Create a Profitable Online Store Review: Is Steve Chou a Scam?

When I first started my dropshipping journey, I had no idea what I was doing. Like many beginners, I spent countless hours scouring the internet for advice, testing strategies, and making plenty of mistakes along the way. Fast forward to today, I’ve built multiple successful online stores, generated millions in sales, and now help aspiring entrepreneurs through my own dropshipping coaching program.

But even as someone with experience in the eCommerce world, I’m always on the lookout for new strategies and insights to stay ahead of the game. That’s how I came across Steve Chou’s Create a Profitable Online Store course. As someone who has walked the path to eCommerce success, I was curious to see if this course lived up to the hype. Could it really help beginners build a thriving online store? And would it offer value even for seasoned sellers like me?

In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts about the course—what works, what doesn’t, and who I think it’s best suited for. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your store to the next level, this review will give you the clarity you need to decide if Steve’s program is right for you. Let’s dive in!

What is Create a Profitable Online Store?

Steve Chou’s Create a Profitable Online Store is a detailed eCommerce course that teaches you how to build, launch, and scale your own online store from scratch. Whether you’re completely new to eCommerce or already have some experience, this course offers a step-by-step roadmap to help you create a sustainable and profitable business.

The curriculum is divided into multiple modules, each focusing on a crucial aspect of running an online store. It starts with niche identification, where you learn how to find profitable markets using data-driven tools. Then, it dives into product sourcing, helping you connect with reliable suppliers while avoiding scams. From there, the course walks you through setting up your store, optimizing it for search engines (SEO), and leveraging marketing strategies like email campaigns, paid ads, and social media to drive traffic and sales.

One thing I appreciate as an experienced dropshipper is the emphasis on long-term success rather than quick wins. Steve doesn’t just teach you how to make sales; he focuses on creating a business that can grow steadily over time. For example, his modules on sales funnel optimization and customer retention strategies are incredibly valuable for scaling your store beyond the initial launch phase.

What sets this course apart is its comprehensive approach—covering everything from legal formalities to advanced marketing techniques—and the lifetime access to resources like video tutorials, worksheets, and community support. It’s clear that Steve designed this program to be an all-in-one toolkit for aspiring eCommerce entrepreneurs.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Who Created Create a Profitable Online Store?

The mastermind behind Create a Profitable Online Store is Steve Chou, a seasoned entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience in eCommerce. Steve first made his mark by launching Bumblebee Linens in 2007—a niche online store selling personalized handkerchiefs and linens for weddings—which quickly grew into a seven-figure business. His journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship has been widely documented in major publications like Forbes, Inc., and The New York Times.

Steve’s reputation in the eCommerce world is stellar. He’s not just an entrepreneur; he’s also an educator who has helped thousands of students build successful online businesses through his blog (MyWifeQuitHerJob.com), podcast, and annual Sellers Summit conference. His teaching style combines practical advice with real-world examples, making complex concepts easy to understand for beginners while still offering advanced insights for experienced sellers.

What I admire most about Steve is his transparency and authenticity. He openly shares both his successes and failures, giving students a realistic view of what it takes to succeed in eCommerce. Beyond his course content, he’s known for being accessible—offering live office hours, webinars, and even personalized website critiques for active participants in the program.

With Steve’s proven track record and commitment to helping others succeed, it’s no surprise that his course has become one of the most respected resources in the eCommerce space. As someone who has built my own dropshipping empire, I can vouch for the value of learning from someone who has truly “been there” and understands the challenges of starting an online business from scratch.

What’s Inside Create a Profitable Online Store?

The Create a Profitable Online Store course is packed with actionable content, broken down into easy-to-follow modules that guide you through every step of building and scaling an eCommerce business. As someone who has spent years in the dropshipping and eCommerce space, I was impressed by how comprehensive and beginner-friendly this course is. Here’s a breakdown of the key modules:

• Module 1: Niche Identification
  This module helps you find a profitable niche using data-driven tools and metrics. Steve walks you through brainstorming ideas, validating your niche, and ensuring it’s sustainable for long-term success.

• Module 2: Sourcing Products
  Learn how to source products from reliable suppliers, avoid scams, and negotiate favorable terms. Whether you’re importing goods or working with drop shippers, this module provides scripts and strategies to build strong supplier relationships.

• Module 3: Online Store Setup
  Even if you’re not tech-savvy, this module simplifies the process of setting up your store. You’ll get step-by-step tutorials on choosing the right platform, designing your site, and optimizing it for conversions.

