Are Online Etsy Courses Worth It?

Are online Etsy courses worth buying? My honest experience and lessons.

Have you ever hesitated to invest in your Etsy shop’s growth? Wondered if an Etsy course is worth your money or if that teacher is even legit? I have been there too, and I took a leap of faith by investing in an Etsy course.

In this post, I am sharing my story, what I learned, and how you can make an informed decision when choosing an Etsy course. By the end, you will know whether an online Etsy course is the right step for you.

So, are online Etsy courses worth buying? 

My Story with Online Etsy Course

I officially left my full-time job in June 2023 and committed fully to my Etsy shop in July. I started my shop in April 2023, specialising in digital products for teachers and homeschooling parents—all hand-drawn or designed by me.

At the time, my thoughts were clear:

• I need cash flow, fast.
• I need to make Etsy work.

During my research phase, I turned to Google and YouTube, exploring strategies to set up and optimise my Etsy shop. While researching, I came across an Etsy coach on YouTube. Intrigued by their promise of fast results, I booked a strategy call. (PS: I won’t disclose the coach’s name to maintain objectivity.)

The strategy call covered:

• Fact-finding: Discussing my goals and the current state of my Etsy shop.
• Course Demo: Insights into the course structure and packages.
• Price: Pricing options, payment plans, and discounts for on-the-spot decisions.

I opted for an online course (lifetime access) + community access + 6 months coaching, choosing an instalment plan. The total investment exceeded USD7,000.

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Over the subsequent 6 months, here’s what unfolded:

The Pros

Online Course Dynamics

The online courses could be completed within a week, despite the recommendation to spread them out. Given my full-time commitment, I finished them in one week and quickly started implementing the strategies. This was ideal, especially compared to courses that unlock modules based on financial milestones. The lifetime access feature is a great benefit, allowing me to revisit content whenever needed.

Supportive Community

I formed a valuable network through the course. Our private group became a hub for sharing insights and strategies. This camaraderie led to a breakthrough on Pinterest, helping my Etsy shop—a challenge I had struggled with for months.

The Cons

Group Coaching Challenges 

Group calls didn’t suit me due to time zone conflicts and generic advice. The coaching calls were held on Zoom, and the coach would take turns addressing students’ questions. These calls accommodated various time zones, but it didn’t work well for me, especially when the calls were late at night and I had to wait for my turn.

Generic Strategies 

Coaching often pointed back to the course material, with limited shop-specific guidance.

Coaching Team Variance

Responses varied depending on the coach, making it harder to receive tailored advice.

Strategy Theft

Students could access the community platform to ask questions, with public responses from coaches visible to everyone. While this fosters a collaborative environment, some students raised concerns about idea and strategy theft.

Coaching Team

Coaching wasn’t only led by the face of the brand but involved the entire coach team. This meant receiving a range of perspectives, but not all coaches were familiar with the specifics of my shop.

Although I haven’t fully recouped my financial investment yet, the course provided me with foundational knowledge, a supportive network, and valuable lessons on how to make better decisions moving forward.

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How to Choose the Right Etsy Course

Investing in an Etsy course is a big decision. Here’s how I would approach it differently next time:

Step 1: Define Your Goals 

Start by identifying your objectives. Are you looking to build specific skills or implement a new strategy? Knowing your goals in advance will help you choose the course that aligns with your needs.

Step 2: Choose the Right Teacher:

Finding the right teacher can make all the difference. Look for someone who has succeeded in your niche—whether that is digital products or physical goods.

Your ideal teacher should genuinely care about your success, not just your money. Look for signs like student testimonials or how they interact during strategy calls. Remember, success leaves clues, and a mentor is often the secret key to unlocking them.

When evaluating potential Etsy teachers:

• Ensure they have achieved the results you are aiming for.
• Check their timeline for success and the type of Etsy shop they operate.
• If you sell digital products, your teacher should specialize in that too. I learned this the hard way after investing in a teacher focused on physical goods—no surprise that their strategies didn’t fit my digital business.

Also, prioritize teachers with proven success across multiple Etsy shops. This adds credibility and demonstrates that their methods are not just a one-time fluke. Avoid teachers who claim expertise after one big success without a track record to back it up.

Step 3: Research the Course

Understand the course structure and its benefits:

• Is it prerecorded or live?
• Are the strategies up-to-date?
• Will you have lifetime access?

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Step 4: Dig deeper into the Coaching Component

If coaching is included, find out who is doing it. If it is a team, research their background. Transparency about their credentials (doxxed) adds confidence to your investment.

Ask specific questions like:

• Who are the coaches, and what are their qualifications?
• Is the coaching format (group or 1:1) right for your learning style?

Example: A group coaching call at 2 a.m. every two weeks might not be practical for everyone, even if it lasts six months.

Step 5: Ask the Right Questions

Question	Why It Matters
Are the online courses prerecorded? If yes, when are they recorded?	Ensures the strategies and content are current and relevant.
Do you have lifetime access to the course?	Helps you plan your time for learning and implementation.
Do you have access to a community, and is it lifetime access?	Provides ongoing support, but make sure the community is active and well-maintained.
How will the coaching calls be conducted? Time zone, duration, and frequency?	Clarifies if the format suits your needs and time availability.
What are your students’ achievements on both extremes? What are their niches? How long did they take to get there, and where did they start?	Provides realistic expectations and insights into different starting points and niches. Consideration: Niche relevance is important, especially in popular or trending subjects, where the potential for virality is higher.
Digging Deeper: What did they start with?	Helps evaluate the course claims and ease of success by understanding whether the students started from scratch vs. those expanding established shops.

When gearing up for a strategy call, whether the course offers one or not, it is crucial to ask the right questions to get the full picture. Even if there’s no call, find an email or a way to ensure these questions are addressed.

Components of Etsy Courses

Etsy courses typically include one or more of the following:

• Prerecorded Online Lessons
• Live Online Lessons
• Coaching Calls (Group or 1:1)
• Access to a Community

When considering a course, set a clear but flexible budget. While it is essential not to set unrealistic expectations, evaluate the value being offered. Consider the full scope of benefits and the potential transformation the course promises.

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Is an Etsy Course Worth It?

In my experience, the value of an Etsy course depends on what you do with it. While courses can provide valuable tools, knowledge, and connections, they can’t guarantee results. The key to success is consistent effort, trial and error, and choosing a course that aligns with your goals.

If I were starting over, I would:

• Begin with a more affordable course or standalone resources, focusing on implementing strategies before investing in coaching. It’s easy to waste money on calls without having tried anything first. Once you have put strategies into practice, coaching calls become far more valuable.
• Avoid feeling pressured into immediately investing in coaching calls. In my experience, I was tempted by enticing offers during calls, and I ended up succumbing to the pressure. If I could do it again, I would take a step back, think it through, and ask for an extension on the offer.
• Always inquire about the possibility of a refund, especially if lofty claims are made by the team. Even if a refund option isn’t available, their response can reveal a lot about the team’s confidence and credibility.
• Take my time to research teachers and courses that align with my pace and comfort. It’s essential to ensure the course fits both your budget and your Etsy journey, bringing significant value.

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In the ever-changing world of Etsy, consistency and persistence are your greatest assets. The right course can accelerate your progress, but it is your dedication that will ultimately lead to success.ate and ensure that the course not only fits your budget but also brings significant value to your Etsy journey.

What do you think? Are Online Etsy Courses Worth it?

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