Bookkeepers.com and Bookkeeper Launch Reviews: 2 Graduate Interviews
Review of Bookkeepers.com and Bookkeeper Launch (formerly Bookkeeper Business Launch)
You’re interested in becoming an online bookkeeper. You’ve heard about Bookkeepers.com or their course Bookkeeper Launch through different ways.
Maybe it’s because you have experience in bookkeeping or accounting and want to work from home.
Perhaps you know a person who doesn’t even have a bookkeeping background (you don’t have to be a CPA to be a bookkeeper), but took Bookkeeper Launch and is now making $60+/hour as an online bookkeeper.
That’s way more money than most accountants make working at a traditional 9-5 office.
Investing in a course is not something to take lightly.
You want to do your due diligence and understand if Bookkeepers.com or Bookkeeper Launch is legit and worth it.
In this post, we’ll explore:
- What is Bookkeepers.com?
- What is Bookkeeper Launch?
- Who is Bookkeeper Launch for?
- What does Bookkeeper Launch cover?
- How much does Bookkeeper Launch cost?
- Bookkeeper Launch Reviews from 2 Graduates
Let’s get started!
if you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you.
What is the Bookkeepers.com?
Bookkeepers.com, created by Ben Robinson, offers a variety of courses that help you start, grow, scale, optimize and transform your virtual bookkeeping business.
It has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating including an average of 5 stars (there are 400+ reviews).
The Bookkeepers.com signature course is Bookkeeper Launch.
What is the Bookkeeper Launch course?
Previously called Bookkeeper Business Launch, Bookkeeper Launch is the only training available on how to professionally setup your bookkeeping business from scratch.
It teaches the essential skills on how to be a successful online bookkeeper.
This includes bookkeeping skills that go beyond “debits and credits” and shows you how to analyze data to help your clients with their decision-making.
Most importantly, it teaches you how to grow and market your business and attain quality clients.
It’s an online course so you can complete it at your own pace given your lifestyle and situation. Many complete it in 3-6 months.
Most get their first client in under 6 months (yes that means they get their first client before they even complete the course)!
When you’re done, you’ll get a certification of completion which you can show clients or employers.
The course provides a 100% money back guarantee in 30 days if you’re not satisfied. No questions asked.
If you’d like more information about Bookkeeper Launch, there’s a FREE training providing an insider’s look.
Who is Bookkeeper Launch for?
Bookkeeper Launch is right for anyone who’s ready to work from home and build a business.
Many come to the course because they’re looking for more freedom and flexibility to create their own schedule while making an income.
Just to confirm, to take the course:
- You DON’T need any experience with bookkeeping or running a business: You don’t have to be an existing bookkeeper or accountant. Of course, if you have bookkeeping experience, you’ll have a head start.
- You DON’T have to be tech-savvy: You should be able to operate a computer at a basic user level.
- You DON’T have to be good at math: You don’t need to know anything beyond a high school math education.
Bookkeeper Launch will teach you everything you need to know to run a successful bookkeeping business from home.
As it’s an online program, you can be working full-time or be a stay-at-home mom or dad. You go through the course when it works within your schedule. You don’t have to attend classes every day.
As you get lifetime access to the course, if things get really busy, you can always come back to it later on.
This course applies to anyone in the world whether you’re from the United States, Canada or the U.K. Bookkeeping, marketing and business building are skills that apply to any business in the world.
What does Bookkeeper Launch cover?
There are 3 courses:
- Bookkeeper Launch Pro
- Bookkeeper Launch Premier
- Bookkeeper Launch Team
Here’s the difference between the 3 courses.
1. Bookkeeper Launch Pro (58 hours of content):
- Bookkeeping foundation including important, current skills as you’re working with clients in a digital age who have varying goals and needs
- Efficient systems and processes for your bookkeeping business including proven templates to get jobs done on time
- How to start, register and set up your business including licensing, tax structure etc.
- How to price your services and position yourself as a premium provider
- How to market your business without selling
- How to attain high-quality clients (that appreciate and pay you) and develop a pipeline of these leads for future business
- How to build your business so you’re making the most money for your time
Here are additional unique features:
- Live, weekly Q&A calls with instructors to get one-on-one guidance on anything bookkeeping business related (which are recorded and available in their Education Center)
- A private support group with over 6000 students so you can ask questions and hear about everyone’s virtual bookkeeping experiences
- Legal consultation (Each month, there will be a lawyer available for a call so you can ask any questions you have about setting up your business as a legal entity.)
