As an experienced internet entrepreneur earning a six-figure income online, I’ve been through my fair share of trials and errors in the digital world. Before going full-time with my online business, I explored countless side hustles—dropshipping, affiliate marketing, freelancing, you name it. Some ventures worked out, while others were expensive lessons.
So when I first heard about BJK University and its promise to teach people how to build a profitable Amazon FBA business, I was intrigued but cautious. With so many courses and “gurus” out there claiming to have the secret formula to success, I wanted to see if BJK University was the real deal or just another overhyped program.
In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on the course, its strengths and weaknesses, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned money. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is BJK University?
BJK University is an online educational platform that teaches aspiring entrepreneurs how to build and scale Amazon FBA businesses. The program focuses on the private label model, where you take an already successful product, rebrand it under your name, and sell it on Amazon. Unlike other courses that encourage launching multiple products, BJK University emphasizes horizontal scaling, which involves building a business around one high-demand product. This approach is marketed as beginner-friendly and requires a starting budget of around $10,000.
The curriculum spans six weeks and covers everything from product research and supplier negotiations to branding, listing optimization, and running Amazon PPC campaigns. Additional resources include live webinars, Q&A sessions with coaches, and access to a private Facebook community for ongoing support. While the course promises to equip students with the tools and strategies to succeed in e-commerce, it also highlights the challenges of competing in Amazon’s highly saturated marketplace.
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Who Created BJK University?
BJK University was founded in 2019 by Bashar J. Katou, an entrepreneur who transitioned from running failed brick-and-mortar businesses to achieving success with Amazon FBA. After losing his restaurant to a fire and facing financial hardship, Bashar discovered Amazon FBA in 2015. By 2017, he was generating significant income from his online ventures and began sharing his knowledge through YouTube videos before launching BJK University.
Bashar’s reputation is a mixed bag. On one hand, he’s praised for his transparency about past failures and his dedication to helping others escape the traditional 9-to-5 grind. On the other hand, critics question his credibility as he no longer actively sells on Amazon and instead focuses on selling courses. Allegations of fake reviews on platforms like Trustpilot have further fueled skepticism about his program’s effectiveness. Despite this, Bashar positions himself as someone who has “cracked the code” of Amazon FBA and aims to empower others to achieve financial freedom.
Who is BJK University For?
BJK University is designed for individuals who are serious about starting an Amazon FBA business and are willing to invest both time and money into the process. Specifically, it caters to:
- Complete Beginners: Those new to e-commerce who want a step-by-step guide to launching their first Amazon FBA business.
- Struggling Sellers: Current Amazon sellers who are having difficulty breaking even or scaling their operations.
- Experienced Entrepreneurs: Wholesalers or dropshippers looking to transition into private labeling for higher profit margins.
However, this program may not be suitable for everyone. It requires a significant upfront investment—not just for the course itself but also for inventory, tools, and advertising. Additionally, given the competitive nature of Amazon FBA, success depends heavily on execution and adaptability rather than just following a blueprint. If you’re looking for a low-cost or part-time side hustle, this may not be the right fit for you.
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How is BJK University Structured?
BJK University is organized into a six-week, module-based training program that walks students through the entire process of starting and scaling an Amazon FBA business. Here’s a breakdown of what the course covers:
Week 1: Introduction to Amazon FBA
Learn the basics of Amazon FBA, including how the platform works and why private labeling is a profitable model.Week 2: Product Research
Discover how to identify high-demand, low-competition products using tools like Jungle Scout and Helium 10.Week 3: Sourcing and Branding
Learn how to find reliable suppliers, negotiate deals, and create a strong brand identity for your product.Week 4: Listing Optimization
Get step-by-step guidance on creating compelling product listings with optimized titles, descriptions, and images.Week 5: Launch Strategies
Master strategies for launching your product successfully, including promotions and reviews.Week 6: Scaling Your Business
Focus on horizontal scaling by growing your business with one successful product rather than diversifying too quickly.
