Start and Scale 3.0 Review - My Experience With This Program
Welcome to this Start and Scale 3.0 review. After going through the program, I can say it’s a structured course designed to help people launch and grow an eCommerce brand, even if they’re starting with no background.
The program is taught by Gretta van Riel, who has built several successful online stores, and it combines video modules, workbooks, and updated AI-driven tools to guide students through the process.
From my perspective, the course does a good job of laying out the steps in order, so you’re not stuck piecing things together from random sources.
It’s not a magic shortcut, though — building a store still takes time, money for testing, and patience.
The cost of entry is high compared to some other programs, but the structure and examples make it useful if you want a serious introduction to building a brand.
Pros
Clear step-by-step structure for beginners
Taught by someone with proven eCommerce experience
Includes updated AI tools and resources
Cons
Price is steep compared to alternatives
Heavy focus on paid ads means ongoing expenses
Success stories are inspiring but not typical
If you’re deciding whether a program like this makes sense for you, it helps to step back and look at where most people get stuck.
This quick guide can help you avoid the common traps before investing in something bigger.
What Is Start and Scale 3.0?
When I first came across the course, it was presented as a complete roadmap for building an eCommerce brand from the ground up.
The program is built around eight core modules that cover everything from finding a product idea, validating it, and sourcing it, to creating a store, building a brand, and driving traffic.
What stood out to me was that it wasn’t just about dropshipping — the course leaned more into brand building, which felt different from a lot of quick-win Shopify programs I’d seen before.
The course is taught by Gretta van Riel, who’s known for launching multiple seven-figure brands.
Her credibility was part of what made me give it a serious look, though I was also aware that having a successful founder doesn’t automatically guarantee a course will deliver the same results for students.
The updated version also integrates AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney, which the creators say help speed up product research, branding, and content creation.
From my experience inside, it felt like a structured system rather than scattered advice.
Each lesson connected logically to the next, and there were workbooks and templates to apply what was being taught.
That said, it was clear that while the course lays out a framework, it still requires real effort and investment beyond the videos.
My Personal Experience With Start and Scale 3.0
When I signed up, I was mainly looking for clarity. I’d been circling around the idea of starting an online store for a while, but felt overwhelmed by the number of moving parts — choosing products, figuring out suppliers, setting up a store, and then somehow getting traffic.
My hope was that this program would cut through the noise and give me a step-by-step path I could follow.
Once inside, the first thing I noticed was how polished the lessons were. The videos were well produced and easy to follow, and the workbooks made it simple to apply the concepts.
I liked that the course didn’t just tell me what to do but explained why certain steps mattered, like validating product ideas before spending money on ads. That gave me more confidence in the process.
That said, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some of the later modules leaned heavily on paid traffic, especially Facebook and Instagram ads, which meant I had to budget more than I originally expected.
The lessons gave me strategies, but running ads still came with trial and error.
I also found that while the examples were inspiring, they sometimes set the bar higher than what felt realistic in the early stages.
Overall, my time in the course was useful because it gave me structure, but it didn’t remove the hard work.
I had to keep reminding myself that building a business takes more than watching videos — it meant applying the lessons, testing ideas, and being willing to invest in both time and money.
My biggest lesson was that structure helps, but it doesn’t remove the hard work. If you’re trying to figure out how to avoid the most common beginner mistakes, this quick resource might save you some frustration.
What's Inside Start and Scale 3.0?
Once I dug into the course, I found that the training was broken into eight modules that each tackled a specific part of building a brand.
It started with generating product ideas and validating them, then moved into sourcing, store setup, branding, and eventually marketing.
For me, the early modules were the most valuable, since they gave me practical ways to filter out product ideas and avoid wasting money on untested concepts.
Each module came with video lessons, worksheets, and action steps. The worksheets were straightforward and kept me accountable — I couldn’t just passively watch videos, I had to actually do the work.
I also noticed that the updated version leaned heavily on AI tools. There were walkthroughs showing how to use ChatGPT to brainstorm product angles or MidJourney to mock up branding.
These additions felt modern, though I sometimes wondered if they were being presented as more of a shortcut than they really are.
On top of the main training, there were bonuses like a private community group, influencer outreach scripts, and case studies from past students.
The community had some helpful discussions, though, like most groups, the quality of advice varied.
