Crescent Kao’s Amazon Beginner Mastery Review: Should You Join?

When I first started my journey to building a 6-figure online business, it wasn’t a straight shot to success. Like many, I dabbled in all sorts of side hustles—affiliate marketing, dropshipping, flipping domains—chasing that elusive promise of “easy money” on the internet. Some ventures fizzled, others taught me hard lessons, but each step brought me closer to the freedom I craved: the ability to work for myself, on my own terms.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve turned my passion for online entrepreneurship into a thriving, full-time income stream. Along the way, I’ve tested countless tools, courses, and systems—some worth every penny, others best forgotten. That’s why I take course reviews seriously: I know firsthand how overwhelming (and expensive) it can be to choose the right program when you’re just starting out.

In this review, I’ll share my honest, in-depth take on Crescent Kao’s Amazon Beginner Mastery. Whether you’re still hustling on the side or ready to go all-in on your Amazon FBA journey, I’ll break down what this course offers, who it’s best for, and whether it truly delivers on its promise to help beginners build a profitable Amazon business from scratch.

What is Amazon Beginner Mastery?

When I first heard about Amazon Beginner Mastery, I was curious if it could really take someone from complete novice to running a profitable Amazon FBA business. The course is Crescent Kao’s flagship program, launched in 2021, and it’s designed as a step-by-step blueprint for building a private label business on Amazon. What sets it apart is its focus on private labeling—meaning you’re not just reselling products, but creating your own brand and carving out a niche in the marketplace.

Amazon Beginner Mastery teaches you everything from setting up your seller account, conducting product research, and finding reliable suppliers, to negotiating deals, optimizing your listings, and running Amazon PPC campaigns. The modules dive deep into branding, trademarking, shipping logistics, and even advanced tactics like bundling and leveraging Facebook ads for reviews. In short, it’s a comprehensive guide to launching and scaling an Amazon FBA business, with the ultimate goal of generating passive income and, potentially, financial freedom. But it’s not just about the basics—the course also covers real-world challenges like dealing with hijackers, negative reviews, and inventory headaches, so you’re prepared for the realities of selling on Amazon.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Who Created Amazon Beginner Mastery?

Amazon Beginner Mastery was created by Crescent Kao, a name that’s become increasingly recognized in the Amazon FBA education space. Crescent started his own Amazon business back in 2017 while still in college, and reportedly grew it to seven figures by the age of 24. He holds dual degrees in Industrial Design and Computer Science from Western Washington University, and his entrepreneurial mindset is evident in both his business ventures and his educational content.

Crescent’s reputation is largely positive—he’s built a sizable following on YouTube and other platforms, where he shares both free content and testimonials from successful students. While there are few, if any, negative reviews about him online (which some might find a bit odd), he’s known for being responsive and genuinely invested in his students’ success. Many people credit him with helping them leave their corporate jobs and achieve their first big wins on Amazon. That said, the lack of critical feedback is something to keep in mind, but from what I’ve seen, Crescent is passionate about teaching and committed to helping others reach financial independence through Amazon FBA.

Who is Amazon Beginner Mastery For?

If you’re just getting started with Amazon FBA and want a structured, all-in-one program, Amazon Beginner Mastery is clearly targeted at you. The course is beginner-friendly, walking you through every step—even if you’ve never sold a thing online before. But it’s not just for total newbies. The depth of the content, especially around advanced strategies like listing optimization, PPC, and brand building, means that even intermediate sellers can pick up valuable insights.

From my perspective as someone who’s tried just about every side hustle under the sun, I can see the appeal for anyone who’s serious about building a real business—not just making a quick buck. If you’re willing to invest both time and money, and you want direct access to coaching and a supportive community, this course could be a fit. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a low-cost, hands-off way to make money online, or you’re not prepared for the competitive nature of Amazon FBA, you might want to look elsewhere. This program is best for those ready to put in the work to build a sustainable business, not just chase short-term gains.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How is Amazon Beginner Mastery Structured?

