After years of hustling through every “make money online” side gig you can imagine—from affiliate marketing to flipping domain names—I finally cracked the code to consistent six-figure earnings online. My journey wasn’t overnight; before I went full-time, I juggled late nights and weekends testing what worked and what didn’t, always searching for that elusive system that could actually deliver real results.
So when I first heard about Ecom Dave and David Scheuer’s Amazon FBA Academy, I was naturally skeptical but curious. As someone who’s seen countless gurus and shiny-object courses come and go, I know how tough it is to separate genuine value from overhyped promises.
In this review, I’ll share my honest, no-fluff perspective on Ecom Dave—what he gets right, where he falls short, and whether his program is truly worth your hard-earned money if you’re serious about building a sustainable online business.
Table of Contents
What is Ecom Dave?
When I first discovered Ecom Dave, I was immediately intrigued by the Amazon FBA business model it teaches. At its core, Ecom Dave is a comprehensive training program and coaching service focused on building profitable Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) businesses. The program offers two main paths to making money online: Private Label and Wholesale strategies.
The Private Label approach teaches you how to create and sell your own branded products on Amazon. This includes everything from product research and supplier negotiation to differentiation techniques that help you stand out from competitors. I’ve seen countless courses that gloss over the nitty-gritty details, but Ecom Dave’s program actually walks you through critical steps like calculating shipping rates (both air and sea), connecting with graphic designers for standout product listings, and most importantly—ranking your products on Amazon’s first page where the real money is made.
The Wholesale model, on the other hand, is for those who prefer selling established brands rather than creating their own. This approach teaches you how to identify which popular brands top Amazon sellers are offering, how to open wholesale accounts with these brands and distributors, and how to calculate profits to ensure you’re only purchasing products with solid margins. What caught my attention was the emphasis on using repricing software to win the Buy Box—something I’ve learned is absolutely essential for wholesale success on Amazon.
Both approaches are taught through a combination of video modules in the “Amazon FBA Academy” and, for those willing to invest more, personalized one-on-one coaching sessions. Having tried several online business models myself, I appreciate that Ecom Dave doesn’t just focus on the US market but also teaches international expansion strategies to maximize profits.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Who Created Ecom Dave?
David Scheuer, the man behind Ecom Dave, has a background that resonates with many aspiring entrepreneurs—including my former self. Before his success, David was working grueling shifts as a bartender in Miami, often until 5 AM, six days a week. Despite the long hours, he was barely making $50,000 after taxes and living paycheck to paycheck. This part of his story immediately connected with me, as I remember those days of working side hustles while dreaming of something more sustainable.
What makes Scheuer’s reputation interesting is his transparency about his failures. He openly shares that his first Amazon product—a diaper caddy—was a complete failure. He made the classic newbie mistake of trying to compete on price against established sellers with numerous reviews. This honesty about losing over $20,000 through weak negotiating, bad suppliers, and ineffective PPC campaigns before finding success gives him credibility in my eyes.
As of my latest research, Scheuer claims to have generated over $5 million in Amazon sales over five years. He backs this up with screenshots showing yearly progress: $64,449 in his first year, $159,393 in his second, and nearly $500,000 in a more recent period. While many course creators hide their actual results, Scheuer shares three years of his sales data—though I should note the most recent was from 2021.
His reputation among students appears largely positive, with numerous testimonials on his website showing monthly profits ranging from $1,000 to an impressive $120,000. However, I did notice there’s surprisingly little discussion about his program outside his own platforms, which is something to consider when evaluating any online course.
Who is Ecom Dave For?
After diving deep into the program, I can confidently say Ecom Dave is designed for several types of aspiring entrepreneurs—though it’s definitely not for everyone.
First, it’s ideal for complete beginners who have little to no knowledge of Amazon FBA but are willing to invest both time and money to learn. The comprehensive nature of the Academy makes it perfect for those starting from scratch, as it covers everything from account setup to advanced selling strategies. If you’re like I was—hungry for a legitimate online business model but overwhelmed by conflicting information—the structured approach could be exactly what you need.
The program is also well-suited for creative individuals who want to build their own brand. If you’ve got ideas for products and dream of seeing your own creation selling on Amazon, the Private Label track offers the creative liberty and brand-building guidance to make that happen. On the flip side, if you’re more analytical and prefer working with numbers and research, the Wholesale approach might be more your speed, allowing you to sell already successful products without the creative aspects of product development.
Importantly, Ecom Dave is for people who understand that success won’t happen overnight. Based on my research, it might take 3+ months before you sell your first product using these methods. Additionally, you’ll need capital—not just for the course (which ranges from $999 for just the Academy to $4,000+ for coaching) but also for inventory, advertising (potentially $400+ to get your products on Amazon’s first page), and various Amazon fees.
What Ecom Dave is NOT for is get-rich-quick seekers or those without any startup capital. It’s also probably not the best fit for experienced Amazon sellers who already understand the fundamentals, as they might not get as much value from the basic training modules.
