Looking at Sophie Howard's Amazon courses, you'll find mixed opinions on whether they're worth the investment. 

Known for her Amazon FBA and Kindle publishing courses, this New Zealand entrepreneur sells programs that range from $2,485 for Kindle Publishing Income to about $3,000-$4,000 for her flagship Blue Sky Amazon. 

While some students praise her comprehensive approach and focus on sustainable business strategies, others question the high price tag and report customer service issues. 

I've researched what her programs offer, analyzed the feedback from both sides, and looked at alternatives so you can decide if her courses fit your Amazon selling goals.

Who is Sophie Howard?

Sophie Howard built her reputation in the e-commerce world after starting her Amazon journey in 2013. 

Based in Wanaka, New Zealand, she reportedly sold her first Amazon business for over $1 million in 2015. 

Since then, she's launched more than 1,000 products and coached thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs.

What makes her story compelling is her background as a work-from-home parent who built a successful online business while raising a family. 

She founded AspiringEntrepreneur, hosts a podcast about different business models, and positions herself as someone who balances business success with family life and personal interests like skiing and horseback riding.

Unlike many Amazon gurus who focus on quick wins, Sophie emphasizes building sustainable businesses with unique products that can maintain profit margins long-term.

What Courses Does Sophie Howard Offer?

Sophie offers two main programs for people interested in making money on Amazon:

Blue Sky Amazon

This flagship course focuses on Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) and includes two main components:

• Product University: Teaches you how to select, source, and develop products with a focus on finding "Blue-Sky" opportunities – items with high profit margins and low competition.

• Amazon Navigator: Covers the operational side of running an Amazon business including listing optimization, advertising strategies, shipping logistics, and customer service.

The reported cost is between $3,000-$4,000, with payment plans available. 

Some reviewers mention a strict 7-day refund policy.

Kindle Publishing Income

This program teaches self-publishing on Amazon's Kindle platform, covering:

• Finding profitable book niches

• Content creation (including hiring writers)

• Formatting and publishing

• Marketing strategies

The course costs $2,485 or can be paid in five installments of $497. 

It comes with a 180-day money-back guarantee, though reviews suggest you need to prove you've followed the steps without success to qualify.

Both courses include access to coaching, community support, and sometimes opportunities to join sourcing trips to trade shows.

What Students Say: The Good and Bad

Reviews of Sophie Howard's courses show a clear divide in student experiences. Here's what I found:

Positive Feedback

Some students praise the comprehensive training and personal touch:

• "The course includes coaching sessions directly with Sophie herself, providing personalized guidance," according to one LinkedIn review.
  
  
  

• "She helped me sell ethically and for the long-term," shared a student on Zuubly.

• Many appreciate her focus on sustainable business models rather than get-rich-quick schemes.

Negative Feedback

The criticism is significant, especially on review platforms:

• On Trustpilot, Blue Sky Amazon has a concerning 1.6-star rating.

• "I spent thousands with Sophie Howard, and I can honestly say it wasn't worth it," states one reviewer.

• Many complain about difficulties getting refunds and unresponsive customer support.

• Some allege misleading marketing practices and question the authenticity of positive reviews.

Breaking Down the Pros and Cons

To help you weigh your options, here's a balanced look at what Sophie Howard's courses offer:

Strengths

• Comprehensive coverage of both Amazon FBA and Kindle publishing

• Focus on sustainable business strategies rather than short-term tactics

• Community support and coaching opportunities

• Structured approach beneficial for complete beginners

Weaknesses

• High cost compared to many alternatives

• Strict refund policies that some students find problematic

• Mixed reports about the practicality of the advice

• Significant controversy around customer service quality

Is It Worth Your Money?

Whether Sophie Howard's courses are worth the investment depends largely on your situation:

Might Be Worth It If You:

• Are completely new to Amazon selling and prefer comprehensive guidance

• Value a focus on sustainable business strategies

• Have the budget for premium courses ($3,000-$4,000)

• Prefer structured learning with community support

Probably Not Worth It If You:

• Already have Amazon selling experience

• Are on a tight budget

• Need flexible refund options

• Prefer courses with consistently positive reviews

Alternatives to Consider

Before investing in Sophie Howard's programs, consider these alternatives:

• Jungle Scout's Amazon FBA Course: Offers step-by-step training combined with their research tools.

• Helium 10's Freedom Ticket: Comes with access to their suite of seller tools and practical training.

• AMZ Academy: Focuses on advanced strategies for scaling Amazon businesses.

• Amazon's Seller University: Free resource from Amazon covering basics and advanced topics.

Final Thoughts

Sophie Howard's Amazon courses offer comprehensive training backed by her entrepreneurial experience. 

While some students find value in her approach, the high price point and mixed reviews suggest caution is warranted.

For beginners with a comfortable budget who value sustainable business strategies, her courses might provide the structure and guidance needed. 

However, those with experience or budget constraints might find better value in less expensive or free alternatives.

Before making a decision, take time to research multiple options, read reviews beyond the official testimonials, and consider starting with Amazon's free Seller University to build foundational knowledge. 

The right choice depends on your specific goals, learning style, and financial situation.