I'm not convinced about)
We like this:
We didn't like these things:
Dropshipping is the future of 2022?
This is the million-dollar question.
These are some important things to consider when dropshipping.
- Shopify has more than 1,000,000 stores. This doesn't include WooCommerce or other platforms.
- Prime Shipping is a popular option for many people. It allows you to get 2 Day Delivery (or less) from Amazon.
- Other major retailers are also entering the fast shipping market.
- Dropshipping is also possible from the same suppliers who sell these products on Amazon for a lower price.
- Spy software is so numerous that even the most popular product or ad can be quickly copied by everyone.
- It is important to continue looking for new products.
- Facebook ads are becoming more expensive, but less effective. This means that you will pay more per sale.
Consider this: Depending on where you plan to sell, there are some frightening things you will need to look into.
- Some materials are limited in supply or cost increasing - many suppliers/producers won't guarantee prices beyond a week or so and availability can be difficult.
- Hyper-inflation is imminent in the United States. It means that the dollar will be less valuable and there will be less money available to spend on non-essentials.
- Due to the EU's new restrictions on truck drivers, the UK is having difficulty importing goods.
- Shipping times to China are getting longer. Some cases have taken up to 45 days. Why would anyone wait that long for shipping from China when Amazon takes only 2 days?
What is the best alternative to dropshipping?
You don't have to worry, I was once in your shoes.
Dropshipping was something I tried. It was back in the days when it was easy for people to make money from it.
I have 6 figure Shopify store sales and spent more than $100k on Facebook ads.
You might wonder: Can I dropship in 2022?
Would I recommend it to you?
"Oh hell naw!" "
Absolutely not.
All the above mentioned and more...
It takes up a lot of time and often returns very little.
Income isn't constant and there are many things that could go wrong, but you don't have control over.
Let me instead show you what I have been doing for the past few decades to generate 52k per month and growing.
Why should I recommend the Lead Gen Model?
Dropshipping Versus Lead Generation
This is a comparison of Dropshipping and Lead Generation.
Lead Generation
Dropshipping
What is Lead Generation?
Here's a quick overview of the best business model that I have found for 2021 and beyond.
Here's a quick overview of the best business model that I have found for 2021 and beyond.
The mine's lead gen site generates over 600 calls per client.
He loves that he is the king of the area.
Is he happy to pay me a small amount each month to deliver these leads?
He is, you bet!
How the Lead Generation model works
You want a piece of the pie?
Our coaching program will guide you through every step of your lead generation business.
The exact same skills that I learned to live the laptop lifestyle and quit my soul-sucking 9-5 can be yours.
To see real case studies by our students, click here and find out more about the #1 way to escape from the rat race.
You will change the way you live your life after learning lead gen.