In my journey through various online business models, I’ve learned that matching your personality and resources to the right opportunity is crucial. Ecom Dave requires patience, some initial investment, and a willingness to follow a proven system—qualities that align with sustainable business building rather than overnight success schemes.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
How is Ecom Dave Structured?
One thing I appreciated about Ecom Dave is the clear, step-by-step structure of his training. The program is divided into two main options: the Amazon FBA Academy (video modules) and the more hands-on Personal Coaching. Here’s how the core Academy content is typically organized:
- Introduction to Amazon FBA: Setting up your Amazon Seller account, understanding the FBA model, and getting familiar with Amazon’s ecosystem.
- Product Research: Methods for finding profitable products, analyzing competition, and using research tools to validate product ideas.
- Supplier Sourcing: How to find and negotiate with suppliers (mainly on Alibaba), request samples, and avoid common pitfalls.
- Branding and Listing Creation: Guidance on creating a compelling brand, designing logos, and writing high-converting product listings.
- Shipping and Logistics: Step-by-step instructions on calculating shipping costs, managing freight (air and sea), and ensuring your products arrive at Amazon’s warehouses.
- Launching and Ranking: Strategies for launching your product, getting initial reviews, and using Amazon PPC to rank on the first page.
- Scaling and Expansion: Tips for scaling up, reinvesting profits, and expanding to international Amazon marketplaces.
- Wholesale Approach (optional): For those interested in selling existing brands, there’s training on opening wholesale accounts and using repricing software to win the Buy Box.
The coaching program includes all of the above plus direct one-on-one support, weekly strategy calls, and personalized feedback. As someone who values structure and actionable steps, I found this breakdown both comprehensive and beginner-friendly.
Are Ecom Dave Students Getting Results?
Before investing in any course, I always look for real student outcomes—not just flashy marketing. Ecom Dave’s website and sales materials are filled with interview-style testimonials and screenshots of student results. Many students report monthly profits ranging from $1,000 to $120,000, though the most common range seems to be $2,000 to $4,000 per month.
For example, one student, George Estrada, shared that he made $3,031 in product sales over 30 days. Another student, Natasha, reported $817 in sales in just 7 days and praised Ecom Dave’s coaching for providing “little golden nuggets” she couldn’t find on YouTube. She specifically mentioned that the personal guidance and support made a big difference in her success.
That said, I did come across a few negative reviews, mostly outside of Ecom Dave’s own channels. Some former students felt the program overemphasized revenue (not profit), and a few were disappointed by hidden costs like shipping, Amazon fees, and additional software. One reviewer even claimed to have lost their entire $4,000 investment after four months, citing unrealistic expectations and challenges with international suppliers.
Overall, while the majority of testimonials are positive and show real results, it’s clear that individual outcomes vary—and, as with any business, there are risks involved.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
How Much Does Ecom Dave Cost?
The pricing for Ecom Dave’s programs is pretty straightforward but definitely on the higher end compared to many other online courses I’ve purchased:
- Amazon FBA Academy (video modules only): $999 (sometimes discounted to $499 for a limited time).
- Personal Coaching (includes Academy access): $4,000+ for the full coaching experience, which includes one-on-one support and weekly calls.
It’s worth noting that these fees only cover the cost of the training itself. You’ll still need additional capital for inventory, Amazon fees, shipping, and recommended software tools—expenses that can add up quickly.
Refund Policy:
Ecom Dave does not offer a guaranteed refund for the coaching program. The Academy-only package sometimes comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee, but this is not always available and should be confirmed before purchasing. If you’re considering the coaching route, be aware that your investment is essentially non-refundable.
Given the price and the lack of a robust refund policy, I’d recommend only enrolling if you’re fully committed and have the necessary startup capital to see the process through.