• Module 4: SEO Mastery
  Steve shares advanced SEO techniques to help your store rank higher on search engines. From keyword research to backlink strategies, this module ensures organic traffic flows to your site consistently.

• Modules 5–7: Marketing & Traffic Generation
  These modules cover both paid and organic marketing strategies. You’ll learn how to run effective Google Ads, Facebook campaigns, email marketing sequences, and even leverage social media for free traffic.

• Module 8: Legal Formalities
  Navigate the legal side of eCommerce with ease. This module covers business licensing, taxes, and other compliance requirements to keep your store running smoothly.

• Bonus Content & Updates
  The course includes ongoing updates to keep you informed about the latest eCommerce trends and strategies. Plus, there’s access to live office hours, webinars, and a supportive community forum where you can ask questions and network with other entrepreneurs.

This structured approach makes it clear why so many students have succeeded with this program—it leaves no stone unturned.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Are Create a Profitable Online Store Students Making Money?

The short answer? Yes! One of the most inspiring aspects of this course is the success stories from students around the world. From beginners with no prior experience to seasoned entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses, Steve’s methods have helped countless people achieve impressive results.

For example:

• Carmen started selling kaftans in Australia on a shoestring budget and hit four figures in weekly revenue within four months. Today, she runs a six-figure business without relying on Amazon.
• Abby, who had no prior technical knowledge, launched her store selling high heel insoles and made over $100K/month during her first holiday season. She now runs a seven-figure business annually.
• Sally built a cross-stitch kit store in the UK that now generates over $1M per year after completing the course.

These testimonials highlight not only the effectiveness of Steve’s teachings but also how adaptable they are across different niches and business models. It’s clear that with dedication and effort, students can achieve life-changing results.

Create a Profitable Online Store Pricing

The Create a Profitable Online Store course is priced at $1,999 for a one-time payment. If paying upfront feels steep, there are installment options available:

• Three payments of $699 each.
• Monthly payments of $299.

While it’s not the cheapest eCommerce course out there, I believe it offers tremendous value for what you get—especially considering the lifetime access to resources and updates.

Additionally, Steve offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you feel the course isn’t right for you after trying it out, you can request a full refund. This policy makes it a low-risk investment for anyone serious about starting or scaling an online store.

In my experience as both an eCommerce entrepreneur and coach, investing in high-quality education can save you years of trial-and-error—and this course is no exception. If you’re willing to put in the work, it could be exactly what you need to take your business to the next level!

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

What I Like About Create a Profitable Online Store

As someone who has built multiple successful online stores, I’ve taken quite a few courses over the years, and Steve Chou’s Create a Profitable Online Store stands out for several reasons. Here’s what I love about it:

• Comprehensive and Beginner-Friendly
  The course covers everything you need to know, from finding your niche to scaling your store. Steve breaks down complex topics into bite-sized lessons, making it easy for beginners to follow along. Even as an experienced dropshipper, I found value in his detailed approach to topics like SEO and customer retention strategies.

• Real-World Strategies
  Steve doesn’t just teach theory—he shares proven strategies that he’s used to grow his own seven-figure business. From product sourcing tips to advanced marketing techniques, every module is packed with actionable advice that you can implement right away.

• Lifetime Access and Updates
  One of the best aspects of this course is that you get lifetime access to all the content and updates. The eCommerce world evolves quickly, and Steve ensures his students stay ahead by regularly updating the course with new strategies and tools.

• Community Support
  The private member forum is a game-changer. It’s not just a place to ask questions—it’s a thriving community where you can connect with other entrepreneurs, share ideas, and even collaborate on projects. Plus, Steve’s live office hours and webinars provide direct access to him for personalized guidance.

• Focus on Long-Term Success
  Unlike some courses that prioritize quick wins, Steve emphasizes building a sustainable business. His teachings on customer retention, sales funnels, and brand-building are invaluable for creating an eCommerce store that lasts.

These features make the course a powerful resource for anyone serious about succeeding in online retail.

What I Don’t Like About Create a Profitable Online Store

While Create a Profitable Online Store is undoubtedly one of the best eCommerce courses I’ve come across, it’s not perfect. Here are a few things I think could be improved:

• High Upfront Cost
  At $1,999 for the full course, the price might be intimidating for beginners who are just starting out. While the value is there, I understand that not everyone has the budget to invest this much upfront. The installment plans help, but it’s still a significant financial commitment compared to other courses on the market.

