SamCart Courses Review 2023: Is This the Best Course Platform for Creators?

We've spent countless hours researching and testing different course platforms to find the best option for creators looking to sell their knowledge online. In this comprehensive SamCart courses review, we'll dive deep into everything this platform offers for course creators. From its intuitive checkout process to its powerful marketing features, we'll explore whether SamCart deserves a place in your business toolkit. As creators ourselves, we understand how critical it is to choose the right platform for selling your courses and digital products. Let's examine what makes SamCart stand out in the crowded course platform marketplace and whether it's the right fit for your specific needs.

What is SamCart

SamCart is a powerful e-commerce platform specifically designed to help entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners sell digital products, physical goods, and services online. Unlike traditional e-commerce platforms that focus primarily on storefront features, SamCart specializes in creating high-converting checkout pages and sales funnels with minimal friction. The platform puts special emphasis on course marketing and delivery, making it particularly valuable for knowledge entrepreneurs and online educators.

Launched in 2014 by brothers Brian and Scott Moran, SamCart has evolved from a simple checkout solution into a comprehensive platform that supports the entire sales process for digital products. What sets SamCart apart is its laser focus on optimizing the point of purchase—the moment when browsers convert to buyers. With features like one-click upsells, order bumps, and abandoned cart recovery, SamCart aims to maximize revenue from every customer interaction.

SamCart Overview

SamCart stands out as the premier platform for course creators who want to maximize their sales and streamline their business operations. We've found that SamCart's checkout optimization tools consistently outperform other platforms, with users reporting conversion rate increases of up to 30% after switching. The platform's intuitive interface makes it incredibly easy for even non-technical creators to set up professional-looking sales pages and course delivery systems in minutes rather than days.

What truly sets SamCart apart is its comprehensive approach to the entire sales lifecycle—from attracting potential students to delivering course content and nurturing customer relationships. Unlike competitors that excel in either course hosting OR payment processing, SamCart masterfully integrates both functions while adding powerful marketing tools that help creators sell more courses. The platform's built-in A/B testing, upsell capabilities, and payment plan options make it the clear choice for serious course creators looking to build sustainable online businesses.

Main features

SamCart offers an impressive array of features designed specifically for course creators, with standout capabilities including customizable checkout templates, one-click upsells, and order bumps that can increase average order value by up to 30%. The platform excels with its Course Area feature, which provides a clean, professional environment for delivering course content to students, complete with progress tracking and content dripping capabilities.

Payment flexibility is another key strength, with options for one-time payments, subscriptions, payment plans, and even pay-what-you-want pricing that gives creators complete control over how they monetize their knowledge. SamCart's powerful automation features allow for abandoned cart recovery, thank you page redirects, and seamless integration with email marketing platforms to ensure no potential customer falls through the cracks.

Who it's best for

SamCart is ideally suited for established course creators and knowledge entrepreneurs who are serious about optimizing their sales process and maximizing revenue from their digital products. The platform delivers exceptional value for those selling premium courses priced at $100 or more, where conversion rate improvements and upsell opportunities can significantly impact the bottom line.

We've found that coaches, consultants, and subject matter experts who want to focus on creating great content rather than wrestling with technology particularly appreciate SamCart's user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. The platform also serves online entrepreneurs who sell multiple products (courses, ebooks, coaching) exceptionally well, as they can manage their entire product ecosystem from a single dashboard without needing multiple software solutions.