One thing I appreciate about Amazon Beginner Mastery is its clear, step-by-step structure. Crescent Kao has organized the course into 14 modules, including a bonus module, each building on the last to guide you from complete beginner to confident Amazon seller. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll find inside:

• Introduction to Amazon FBA and private labeling, including FBA vs. FBM and why many sellers fail
• Setting up your Amazon Seller account, branding, trademarking, and understanding taxes and gated categories
• Planning and strategizing your business moves—covering time management, income planning, and profit goals
• Deep dive into product research, validation, and choosing the right Amazon marketplace
• Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers, including templates and outreach strategies
• Creating your first product listing and optimizing it for conversions
• Shipping logistics, barcodes, and avoiding costly mistakes with tariffs and customs
• Launch strategies, including Amazon PPC and other proven methods to get your first sales
• Advanced tactics like bundling, using Facebook ads for reviews, and insert card hacks
• Handling FBA challenges: hijackers, suspensions, negative reviews, and winning the Buy Box
• Bonus module with extra strategies, important Amazon Seller dates, and travel hacks using Amazon rewards
• Access to Crescent’s favorite tools, product research flowcharts, a list of products to avoid, and more resources

Each module is packed with actionable videos, checklists, and templates, making it easy to follow along and implement what you learn at every stage.

Are Amazon Beginner Mastery Students Getting Results?

Whenever I review a course, I look for real student success stories—and Crescent Kao’s program does have its share of positive testimonials. According to Crescent, thousands of students have used his 5-step process to launch their own Amazon FBA businesses and collectively earn millions of dollars. On his YouTube channel and sales pages, you’ll find testimonials from people who claim they were able to leave their 9-to-5 jobs, launch profitable private label brands, and achieve financial freedom after taking the course.

One student shared, “I followed Crescent’s methods step by step and was able to launch my first product within two months. I made my first $10,000 in sales in just 45 days!” Others mention the value of the private Facebook group and the personalized coaching, saying it helped them avoid rookie mistakes and stay motivated through the ups and downs of building an Amazon business.

That said, I did notice a lack of negative or critical reviews online, which is a bit unusual for a course of this size. Still, the available feedback is overwhelmingly positive, and Crescent seems committed to supporting his students’ success.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How Much Does Amazon Beginner Mastery Cost?

Let’s talk about the investment. Amazon Beginner Mastery is priced at a one-time payment of $1,997, or you can choose to pay in five monthly installments of $599. I won’t sugarcoat it—this is a significant upfront cost, especially for beginners just starting out in the Amazon FBA world.

As for the refund policy, Crescent offers a 14-day money-back guarantee, but there’s a catch: the refund is only valid if you’ve watched less than 20% of the course content. There’s also an “Action Based Refund Policy” detailed in the terms of service, so you’ll want to read the fine print before enrolling. If you’re someone who likes to binge-watch and then decide, keep in mind that diving too deep into the modules early on will void your refund eligibility.

Overall, while the price may be steep, the course does offer lifetime access and ongoing updates, so you’re not just buying a static set of videos—you’re getting a constantly evolving resource and community.

Praises For Amazon Beginner Mastery

• Comprehensive Step-by-Step Training
  The course stands out for its thorough, well-organized curriculum. Crescent Kao breaks down the Amazon FBA process into 14 detailed modules, covering everything from account setup and product research to supplier negotiation, listing optimization, and advanced marketing strategies. As someone who values actionable, structured learning, I found the flow easy to follow and practical for both beginners and those with some experience.

• Lifetime Access to Resources and Updates
  Once enrolled, you get permanent access to all course materials, including any future updates. This is huge, especially in the fast-changing world of Amazon FBA, where strategies and best practices can shift quickly. I appreciate not having to worry about outdated content or paying extra for new modules down the line.

• Unlimited One-on-One Coaching
  Crescent offers unlimited one-on-one coaching, which is rare in online business courses. This direct access to the instructor can make a big difference, especially when you hit roadblocks or need personalized advice. It’s reassuring to know you’re not left to figure things out alone.

• Active Supportive Community
  The private Facebook group is a valuable resource for networking, getting feedback, and sharing wins (or struggles) with fellow students. Having a community of like-minded entrepreneurs helps keep you motivated and accountable, which, in my experience, is crucial for long-term success.

• Suitable for All Levels
  While it’s designed for beginners, the course also dives into advanced topics like PPC, bundling, and brand building. This makes it a solid investment even if you’ve already dabbled in Amazon FBA but want to sharpen your skills or scale your business.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Criticisms For Amazon Beginner Mastery

• Lack of Objective or Critical Reviews
  One of the biggest red flags for me is the near-total absence of negative or even neutral reviews online. While Crescent has plenty of glowing testimonials, it’s hard to find honest feedback about what doesn’t work or who hasn’t succeeded. This lack of transparency makes it tough to gauge the real success rate and potential pitfalls.