- Unlimited email support if you need an immediate question answered
There are bonuses:
- Resource library access with guides, templates, a workbook, worksheets, and checklists to make you an even better online bookkeeper
- Recordings of the most powerful shortcuts and pitfalls discovered by the course’s most successful students
- Profit maximizers – the additional “high-value” services you can offer clients to increase your profits
You will also get unlimited lifetime access to the course. If there are any updates to the course, you will get access to them.
2. Bookkeeper Launch Premier:
- Everything in Bookkeeper Launch Pro
- 8 Group Coaching Sessions led by successful online bookkeepers
Basically, there’s more preparation and accountability involved. Bookkeeper Launch Premier is a faster path to becoming a thriving online bookkeeper.
3. Bookkeeper Launch Team:
- Everything in Bookkeeper Launch Premier
- Inbound marketing and sales as well as outstanding processes and people management knowledge
- Elite members-only community access filled with the highest achieving online bookkeepers
- Two Knowledge Licenses for team members to use so they know how your business operates ($1000 value)
To make the most amount of money, you’re going to need to be more efficient and hire other online bookkeepers. Bookkeeper Launch Team has everything you need to operate a fully scaled online bookkeeping business.
How much does Bookkeeper Launch cost?
Here are the Bookkeeper Launch costs:
- Bookkeeper Launch Pro costs $2499 or 12 monthly costs of $249.
- Bookkeeper Launch Premiere costs $2999 or 12 monthly costs of $299.
- Bookkeeper Launch Team costs $4999 or 12 monthly costs of $499.
There’s a military discount of 30% off for any courses. To qualify, you must be either:
- An active military member or the spouse of an active duty service member
- A retired military member or the spouse of a retired service member. Retired means that the U.S. DoD is paying you a monthly pension for your service. Typically, this means you’ve served 20+ years unless you retired due to injury/disability. If you served a stint (5, 10 years etc.) and are now discharged, you do not qualify.
To prove eligibility, the individual must supply a copy of their orders (active) or DD214 (retired).
These courses also have a 100% money back guarantee in 30 days if you’re not satisfied.
As you can see, the cost is steep. There is a payment plan available.
Depending on the course, the costs are cheaper or close to the tuition of an average accounting certificate program. Undergraduate accounting certificate programs cost approximately $4000-6000.
For people who have this certificate, the median salary for bookkeepers is $32,000-41,000. When you break it down by the hour (with a 40 hour work week at 50 weeks/year to account for vacation time), the salary translates to approximately $3.2 – $ 4.1/hour.
That’s way less than what you could make as an online bookkeeper. Ben Robinson made $60+/hour as a bookkeeper working from home.
Ultimately, this program is an investment in knowledge and education. It’s an investment in yourself. Nobody can take that away from you.
Bookkeeper Launch Reviews
In these interviews, they share why they selected Bookkeeper Launch, what’s the most valuable knowledge they gained in the course and what’s missing, as well as how long it took to get their first client and make their money back from the course.
Their insights are invaluable for anyone considering Bookkeeper Launch.
Why did you select Bookkeeper Launch?
Amanda: I wasn’t really looking for a bookkeeping course. It was by accident that I found Bookkeeper Launch and liked what Ben had to say in the article I read so I watched his 3 free videos.
After hearing Ben talk I really had confidence in the course and liked that there was a business and marketing aspect to it as well.
Jenna: I selected Bookkeeper Launch mostly due to the 3 free videos I watched, which I connected with, and then read a review of it online.
I tried buying a book on Amazon that taught you how to start a bookkeeping business, but it wasn’t helping me. I needed more than that.
I needed something to point me in the right direction as well as a community to turn to should I need help. Bookkeeper Launch gave me all of that and more that I didn’t even know I needed at the time.
What’s the most valuable knowledge or training you learned at Bookkeeper Launch?
Amanda: The business and marketing sections of Bookkeeper Launch were crucial to my success as a business owner.
I came in with bookkeeping knowledge but no marketing know-how or any clue how to start or run a business on my own.
It’s not easy moving from being an employee to owning a company. You have to want not only the benefits but also the challenges that come with it!
Ben was always very forthcoming with this information. He truly believes in all of us but is very clear that this course and business ownership is not for everyone.
Jenna: Mindset. Bookkeeper Launch not only includes the ins and outs of accounting and other skills to help you get on your way to owning a bookkeeping business, but it also has videos on mindset.
This was a life-changer for me. Owning a bookkeeping business was not in my plan, primarily because I never thought I could do it.