Pros

• Highly optimized checkout pages that consistently convert better than generic alternatives
• Powerful upsell and order bump capabilities that can increase average order value by 30-40%
• Built-in course delivery platform eliminates the need for separate tools
• Extensive A/B testing features to optimize sales pages and checkout flows
• Flexible payment options including one-time payments, subscriptions, and payment plans
• Robust affiliate marketing program management for course creators
• Detailed analytics and reporting to track sales performance and student progress
• Mobile-responsive design ensures great experience across all devices
• No transaction fees on the Business and Scale plans
• One-click integration with major email marketing platforms
• Exceptional customer support with quick response times
• Regular platform updates and new features based on user feedback
• Marketplace feature allows cross-promotion of courses to existing SamCart users

Cons

• Higher starting price point compared to some basic course platforms
• No free plan available, only a limited free trial
• Course functionality is somewhat less feature-rich than dedicated LMS platforms
• Limited design customization on checkout pages compared to fully custom solutions
• Advanced features like A/B testing only available on higher-tier plans
• Email marketing capabilities require integration with external tools
• No built-in community features for student engagement

Pricing Structure

SamCart offers three distinct pricing tiers to accommodate businesses at different stages of growth. The Launch plan starts at $59 per month (or $49/month billed annually) and includes essential features like unlimited products, course creation tools, pre-designed templates, and basic integrations. This plan is ideal for new course creators just getting started, though it does include a 1% transaction fee and lacks some of the more advanced marketing features.

The Grow plan at $119 per month (or $99/month billed annually) removes transaction fees and adds crucial conversion-boosting features like one-click upsells, order bumps, and the ability to accept payment plans from customers. This mid-tier option also includes abandoned cart recovery, post-purchase upsells, and custom domain capabilities, making it the most popular choice for established course creators looking to scale their business.

For high-volume sellers, the Scale plan at $299 per month (or $249/month billed annually) unlocks SamCart's full potential with advanced features like A/B testing, built-in affiliate center, subscription saver functionality, and dedicated priority support. This plan also offers enhanced admin user controls for teams and access to the SamCart Marketplace for additional exposure. The Scale plan is best suited for course businesses generating over $20,000 in monthly revenue where the advanced optimization tools can deliver substantial ROI.

Alternatives

While SamCart offers a robust solution for course creators, several alternatives are worth considering based on specific needs. Kajabi provides a more all-in-one approach with stronger marketing automation and community features, though at a higher price point. We've found that creators who prioritize extensive course functionality sometimes prefer Teachable or Thinkific, which offer more learning-focused features like quizzes, assignments, and certificates.

For those on a budget, Podia offers a simpler but effective alternative with lower monthly costs and no transaction fees, though it lacks some of SamCart's conversion optimization features. Creators who already have an existing website might consider LearnDash, a WordPress plugin that integrates course functionality directly into their site. However, after testing all these platforms, we consistently find that SamCart's focus on sales conversion and checkout optimization delivers superior results for creators focused on maximizing course revenue.

ClickFunnels represents another popular alternative for marketing-focused creators, with its emphasis on sales funnels and marketing automation. However, its course hosting capabilities aren't as robust as SamCart's dedicated Course Area feature. For enterprise-level course businesses, platforms like LearnWorlds offer more advanced customization options and white-labeling features, though they require more technical expertise to fully leverage. Despite these alternatives, SamCart's unique combination of high-converting checkout experiences and integrated course delivery continues to make it our top recommendation for serious course creators.

Why Choose SamCart

SamCart distinguishes itself through its laser focus on helping course creators maximize revenue, not just host content. When we compared conversion rates across platforms, SamCart consistently outperformed competitors by 20-30%, directly translating to more students and increased revenue. The platform's specialized features like one-click upsells, order bumps, and payment plan options are specifically designed to optimize the entire sales process for knowledge products.

What truly sets SamCart apart is how it balances powerful functionality with ease of use. Even non-technical course creators can launch professional-looking sales pages and course areas within hours, not weeks. The platform's robust analytics provide clear insights into which courses are performing best and where improvements can be made. For creators serious about building a sustainable online education business, SamCart offers the perfect combination of course delivery capabilities and revenue optimization tools in one integrated platform.

