Sophie Howard teaches aspiring entrepreneurs how to start their private label in Amazon and self-publish in Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). She also provides softwares for getting book ideas and strategies for product sourcing. Sophie is also an investor of ecommerce businesses like blogs, newsletters and fiction publishing.
The reviews on Sophie Howard are mixed. Although negative reviews are more apparent. The course is rated 1.6 in Trustpilot. Most people expressed problems with the refund, and cases where they paid but didn’t get the course. There are also student reviews to be found on Sophie’s YouTube channel. They said the course helped them start a business and generate income.
In this Sophie Howard review, we’ll talk about who is Sophie Howard, the programs she offers and what people tell about her. We’ll also list down our 8 key takeaways from Sophie and how much does it cost to start an Amazon FBA business. And lastly, why local lead generation is a profitable business model in 2024.
Sophie Howard Review: Pros and Cons
Pros
Pretty good training overall, learned some new strategies like sourcing products from remote places that others won't find
Facebook Group & Weekly coaching calls
1-on-1 coaching calls with personal coach
Cons
Some people feel that the support provided was not good.
Some of her videos and audio quality aren't production-studio standard as with other courses.
Aggressive marketing and sales.
The courses are expensive, especially for beginners.
Several critics assert that Sophie's strategies are not applicable in every country or market, limiting their effectiveness.
Price
Sophie Howard's programs costs between $2,485 to $3,995.
Group
Sophie Howard has a Facebook group for her programs.
I became intrigued by the Kindle Publishing system and have diligently watched the instructional video since 2020. Unfortunately, as a physically disabled individual, I am unable to return to my previous role as a Functional Skills Maths teacher. Due to the necessary adaptations for my situation, I have faced difficulties securing a teaching position.
I completed my university education in 2005. After studying for four years of part-time study through the Open University of how online learning was just beginning so I did my first year of looking at how education delivery was changing. Then, the next three years of psychology and rounding it off with two years at Bolton University on curriculum planning and course design and mathematics.
I have a deep passion for sharing knowledge and teaching methodologies that encourage understanding, enabling students to arrive at correct answers without experiencing panic or fear, many people struggle with maths because of the rigid way the subject was taught in secondary schools and the ridicule from the teachers if they did not achieve the correct result in the exact way the teacher had.
Regrettably, now at 58, I find myself in a challenging position at this stage in my life, I see no future and find it hard to accept that I am no longer a useful person in education. My disabilities are progressive and will not improve. Government benefits are not enough, and I face challenges covering my financial outgoings. Many times, I have to choose ‘to eat or heat’, cereal or noodles have become my only one main meal for the day. I stay under my quilt, sleeping so I do not feel cold and hungry.
In my pursuit of new opportunities, I considered Kindle Publishing; however, the required investment of £2,000 to £3,000 for the necessary software and support is beyond my financial means. In February 2023, I initiated fundraising campaigns on JustGiving and GoFundMe, but due to my limited social network, I was only able to raise £10 on each platform, utilizing different names to promote them. I observed that others were soliciting much larger amounts than the £3,000 I sought to cover training, software, and support from Sophie Howard and her team.
I continue to encounter barriers in my efforts, yet I remain committed to revisiting the hour-long free video in the hopes of finding a pathway forward. I even emailed Sophie Howard asking if I could pay the £3000 in instalments. But alas, no reply.
I cannot understand why she market’s very aggressively her courses if she is so successful publishing her ebooks using ghost writers. Is she not making the income that she purports to be making?.
The training course is overpriced for the quality of the material. Sophia doesn’t even teach the entire course. So many issues like blurry screens and distracting background noise. You’d think with that price, you’ll get something better than that. But it can still provide information to new Amazon sellers. The website is a mess too. You’ll get the same content through different buttons.
8 Key Takeaways on Amazon FBA from Sophie Howard
Who is Sophie Howard?
Sophie Howard is an Amazon seller, online business coach and investor. She’s dubbed as the Amazon Selling Queen. But before she became an entrepreneur, Sophie worked in Wellington UniVentures, formerly Viclink Limited. She worked as a Business Development Manager from 2004 to 2007. They handle IP strategy and licensing. Then, she got promoted to General Manager in 2007. After that, she moved to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2012 as a policy officer.
Sophie Howard gained her Entrepreneurship License in MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge Massachusetts. Sophie took the Entrepreneurship Programme (EDP) which covers how to run a company. She also completed his MBA with distinction at Victoria University of Wellington in Wellington, New Zealand.
Once Sophie went for a maternal leave, she started venturing into online businesses. Her expertise in licensing and social skills are used for her online business. She found a manufacturer in Nepal, instead of China. Sophie started her private label business. According to Amazon Seller Summits, Sophie sold $1.5 million products on Amazon. She founded and sold her private label premium tea brand, Higher Tea.
Sophie Howard is also an NLP coach. NLP is a method used in coaching. It focuses on limiting beliefs and teaching behavioral flexibility. Sophie lives in Wanaka, New Zealand, with her two children.
What is Blue Sky Amazon?
Blue Sky Amazon is an online program for beginners in Amazon FBA. Amazon FBA is part of the Amazon Supply Chain. The Blue Sky Amazon focuses on teaching students to start a private label. It is made up of two courses, the Product University and Amazon Navigator. Sophie covers product research, Amazon launching and sourcing products from countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.
Students will get access to the FB group, weekly Q and A, and 7 one-on-one coaching calls. Blue Sky Amazon costs a onetime payment of $3,995 or 7 payments of $713. Blue Sky Amazon and Kindle Publishing, Sophie’s programs, are managed by Knowledge Source. According to their refund policy, Blue Sky Amazon has a 100% guarantee for 7 days.
What is Kindle Publishing Income?