• Overwhelming Amount of Content
  While comprehensive content is great, it can feel overwhelming for someone who’s completely new to eCommerce. Some modules are packed with so much detail that it might take weeks or even months to fully digest everything—and this could discourage beginners from taking action quickly.

• Focus on Traditional Online Stores
  While Steve does touch on marketplaces like Amazon, his primary focus is on building standalone online stores. For dropshippers or sellers who rely heavily on platforms like Amazon or Etsy, some of the strategies may feel less relevant or require additional adaptation.

• Limited One-on-One Interaction
  Although Steve offers live office hours and webinars, there isn’t much opportunity for one-on-one coaching unless you’re willing to pay extra or attend his Sellers Summit conference. For students who need personalized guidance tailored to their specific niche or business model, this might be a drawback.

Despite these minor issues, I still believe this course delivers exceptional value overall—especially if you’re committed to putting in the work and building a long-term business!

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Should You Join Create a Profitable Online Store?

If you’re serious about building a profitable online store and are willing to put in the time and effort, I absolutely recommend Create a Profitable Online Store. Steve Chou’s course is one of the most comprehensive and well-structured programs I’ve come across, and it’s designed to take you step-by-step through the entire process of launching and scaling an eCommerce business.

This course is perfect for:

• Beginners who want a clear roadmap to start their first online store.
• Experienced sellers who are looking for advanced strategies to grow their revenue.
• Entrepreneurs who want to build a sustainable business rather than relying on short-term tactics.

However, it’s important to ask yourself if eCommerce is the right path for you. Running an online store requires dedication, patience, and often a financial investment in inventory, ads, or tools. If you’re not ready to commit fully or if the upfront cost of the course feels like too much of a stretch, it might not be the best fit right now.

That said, if you’re determined to succeed in eCommerce and want to learn from someone with a proven track record, this course could be a game-changer for your entrepreneurial journey.

Create a Profitable Online Store Alternative

While I’m a big fan of Steve Chou’s course, I also know that eCommerce isn’t for everyone. Running an online store comes with its own set of challenges—inventory management, customer service, and paid advertising can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. If you’re looking for a simpler way to make money online without dealing with physical products or suppliers, affiliate marketing might be a better option for you.

For those interested in affiliate marketing, I highly recommend Wealthy Affiliate as an alternative. Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one platform that teaches you how to build a profitable affiliate marketing business by promoting other companies’ products and earning commissions. Unlike eCommerce, there’s no need to worry about inventory, shipping, or customer service—you simply focus on creating content and driving traffic to your affiliate links.

Here’s why Wealthy Affiliate stands out:

• Beginner-Friendly Training: The platform offers step-by-step lessons on building websites, creating content, driving traffic through SEO, and monetizing with affiliate programs.
• Low Startup Costs: Unlike eCommerce, where you may need to invest in inventory or ads upfront, affiliate marketing requires minimal financial investment—just hosting and maybe some tools for scaling later on.
• Comprehensive Tools: Wealthy Affiliate provides everything you need in one place—website hosting, keyword research tools, training modules, and even access to an active community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
• Scalable Income Model: With affiliate marketing, your income potential grows as your content gains traction over time. It’s perfect for people who prefer passive income streams without the operational headaches of running an online store.

While both paths—eCommerce and affiliate marketing—can lead to financial freedom, it ultimately depends on your goals and preferences. If you’re excited about selling physical products and building your own brand, Create a Profitable Online Store is the way to go. But if you’d rather focus on creating content and earning commissions without managing products or customers, Wealthy Affiliate might be the better fit for you.

At the end of the day, both options require hard work and dedication—it’s just about choosing the one that aligns best with your strengths and interests!

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

James Johnson

James Johnson, the founder of DropshippingCourse.org, launched his first ecommerce store in 2008 with just a $500 investment. Through dedication, his initial store generated over $500,000 in sales in the first year. By the second year, the store’s sales had reached $1 million, and by the third year, sales soared to $1.5 million, granting him the financial freedom he had always dreamed of.

Motivated by his own success, James aimed to help others achieve similar financial freedom. So, he created the free Dropshipping Course. In this course, he offers comprehensive guidance on launching a dropshipping business, covering essential topics such as niche research, market analysis, store building, supplier approval, conversion optimization, traffic generation, and business automation.

For those seeking more personalized guidance, James also offers a 1-on-1 dropshipping coaching service. Through this mentorship, he shares his secret strategies with those eager to achieve extraordinary results in their own businesses.