What do I know about owning a business? But here I am doing it. It’s all about mindset.
Is there anything you felt was missing or could be improved upon in the course to help you be a better online Bookkeeper?
Amanda: In late 2017 when I started the course it was completely different than it is today.
I didn’t have any criticisms then but now that it’s changed SO MUCH in three years I see that the old version was lacking in organization and progress tracking.
The course was re-vamped twice since I bought it and I received both upgraded versions of the course at no additional cost. It’s been upgraded vastly now so you can easily track your progress and earn badges. Very cool!
Jenna: Besides Bookkeeper Launch handing you over a client, it has everything you need to get you started in owning a bookkeeping business.
Bookkeeper Launch even updates the trainings, which you have access to for life.
Bookkeeper Launch was a GREAT investment. I would take the same path if I were to start this journey over again.
How long did it take you to attain work in the field and make your money back from the course?
Amanda: I started looking for clients in late August 2017 and had my first client September 1st.
I paid for all startup costs for my business including the cost of the course by December I believe!
Everyone’s journey is different though. You have to really work for clients. It’s not easy.
Jenna: I obtained my first and second client at the same time, at the end of February/beginning of March of 2018.
In January 2018, I decided to market myself. I went to networking lunches and dinners. I decided to find a tax accountant to take on preparing my tax return as well as someone I can refer business to.
I ended up finding a colleague I used to work with in my public accounting days. After we met, he called me a couple of weeks later to tell me their firm lost their bookkeeper.
They needed someone to help take some of their current clients off their plate. So, I met with the partner in charge of their bookkeeping segment. Not too long after our meeting, I had my first client, who is still my client today!
At the same time, I was part of a town Facebook group, which had a lot of activity related to people looking for recommendations of businesses.
A business owner was looking for a bookkeeper to clean up her books from the previous year. I posted that I was a bookkeeper and would love to help. We had our initial meeting and she is still my client today!
Between the 2 clients, I made the money I spent on the course back by March 2018, so that’s approximately 6 months from the time I started the course in September 2017.
I wasn’t interested in obtaining clients while I was taking the course, which some people end up doing. I have a methodical approach where I need to finish the learning aspect first, before I jump into obtaining clients.
What is your favorite part about being an online Bookkeeper?
Amanda: Being home when my kids need me and being able to pick them up from sports or school if they are sick.
Not having to juggle telling a boss I have to leave work to get my kids. Not having that mom guilt of telling my son he can’t play a sport because I could never be there to pick him up.
The money is good too 😉
Jenna: My favorite part about being a virtual bookkeeper is the flexibility it gives you.
All the bookkeeping can be performed virtually on your time, in between all of the family stuff going on. It is not necessary to be on the client’s premises to complete the work. Meetings can even be virtual, although I do enjoy meeting with clients face to face at times.
What is your biggest challenge in this role?
Amanda: The biggest challenge for me is probably saying NO.
I have definitely taken on less-than-ideal clients that turned out to be real pains. I knew in my gut what would happen but I said yes to them anyways and definitely wish I would have steered clear.
Take on clients that share your goals and mindset or they have the potential to really drain you.
Jenna: Fear. Fear of not being able to do it. Fear of failing. Fear of not getting clients. Fear of losing clients. Fear of not knowing an answer. The list goes on and on.
However, the only way to overcome my fear is to just do it and learn along the way. So that’s what I am doing.
What is a typical day for you?
Amanda: Each day is completely different.
I generally make a list the night before and then first thing in the morning start on that list and start checking things off. Tasks can vary from answering emails to running reports and accepting bank feed transactions.
Other times I have more detailed projects happening. A typical month is very heavy from the 1st to the 15th and then less busy till the end of the month. That’s when I generally work on clean up jobs or special projects.
Jenna: On a weekly basis, I keep a small lined pad that shows which client(s) I’m working on each day. I try to complete the weekly client list on Monday, which lays out my plans for the week.
On a typical day, I work on 1-2 clients. I check Jetpack Workflow, which lists the tasks that need to be completed for each client.
I also attend some networking lunches, dinners or sometimes events. I like to have a lunch scheduled with someone every week, if possible.
I also belong to Toastmasters, which meets 2 times per month to help with my public speaking skills. This has truly helped me grow as a business owner and individual.
On a typical day, the first thing I do is check email to see if clients have emailed me and respond as necessary. I then work within Quickbooks Online as well as Hubdoc.
I work on the transactions that come through the bank feed, matching them to transactions already recorded, or adding them to the books based on support I’ve received from the client.