Additional resources include bi-weekly webinars, live Q&A sessions with mentors, and access to a private Facebook group for networking and support.
Are BJK University Students Getting Results?
The results among BJK University students are mixed. Some testimonials highlight success stories where students have launched profitable Amazon FBA businesses after completing the course. For example, several students have shared that they were able to achieve their first $10,000 in monthly revenue within a few months of implementing the strategies taught in the program. These success stories are often showcased on BJK University’s marketing materials and social media.
However, online reviews reveal a more nuanced picture. While some students praise the program for its comprehensive content and supportive community, others express frustration over generic mentorship, lack of personalized guidance, and challenges in achieving profitability due to Amazon’s competitive marketplace. Trustpilot even flagged BJK University for potentially fake reviews, which raises questions about the authenticity of some testimonials.
In my experience as an entrepreneur, success in any program depends on execution, persistence, and market conditions. While BJK University provides tools and strategies, it’s clear that not all students achieve the same level of success.
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How Much Does BJK University Cost?
The cost of enrolling in BJK University ranges from $3,800 to $5,000 for one year of mentorship. After the first year, continued mentorship costs $96 per month. This price includes lifetime access to course materials but does not cover additional costs like inventory, tools (e.g., Jungle Scout or Helium 10), or advertising budgets. Starting an Amazon FBA business typically requires an additional $10,000–$15,000 for these expenses.
Refund Policy:
BJK University offers a three-day refund policy as long as less than 20% of the course materials have been accessed. Beyond this window, refunds are not available or are significantly reduced (e.g., only a partial refund if less than 30% of the course has been completed). This restrictive policy has been criticized by some students who felt they didn’t have enough time to evaluate whether the program was right for them.
While the price is steep compared to other Amazon FBA courses, proponents argue that the mentorship and community access justify the cost. However, given the high upfront investment required for both the course and starting an Amazon business, it’s essential to carefully weigh whether this aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Praises for BJK University
BJK University has several strengths that make it appealing to those looking to start an Amazon FBA business. Here are some of the standout features:
Comprehensive Training:
The course offers a detailed, step-by-step guide to launching and scaling an Amazon FBA business. From product research to branding and PPC advertising, it covers all the essential aspects of running a private label business on Amazon. The six-week structure ensures that students can progress methodically without feeling overwhelmed.Supportive Community:
One of the highlights of BJK University is its active and engaged student community. Members have access to a private Facebook group where they can connect, share experiences, and seek advice from peers and mentors. This sense of community can be invaluable, especially for beginners navigating the complexities of e-commerce.Access to Mentors:
Students benefit from live Q&A sessions and bi-weekly webinars led by experienced coaches. While Bashar Katou himself is no longer directly involved in mentorship, the program employs a team of mentors who provide guidance and answer questions.Focus on Mindset:
The course emphasizes cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, which is crucial for success in any business venture. This focus on mental preparation sets it apart from other Amazon FBA courses that solely concentrate on technical skills.Lifetime Access to Materials:
Once enrolled, students gain lifetime access to the course content, allowing them to revisit lessons as needed. This is particularly helpful for those who may need more time to implement what they’ve learned or want to refresh their knowledge down the line.
Criticisms for BJK University
Despite its strengths, BJK University has several drawbacks that have been frequently highlighted by students and critics:
High Cost:
At $3,800–$5,000 for the course (plus monthly fees for continued mentorship), BJK University is one of the more expensive Amazon FBA programs on the market. When factoring in additional costs like inventory, tools, and advertising, the total investment can easily exceed $10,000–$15,000. This makes it inaccessible for many aspiring entrepreneurs.Limited Personalized Mentorship:
With over 5,500 students enrolled, many have reported difficulty receiving personalized support from mentors. The large student base often leads to generic responses during mentorship sessions, which can be frustrating for those with specific challenges or questions.Allegations of Fake Reviews:
Trustpilot flagged BJK University for potentially inauthentic reviews, raising concerns about the credibility of its testimonials. This has led some potential students to question whether the program’s success stories are genuine or exaggerated.Emphasis on Sales Over Profits:
The program frequently highlights impressive sales figures without providing context about profitability. Many students have pointed out that high sales don’t necessarily translate into high profits once expenses like Amazon fees and advertising costs are accounted for.Saturated Market Challenges:
The Amazon FBA landscape is highly competitive, with millions of sellers vying for customer attention. Several students have noted that the course doesn’t adequately address how to stand out in such a crowded marketplace or mitigate risks associated with Amazon’s policies.Restrictive Refund Policy:
The three-day refund window is extremely short, giving students little time to evaluate whether the program is a good fit. Additionally, accessing more than 20% of the course materials voids eligibility for a full refund, which has been a point of contention among dissatisfied students.