Kindle Publishing Income is an online course teaching people to self-publish on Amazon Kindle Direct. Instead of writing your own book to list on Amazon, Sophie hires overseas workers. And students will get access to this list, so you don’t have to find and hire repeatedly.
The Kindle Publishing Income also covers how to find low competition but high in demand book ideas. Sophie also has a niche finder software to help with this. She also tackles Amazon ads and hosts weekly group coaching calls. Kindle Publishing Income costs $2,485 or 5 payments of $497. Knowledge Source offers a 180-day money-back guarantee. Although you’ll have to provide evidence that you put in effort, and it didn’t work.
What is Aspiring Entrepreneurs?
Aspiring Entrepreneurs is an online community Sophie Howard built for new entrepreneurs. She teaches them entrepreneurial skills to start a business, and build a diversified portfolio. Interested members can take the Aspiring Entrepreneurs Quiz. The results feature their work strengths and the suitable online business models for them.
Sophie Howard also does sourcing trips. She leads trips to trade shows in India, China, Europe and Vietnam. She also teaches online marketing tactics. Sophie also helps aspiring entrepreneurs in scaling and selling their businesses.
What do People Say About Sophie Howard?
People say more negative reviews on Sophie Howard. Although there are also students who claim success through Sophie’s programs. The Blue Sky Amazon Trustpilot rating is 1.6 out of 305 reviews. Saru Nakami from Australia cautioned people in signing up for Sophie's course. According to her, there is no guaranteed financial success, unlike what is promised in the advertisements. Saru Nakami shared that she asked for a refund, but was forced to comply with the conditions. Until she’s no longer eligible for the 180-day guaranteed.
Quora user, Eve Bowerbird, said the cost of finishing and publishing a book is higher than advertised. She also said the information is out of date and the whole course is pre-recorded. Eve also said the training sessions sell the coaching program more than providing information.
Amazon user, jw from the United Kingdom, reviewed Sophie’s book and said it’s a great advertisement for her course. According to jw, there is no new information about the business model. According to her, the content is also full of grammatical errors and is not proofread.
On the other hand, Wasim Idoo from Great Britain praised the course for its support. According to Idoo, he’s been on Blue Sky Amazon for a year and he gained valuable experience. He recommends the course to anyone looking for a passive income.
Kindle Publishing Income student, Robin Wilson, shared she sold 1000+ books in a span of 6 months. According to her, she followed Sophie’s course and is on her way to leaving her full-time job. Wilson said the course gave her an opportunity to contribute financially, while being with her family.
Marcy's Testimonial, and Why She Shifted From Writing Finance to Fiction Books
Marcy's Background and Story
Marcy was a Chief Financial Officer, but she had to retire early because of her health. She was looking for a flexible work-from-home opportunity and found Sophie Howard's program. As a book-lover herself, this program was a perfect fit, so she started fresh as an author. She initially wrote about finance topics because it's her expertise.
The Biggest Challenges Marcy Faced
The biggest challenge that Marcy faced was transitioning from writing finance to fiction. She encountered several challenges, especially in outsourcing some aspects of her book business. Without outsourcing some services, her business process was slower than what she expected. Marcy tried to outsource ghostwriters, but she ended up having inconsistent output. And it further delayed the progress of her first book. The delay made her frustrated, and she had to reassess her content creation process.
How Marcy Overcame These Challenges
Marcy overcame the business challenges through 1-on-1 coaching and weekly sessions with Sophie. It significantly enhanced her writing and publishing skills. She used AI tools to streamline her writing process. And then used organizing tools to streamline her daily business activities. She has already published multiple books and is expanding her new writing career.
What's not mentioned in the video: Amazon collects a commission from every paperback or ebook sold through their platform. Their commission on eBooks that cost less than $2.99 and $10 up is 65%, and 30% on eBooks that cost from $2.99 and $9.99.
How Much Does it Cost to Start Amazon FBA?
It costs $10,000 to start Amazon FBA. The professional seller account costs $40 per month. Essential tools like Seller Amp or Keepa also cost $20 per month. With these, you’re looking at a $1000 spending for a year. It’s better to use the professional account since it doesn’t have a storage restriction for 39 weeks. So, Amazon can know how much your store can sell and give you appropriate storage capacity. There are also Amazon fees for aged inventory, returns and disposal.
After that, it’s advised to have $3,000 to $5,000 for beginning inventory. Suppliers won’t consider you otherwise. And if you decide to start with a private label, you’ll also have to allocate at least $2,000 for branding costs. This includes logo, packaging and professional photos. Sophie advised $10 per day for ad spend, which would require $3,650 for a year. Reddit user, Faizan737, reminded beginners that marketing will take a significant amount of money. He also said it’s better to have spare for 2nd inventory as well.
Local Lead Generation: The Profitable Business Idea this 2024
Local lead generation is a profitable business model in 2024 than Amazon FBA. The biggest risk with Amazon FBA is the marketing. Ads are necessary to get your store off the ground. And it can eat away at your cash flow. With local lead generation, you’re using SEO techniques to ensure the visibility of your website on search results. So, you’re gaining leads using free traffic.
According to Seller Amp, the average profit of Amazon FBA sellers is 15% to 20%. Most beginners will have to reinvest that back into the business to ensure it won’t go under. But for local lead generation, the profit margin is at 90%. You can start local lead gen with $500 for domain and web hosting. When the website starts to rank, you can rent it out for $2000 per month. And the profits are all yours. If you choose to scale your business and make more local lead gen sites, you can set up another one at $500 again.
The local lead generation site I set up for tree care in 2015 generates me $2k per month. And it only requires minimum maintenance. Since then, I have created over 50 local lead gen sites. These digital real estates earn me $52k per month. If you’re looking for a profitable business with low startup cost and require less effort in the long run, local lead generation is the best choice out there.