• Restrictive Refund Policy
  The 14-day money-back guarantee sounds fair at first, but it’s voided if you watch more than 20% of the course. This means you have to decide quickly if it’s right for you, with limited time to truly evaluate the depth and quality of the content. If you’re someone who likes to thoroughly test a course before committing, this policy could be a dealbreaker.

• High Upfront Cost
  At $1,997 (or five monthly payments of $599), the course is a significant investment, especially for first-time sellers. While the content and support might justify the price for some, it’s a steep entry point if you’re just testing the waters or have a limited budget for your business education.

• Amazon FBA Market Challenges
  Even with a solid course, the reality is that Amazon FBA has become extremely competitive. You’ll be up against established brands, low-cost overseas sellers, and even Amazon’s own private label products. Margins are slimmer, and issues like product hijacking, inventory headaches, and ever-changing fees are real challenges that no course can completely shield you from. The course prepares you for these, but it’s important to go in with realistic expectations.

• Market Timing Concerns
  Some industry observers argue that now may not be the best time to start an Amazon FBA business, citing increased competition, shrinking margins, and shifting consumer behavior post-pandemic. While Crescent maintains that success is still possible, I think it’s wise to weigh these broader market trends before diving in headfirst.

Should You Join Amazon Beginner Mastery?

After going through Amazon Beginner Mastery and weighing its pros and cons, I think the answer really depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and where you are on your online business journey. If you’re set on launching a private label Amazon FBA business and you want a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap with ongoing coaching and community support, Crescent Kao’s course delivers on those promises. The modules are detailed, the resources are practical, and the support is genuinely helpful.

However, I can’t ignore the realities of today’s Amazon marketplace. It’s more competitive than ever, and even with the best training, you’ll face challenges like saturated niches, inventory headaches, and the constant need to adapt to Amazon’s ever-changing rules. The high upfront cost and restrictive refund policy are also important considerations—this isn’t a low-risk, low-commitment program. Plus, the lack of objective, critical reviews online does make me cautious. While Crescent has a solid reputation and a loyal following, I always prefer to see a more balanced range of feedback before making a big investment.

If you’re willing to put in the work, have some capital to invest, and thrive in a fast-paced, competitive environment, Amazon Beginner Mastery could be a great fit. But if you’re looking for a more stable, beginner-friendly way to build an online income—especially if you want more flexibility in choosing your business model—there are other options worth exploring.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Amazon Beginner Mastery Alternative

If you’re not 100% sold on Amazon FBA or you want to learn how to make money online without the risks and challenges of physical product businesses, I highly recommend checking out Wealthy Affiliate. As someone who’s built a 6-figure income online, I know firsthand how powerful affiliate marketing can be for beginners and experienced entrepreneurs alike.

Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one platform that teaches you how to build a profitable website, drive free organic traffic (mainly through SEO), and earn commissions by promoting products you’re passionate about. You’re not limited to any specific niche—you can build a business around your interests, whether that’s fitness, travel, tech, or anything else.

Here’s why I think Wealthy Affiliate stands out:

• Beginner-Friendly, Step-by-Step Training: The platform guides you from zero to building a real online business, even if you have no prior experience.
• Comprehensive Tools and Hosting: Everything you need—website builder, hosting, keyword research tools, and more—is included in your membership.
• Supportive Community: With over a million members, you’ll never feel alone. There’s always someone to answer your questions or offer encouragement.
• Flexible Pricing: You can start for free, and premium plans are much more affordable than most high-ticket courses—$49/month or $495/year for the standard plan.
• Long-Term Value: The skills you learn (content creation, SEO, affiliate marketing) are transferable and can be applied to any niche or online venture.

Of course, no platform is perfect. Wealthy Affiliate’s sheer amount of content can feel overwhelming, and some of the training could use an update. But in terms of value, support, and risk-free entry, it’s the best alternative I’ve found for anyone looking to learn how to make money online—especially if you want to avoid the headaches of inventory, shipping, and Amazon’s ever-changing policies.

If you’re serious about building a sustainable online income and want a proven, beginner-friendly path, Wealthy Affiliate is absolutely worth considering.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Anthony Smith

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.