The case studies, while motivating, sometimes felt far removed from my own starting point, but they gave me a sense of what was possible if I stayed consistent.
The structure of the training and the extras made it easier for me to stay on track, but I never felt like I was handed a complete done-for-you solution. It gave me the tools, but using them effectively was still up to me.
How Much Does Start and Scale 3.0 Cost?
When I signed up, the program cost me $997 for lifetime access. That included the eight core modules, the updated AI material, and the bonuses like the community group and templates.
Compared to free content online, the price felt steep, but it was in line with what many structured eCommerce programs tend to charge.
What made it easier to commit was the 15-day money-back guarantee, which at least gave me a short window to decide if it was a fit.
After joining, I noticed that while the main course fee covered the essentials, there were additional offers along the way.
Some were upsells for more personalized coaching or extra mentorship, framed as ways to get direct feedback and faster progress.
These came at a higher cost and weren’t required, but they were positioned strongly during the onboarding process.
I didn’t take them, since I wanted to see how far I could get with the core program, but it was clear that they could push the total investment much higher if I had opted in.
The other financial factor I hadn’t fully appreciated was the ongoing cost of implementation. Running ads, paying for Shopify, and picking up recommended tools added hundreds of dollars a month on top of the course fee.
The training acknowledged this, but it didn’t hit me until I was actually paying those bills.
That’s when I realized that the real cost of learning eCommerce is a mix of upfront training and the money you need to test, adjust, and grow.
Pros and Cons of Start and Scale 3.0
Looking back on my experience, there were some clear positives. The biggest one was the structure — I didn’t have to figure out the order of things on my own.
The eight modules gave me a roadmap, and the worksheets helped me stay focused. I also liked that the course wasn’t built on quick wins.
It stressed brand-building over short-term dropshipping tactics, which made me feel like I was working on something sustainable rather than chasing trends.
The integration of AI tools was another plus. Seeing how to apply ChatGPT and MidJourney for product research and branding gave me new ways to work faster.
At the same time, there were definite downsides. The price was high, and at nearly a thousand dollars, it made me question whether I could have pieced together much of the knowledge from cheaper sources.
Some of the examples and case studies felt out of reach, especially when they showcased million-dollar results that didn’t line up with the reality of starting small.
The reliance on paid traffic also stood out as a challenge. I had to accept that running ads would add a constant layer of expenses and risk, which made the learning curve steeper.
In the end, the program gave me a solid foundation, but it wasn’t a perfect fit for everyone.
The strengths are in clarity and credibility, while the weaknesses are in cost and the gap between expectations and reality.
Who Is Start and Scale 3.0 Really For?
From my perspective, this program makes the most sense for people who need structure and accountability when starting something new.
If you’ve been circling around the idea of creating your own product but keep getting lost in free YouTube tutorials, this course lays everything out step by step.
It’s also useful if you value having a recognized name behind the training. Knowing that it was put together by Foundr and featured Gretta’s process gave me some reassurance that I wasn’t just gambling on random advice.
On the flip side, it’s not the best option if you’re only curious about ecommerce or just looking to test the waters.
The price alone makes it a serious commitment, and it assumes you’re ready to put money into tools, traffic, and inventory.
If you’re hesitant about spending on ads or dealing with fulfillment, the reality of what’s involved here might feel overwhelming.
So, I’d say the program is best suited for beginners with the budget and determination to launch something real, as well as for intermediate sellers who want to refine their systems.
For anyone else, especially those looking for a side hustle with low overhead, it might feel like too much.
Final Verdict
After spending time inside the program, I can see why it attracts so much attention.
The structure is clear, the training is detailed, and the additional resources like templates and community support add real value.
It’s not just a set of videos you watch once and forget—it’s built to guide you through the process of actually launching something.
That said, the price tag is hard to ignore. When you factor in not just the cost of the course but also the ongoing expenses of running a product-based business—inventory, marketing, tools—it becomes clear that this isn’t a “cheap” way to start.
The question really comes down to whether you’re ready to commit both time and money to building a brand.
For me, the course delivered on its promise of a roadmap, but it’s not a magic shortcut.
The effort still has to come from you. If you’re willing to take the steps and use the resources provided, it can absolutely help you move forward faster than trying to piece everything together alone.
But if you’re looking for instant wins with minimal investment, this isn’t going to be it.
At the end of the day, knowing what you’re getting into matters just as much as the training itself.