Praises For Ecom Dave
Comprehensive Step-by-Step Training
What stood out to me immediately was how Ecom Dave covers the entire Amazon FBA journey from A to Z. The course doesn’t just skim the surface—it walks you through everything from setting up your Amazon account to advanced strategies for launching and ranking products. As someone who’s taken a lot of online courses, I can say this kind of structure is rare and genuinely helpful for beginners who need clear, actionable steps.Personalized Coaching and Support
Many students rave about the level of personal attention they receive. Ecom Dave offers direct one-on-one coaching, weekly calls, and hands-on feedback, which is a game-changer if you’re new to Amazon FBA or just want extra accountability. I’ve seen testimonials where people credit their success to these strategy sessions and the ability to ask specific, real-time questions.Real Student Success Stories
Ecom Dave’s website and sales materials are packed with interview-style testimonials and screenshots showing actual student results. For example, George Estrada made $3,031 in sales in 30 days, and Natasha hit $817 in her first week. The most common range I’ve seen in testimonials is $2,000–$4,000 a month, which is significant for anyone looking to replace or supplement their income.Transparency About His Own Results
Unlike many course creators who hide behind vague claims, David Scheuer actually shares three years’ worth of his own Amazon sales numbers (with the most recent being 2021). This level of transparency builds trust and shows he’s actually walked the walk—not just talked the talk.Motivational and Persistent Mindset
David emphasizes persistence and mindset as keys to success. He doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of building an FBA business, and I appreciate his honesty about the ups and downs. He’s open about his own failures and stresses that sticking with it is what separates successful students from those who quit too soon.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Criticisms For Ecom Dave
Lack of External, Unbiased Reviews
One thing that made me pause was how little independent discussion there is about Ecom Dave outside of his own website and testimonials. Most of the positive feedback is hosted on his platforms, making it hard to get a balanced picture from third-party sources.Underestimation of Hidden Costs and Fees
Several students—and some detailed online reviews—point out that the program doesn’t give enough attention to the costly Amazon FBA fees, shipping, transaction costs, and advertising spend. The marketing often focuses on revenue, but after subtracting all expenses, the actual profit can be much lower than expected. I’ve read stories of people spending $4,000 on the course and thousands more on inventory, only to end up with little or no profit after four months.Emphasis on Revenue Over Profit
A recurring complaint is that Ecom Dave’s marketing and training highlight gross sales numbers, not net profit. This can be misleading for newcomers who don’t realize how quickly expenses can eat into their margins. One student put it bluntly: “Revenue is not the same as income. If you subtract all expenses, the real income is not great.”Product Quality and Supplier Challenges
The program often recommends sourcing products from China, which can lead to issues with quality, communication, and long shipping times. Some students have struggled with unreliable suppliers and ended up with products that generated returns and negative reviews—hurting their Amazon rankings and profit potential.No Guaranteed Success and Slow Ramp-Up
Ecom Dave is upfront that it can take three or more months before you make your first sale, and there’s no guarantee of financial profit. You need to be prepared for a slow start and the possibility that, even after months of work and thousands invested, you might not see the results you hoped for. This isn’t a “done-for-you” system, despite what some of the marketing might suggest.High Cost and Limited Refunds
At $999–$4,000+ for the training and coaching, plus all the additional costs for inventory and marketing, the financial risk is significant. The refund policy is limited—especially for the coaching program, which is essentially non-refundable. If you’re not fully committed or don’t have the extra capital, this could be a major downside.
In short, while Ecom Dave offers a thorough and supportive program for launching an Amazon FBA business, it’s not without real risks and challenges. The success stories are inspiring, but you have to go in with your eyes open to the expenses, effort, and uncertainty involved.
Should You Join Ecom Dave?
After spending serious time with Ecom Dave’s program, I can say it’s a solid, comprehensive introduction to Amazon FBA—especially if you’re brand new to e-commerce and want a step-by-step roadmap. The coaching is genuinely hands-on, and the testimonials from students making $2,000 to $4,000 (and sometimes much more) each month are real. If you thrive with personal guidance, need accountability, and are ready to invest both time and money, you’ll likely get a lot from the program.
But there are some big caveats. You need to be comfortable with a high upfront investment—not just for the course (which ranges from $999 for the Academy to $4,000+ for coaching), but also for inventory, shipping, Amazon fees, and advertising. Realistically, you’re looking at several thousand more to get your first product live and selling. And while Ecom Dave is transparent about his own journey, the program doesn’t always highlight the hidden costs and razor-thin profit margins that come with Amazon FBA these days.
Another thing to consider is your risk tolerance. Amazon can change its rules overnight, suspend accounts, or increase fees, and you don’t own the platform or your customer list. If you’re okay with those risks and have the capital to weather a slow start (it might take 3+ months before you see your first sale), Ecom Dave can absolutely help you launch an FBA business. If you’re looking for a lower-risk, lower-cost way to make money online, though, you might want to explore alternatives.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Ecom Dave Alternative
If you’re like me—someone who’s tried multiple online business models and values ownership, flexibility, and lower startup costs—then Wealthy Affiliate is hands-down the best alternative I’ve found for learning how to make money online.
Wealthy Affiliate is a massive, long-running platform (over 1.5 million members worldwide) that teaches you how to build a real affiliate marketing business from scratch. Instead of relying on Amazon’s ever-changing rules or risking thousands on inventory, you learn how to:
- Build your own website (with hosting and tools included)
- Drive free, organic traffic through SEO and content marketing
- Promote products in any niche you’re passionate about and earn commissions
- Get support from a huge, active community and live coaching sessions
What I love about Wealthy Affiliate is the low barrier to entry. You can start for free, and the premium membership is just $49/month—no huge upfront costs, no inventory, and no worrying about Amazon suspending your account overnight. The training is beginner-friendly, step-by-step, and covers everything from niche selection to advanced monetization strategies. Plus, you actually own your website, your content, and your audience—giving you real control and long-term security.
If you’re serious about building a sustainable online income but want more flexibility, lower risk, and true ownership, Wealthy Affiliate is the best place to start. I wish I’d found it sooner in my own journey, and I always recommend it to anyone looking to break free from the 9-to-5 or the grind of physical product businesses.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
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.