If I don’t know where to record any of the transactions, I email the client. I update Jetpack Workflow as to the tasks I have completed and add notes for anything I’m waiting for.
What are your top tips for being successful as an online Bookkeeper?
Amanda: Top Tips:
- Value yourself and your time, don’t give it away for free – ever.
- Listen to your gut and only take on clients who see your value.
- Talk talk talk… you never know where a referral will come from!
Jenna: A couple of books really helped me when I first got started, and I refer to them even today.
Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers shows the reader that everyone is afraid and being uncomfortable is the only way you learn and grow. The only way to get over your fear is to do it anyway.
Profit First by Michael Michalowicz shows business owners how to handle their cash using the old-fashioned envelope system. In this case, multiple bank accounts take the place of the envelopes.
If you are thinking of starting a bookkeeping business, do not expect to have a ton of time on your hands once you get going.
The time you do not spend on clients, you will be spending on improving your business, whether looking into applications, trying to make things more efficient, developing processes and procedures, and so on.
My husband thought I would have all the time in the world and thought I started the business in order to have more time. This is a misconception.
However, the difference is you decide when you work on these tasks, so you need to have self-discipline to be able to complete them on your own without someone checking to make sure work has been completed.
You are your own boss, and I must say, I have the best boss in the world!
What’s your background? How did you become a Virtual Bookkeeper
Amanda: I have been an employee bookkeeper since 2007. I have 12 years of working experience with small businesses on the financial side.
I made the switch to virtual and owning my own firm in late 2017 shortly after finding out that my hours at work would soon go part time. I’ve been a full-time working mom all my kids’ lives. There is no way we could survive on part time wages.
I knew I needed to find full time work but didn’t want to desert my current employer who did still need me. I started searching the internet for ways to SAVE money and I came upon a popular blog that mentioned Bookkeeper Launch.
Jenna: I own ACE Accountable Bookkeeping, LLC. I have been in business since January 2018. ACE was named after my children (Annabelle, Chiara and Eliana). They are my why.
I’m a CPA and a QuickBooks Online Advanced ProAdvisor. My background is in auditing financial statements at a CPA firm as well as experience in multiple businesses’ finance departments.
I’m in Toastmasters and a few networking groups. I surround myself with positive, motivating people. Mindset is everything to me.
Prior to starting my business, I was stuck in a corporate accounting department desperate for flexibility as I have a child with ADHD and anxiety.
The demands of constant phone calls from the school, doctor appointments and school appointments for this one child were overwhelming for a 9-5 job. I also had 2 other kids and myself to worry about. I needed to get out.
I kept getting signs that I should start my own bookkeeping business. I would meet mothers at school functions who either were bookkeepers, or they had their own bookkeeping business.
Another one of those signs was how I found Ben’s program, Bookkeeper Launch. I googled “how to start a bookkeeping business” and stumbled upon it in the summer of 2017. I watched the 3 free videos.
Then I took some time to think about it as it was hard to trust something you find on the internet. I found a review of Bookkeeper Launch somewhere online, and for some reason believed it.
By September 2017, I took a chance, signed up and completed the program by early December 2017. In January 2018, I decided to just get myself out there to meet people and let everyone know what I do.
I have learned so much about myself on this journey. I have grown as a person as well as a business owner and made great friendships along the way.
My mission is to never stop learning and growing, and to be an inspiration to someone who might need that extra push to start their own bookkeeping business.
A big thanks to Amanda and Jenna for their insights on Bookkeeper Launch and the online bookkeeper career!
Interested in other work-from-home opportunities?
Here are additional work at home options that are well-paid:
- SEO Writer – make more than $20,000/month
- Virtual Assistant – earn $100/hour
- Scopist (editing legal documents) – make $4000/month
- Pinterest Virtual Assistant – earn $30+/hour
- Etsy Seller – make $1500-3000/week
Other ways to make some money from home
If you only want to earn a little bit of side cash quickly and easily each day, here’s a list of legitimate survey companies with user-friendly sites that I’ve personally tried and liked:
- Swagbucks
- Survey Club
- Survey Junkie (only in US, Canada and Australia)
The more companies you join, the more surveys you’ll qualify for taking. If you like taking surveys and being able to voice your opinion and know that it’ll make a difference with brands and products, taking surveys might be right up your alley.
Related Work At Home Articles:
- 11 Work-from-Home for Stay and Home Moms and Dads Jobs
- 11 Legit Ways to Make $100 Fast
- How to become a Real Estate Virtual Assistant
- How to become a Proofreader working from home
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