SmallBizGenius Analysis
Shaw Academy, now Upskillist, is an online learning platform with mixed reviews regarding its course quality and business practices. Customers report both positive learning experiences and significant billing issues, leading to a polarized perception of the service.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews
Billing Issues and Unexpected Charges
2.0/10Numerous reviewers report being charged unexpectedly after signing up for free trials or canceling subscriptions, with many struggling to get refunds. For example, one reviewer stated, "They will take money out your account without you knowing whilst spamming you with texts and refusing to let u leave."
42 reviews mention thisCourse Quality and Content
7.0/10Some reviewers praise the course content and instructors, finding the material informative and helpful for skill development. One reviewer mentioned, "I’ve been studying from shaw academy since years and the courses have been really helpful."
25 reviews mention thisSubscription Cancellation Difficulties
3.0/10Several reviewers describe difficulties canceling their subscriptions, often having to contact customer service multiple times or block payments through their bank. A reviewer noted, "Cannot cancel subscription very easily no matter how hard I tried."
18 reviews mention thisCustomer Service
4.0/10Many reviewers express frustration with the customer service, citing slow response times, unhelpful support staff, and difficulty resolving issues. One reviewer stated, "Trying to get a refund or even just a response from Shaw Academy is like trying to squeeze water from a stone."
15 reviews mention thisPlatform Migration Issues (to Upskillist)
5.0/10Several reviewers experienced problems with the transition to Upskillist, including lost course progress, inaccessible content, and lifetime memberships not being honored. A reviewer mentioned, "Upskillist/Shaw Academy has not delivered on its promise to seamlessly migrate my legacy courses or ensure the uninterrupted continuation of my learning endeavours on their new site."
12 reviews mention thisLifetime Membership Concerns
4.5/10Some reviewers who purchased lifetime memberships report that the terms were not honored, with previously included content now requiring additional payment. One reviewer stated, "All the course materials that were available and included initially by default now are charged extra."
8 reviews mention thisPop-up Ads and Website Experience
5.0/10Some reviewers found the website experience to be intrusive due to excessive pop-up ads and marketing offers. One reviewer said, "FILLED WITH POP UPS I THOUGHT THAT THIS WAS MALWARE LIKE ARE YOU TRYING TO GET IT LOOKS SO UNPROFESSIONAL."
6 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"Shaw academy is very useful for me. I can study any time, anywhere very easily."
"Very informative and learn at your own pace"
"The course selection is diverse."
"It's very easy to navigate and simple to use."
"they were able to get me back into my account by changing my registered email address to the one I was contacting from. Credit where it's due - for this, very grateful."
Common Complaints
"They will take money out your account without you knowing whilst spamming you with texts and refusing to let u leave."
"Cannot cancel subscription very easily no matter how hard I tried."
"Trying to get a refund or even just a response from Shaw Academy is like trying to squeeze water from a stone."
"Upskillist/Shaw Academy has not delivered on its promise to seamlessly migrate my legacy courses or ensure the uninterrupted continuation of my learning endeavours on their new site."
"All the course materials that were available and included initially by default now are charged extra."
Common Questions About Shawacademy
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Shawacademy legit and trustworthy?
Shaw Academy/Upskillist has a mixed reputation. While some users report positive learning experiences, a significant number of reviewers describe being charged unexpectedly, struggling to cancel subscriptions, and facing difficulties with customer service. The numerous complaints about billing issues and deceptive practices raise concerns about its overall trustworthiness. Small business owners should proceed with caution and carefully review the terms and conditions before subscribing.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Shawacademy have good customer service?
Customer service is a significant pain point for many Shaw Academy/Upskillist users. Numerous reviewers report slow response times, unhelpful support staff, and difficulty resolving billing issues or accessing courses. Some describe being ignored or receiving automated responses, making it challenging to get their concerns addressed. This lack of reliable customer support can be a major drawback for small business owners needing prompt assistance.
Based on 20 reviewsIs Shawacademy worth it for small business?
The value of Shaw Academy/Upskillist for small businesses is questionable. While the platform offers a variety of courses that could potentially enhance skills, the recurring billing issues and poor customer service overshadow the benefits. Small business owners should weigh the potential learning opportunities against the risk of unexpected charges and the frustration of dealing with unreliable support. Alternative platforms with more consistent service and transparent pricing may be a better investment.
Based on 25 reviewsWhat is Shawacademy's return policy like?
Based on the reviews, obtaining a refund from Shaw Academy/Upskillist can be extremely difficult. Many users report being denied refunds even when they canceled their subscriptions before the trial period ended or were charged without authorization. The company's customer service often ignores refund requests or offers unhelpful solutions, leading many users to dispute the charges with their bank or PayPal. The lack of a clear and reliable return policy is a major concern.
Based on 15 reviewsWhat happened to my courses after Shaw Academy became Upskillist?
The transition from Shaw Academy to Upskillist has been problematic for many users. Several reviewers report that their course progress was lost, some courses became inaccessible, and lifetime memberships were not honored on the new platform. While Upskillist promised a seamless migration, many users experienced disruptions and had to contact customer support to try to regain access to their courses, often without success.
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