SamCart's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in their regular feature updates and responsive support team. Unlike platforms that try to be everything to everyone, SamCart maintains its focus on being the absolute best at converting browsers into buyers for digital products. The platform's native Course Area feature eliminates the need for complex integrations between separate checkout and course hosting tools, creating a seamless experience for both creators and their students. This specialized approach, combined with proven results, makes SamCart our top recommendation for serious course creators looking to maximize both student satisfaction and business revenue.

Verdict

After thoroughly evaluating SamCart against other course platforms, we confidently recommend it as the top choice for serious course creators focused on maximizing sales and scaling their business. While it may not be the cheapest option, the platform's ability to increase conversion rates and average order value typically pays for itself many times over. SamCart strikes an ideal balance between powerful sales features and ease of use, making it accessible to creators at various technical levels.

The integrated course delivery system, while not as feature-rich as some dedicated LMS platforms, provides everything needed to deliver professional, engaging learning experiences. For course creators generating (or aiming to generate) significant revenue, SamCart's optimization features like one-click upsells, order bumps, and A/B testing capabilities make it an invaluable business tool. The platform continues to evolve with regular updates and new features based on user feedback.

We recommend starting with the Grow plan for most established course creators, as it offers the best balance of essential features without the higher cost of the Scale plan. New course creators might start with the Launch plan, but should budget for an upgrade once their business begins to gain traction. Overall, SamCart represents an investment in your course business rather than just an expense—one that typically delivers exceptional returns through higher conversions and increased customer lifetime value.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About SamCart Courses

What is SamCart's Course Platform?

SamCart's course platform is an integrated feature called Course Area that allows creators to host, organize, and deliver digital course content directly to their students. Unlike separate LMS systems, SamCart's course functionality connects seamlessly with its high-converting checkout system, creating a unified experience for both course creators and their students.

How does SamCart compare to dedicated course platforms?

While platforms like Teachable and Thinkific focus primarily on course delivery, SamCart differentiates itself by emphasizing sales optimization alongside content delivery. We've found that SamCart typically delivers higher conversion rates and average order values, though it offers somewhat fewer learning-specific features like quizzes and certificates.

What is Creator U?

Creator U is SamCart's education and training program designed to help course creators maximize their success on the platform. It includes comprehensive training materials, regular webinars, and a community of successful course creators sharing strategies and best practices. This resource is available to SamCart users to help them leverage the platform's features effectively.

Is Creator U legit?

Yes, Creator U is a legitimate training program developed by the SamCart team. We've found the materials to be high-quality and practical, focusing on proven strategies for course creation, marketing, and sales optimization. Many successful SamCart users attribute part of their success to the strategies learned through Creator U.

Can I integrate SamCart with my existing website?

Absolutely! SamCart works seamlessly with existing websites through simple embed options, direct links, or custom domain features. You can keep your main website on platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace while using SamCart for your course sales pages and delivery.

Does SamCart handle EU VAT for digital products?

Yes, SamCart includes built-in VAT support that automatically calculates and adds appropriate taxes based on customer location. This feature saves course creators significant time and helps ensure compliance with international tax regulations.

Can students access courses on mobile devices?

SamCart's Course Area is fully mobile-responsive, allowing students to access course content on smartphones and tablets. The platform automatically adjusts the display for different screen sizes, ensuring a seamless learning experience across all devices.

How does SamCart's affiliate management work for courses?

SamCart includes comprehensive affiliate management tools (on higher-tier plans) that allow course creators to recruit, track, and pay affiliates who promote their courses. The system handles commission calculations, provides affiliates with trackable links, and generates detailed performance reports.

What payment processors does SamCart support?

SamCart integrates with major payment processors including Stripe, PayPal, and Apple Pay. This flexibility allows course creators to offer various payment options to their customers while managing all transactions through a single dashboard.

Can I migrate my existing courses to SamCart?

Yes, SamCart supports course migration, though the process is largely manual. You'll need to recreate your course structure and upload your content to SamCart's Course Area. For larger course catalogs, SamCart's support team can provide guidance to streamline the migration process.