While BJK University offers valuable resources and training for aspiring Amazon sellers, these criticisms highlight areas where it falls short. For anyone considering enrolling, it’s crucial to weigh these pros and cons carefully before making such a significant financial commitment.
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Should You Join BJK University?
Whether or not you should join BJK University depends on your goals, budget, and willingness to commit to the Amazon FBA business model. If you’re someone who is serious about building a private label business on Amazon and can afford both the course and the additional startup costs (inventory, tools, and advertising), BJK University could be a good fit. The program provides comprehensive training, access to a supportive community, and mentorship that can help guide you through the process.
That being said, it’s important to go in with realistic expectations. Amazon FBA is not a get-rich-quick scheme—it’s a highly competitive business model that requires significant upfront investment and ongoing effort. While BJK University offers valuable insights, success ultimately depends on your ability to execute the strategies and adapt to changing market conditions.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or unsure about committing to such a high-cost program, you might want to explore other options. There are alternative ways to make money online that are more affordable and less risky than Amazon FBA.
BJK University Alternative
If you’re looking for a more affordable and flexible way to learn how to make money online, I highly recommend checking out Wealthy Affiliate. Unlike BJK University, which focuses exclusively on Amazon FBA, Wealthy Affiliate teaches you how to build a sustainable online business through affiliate marketing—a low-risk model that doesn’t require inventory or large upfront investments.
Here’s why I consider Wealthy Affiliate the best alternative:
Affordable Pricing:
Wealthy Affiliate offers a free starter membership with access to basic training and tools. Their premium membership costs just $49 per month (or $497 per year), which is far more accessible than BJK University’s $3,800–$5,000 price tag.Comprehensive Training:
The platform provides step-by-step training on affiliate marketing, including niche selection, website creation, content marketing, SEO (search engine optimization), and driving traffic. It’s perfect for beginners who want to build an online business from scratch.No Inventory Required:
Unlike Amazon FBA, affiliate marketing doesn’t require you to purchase or store inventory. You simply promote products or services from other companies and earn commissions on sales—making it a much lower-risk option.All-in-One Platform:
Wealthy Affiliate includes everything you need to succeed in one place: training, website hosting, keyword research tools, and a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs.Supportive Community:
Just like BJK University’s Facebook group, Wealthy Affiliate has an active community where members can ask questions, share insights, and get support from experienced marketers.
Affiliate marketing is how I personally got started in the online business world, and it’s still one of my favorite income streams today. With no need for large upfront investments or dealing with the complexities of Amazon’s ecosystem, it’s an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking for a more flexible way to make money online.
If you’re weighing your options between BJK University and Wealthy Affiliate, consider what aligns better with your financial situation and long-term goals. For me, affiliate marketing has been a game-changer—and Wealthy Affiliate is hands down the best platform for learning how to do it right.
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Anthony Smith is an internet entrepreneur. He created the Side Hustle Ideas Database to help people find side hustles for making extra money, with the potential of turning into a full-time income.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree, he gained business experience at a consulting firm. At the same time, he tried various side hustles including freelance writing, blogging, and eCommerce. He managed to turn his side hustles into a full-time business, earning over $3 million. Now, he enjoys financial freedom and travels around the world as a digital nomad.