SmallBizGenius Analysis

Skillshare is a popular online learning platform with a vast library of courses, though some users report issues with subscription billing. Skillshare's hands-on approach and diverse course selection are frequently praised, while concerns about unexpected charges and outdated content occasionally surface.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 280 recent reviews

Course Variety & Quality

8.5/10

Reviewers consistently praise the wide variety of courses available on Skillshare, covering numerous topics and skill levels. Many appreciate the quality of instructors and the hands-on, project-based learning approach, though some note that the quality can vary between courses, with some being more elementary or outdated.

58 reviews mention this

Subscription & Billing Issues

3.0/10

A significant number of reviewers report negative experiences with Skillshare's subscription billing practices. Common complaints include unexpected auto-renewals, charges after cancellation, and difficulty obtaining refunds, leading to frustration and distrust.

15 reviews mention this

Customer Service

7.0/10

Customer service experiences are mixed, with some reviewers praising the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team in resolving issues like duplicate accounts or billing errors. However, others report difficulty getting assistance or receiving generic responses, particularly regarding refund requests.

10 reviews mention this

Course Structure & Learning Experience

8.0/10

Many users appreciate the structure of Skillshare classes, which typically involve short, scaffolded video lessons leading to a final project. The ability to filter classes and find specific topics is also valued, contributing to a positive learning experience.

12 reviews mention this

User Interface & Website Experience

6.5/10

Some reviewers find the Skillshare user interface to be clear and friendly, while others report difficulties with navigation, searching for specific courses or teachers, and technical issues like streaming problems or login errors.

6 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Wide variety of classes available on many topics Mentioned 45x
"I love the range of classes that are available for different skill levels."
Hands-on, project-based learning approach Mentioned 15x
"Skillshare actually is more Hands-On and they pay attention and implement their lessons and strategies and projects that you can learn from."
Good quality instructors Mentioned 12x
"Fabulous instructors and content."
Responsive and helpful customer support (in some cases) Mentioned 7x
"This is the second time I’ve needed help from Skillshare support, and once again the experience has been very positive."
Classes are broken down into actionable steps Mentioned 5x
"Each class is broken down into actionable steps, with a project at the end that utilizes..."

Common Complaints

Unexpected auto-renewals and difficulty cancelling subscriptions Mentioned 10x
"I was billed for a full year’s subscription that I never consciously agreed to, and when I raised it, they flat-out refused to iss..."
Issues with obtaining refunds for unwanted subscriptions Mentioned 8x
"The reviews about this being a scam are true! I got charged for a year's subscription that I didn't sign up for and was refused a refund."
Inconsistent course quality; some courses are outdated or elementary Mentioned 7x
"There's a lot of classes, some pretty good some less, the diversity and amount of classes make up for the less good ones but you might certainly need to filter the classes to match your level and you..."
Website navigation and search functionality can be difficult Mentioned 4x
"I find the website difficult to navigate and classes hard to find/search for with..."
Limited subtitle language options Mentioned 2x
"I find it frustrating that subtitles are limited to a few languages. For example, Italian isn't among the languages ​​for whi..."

Common Questions About Skillshare

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Skillshare legit and trustworthy?

Skillshare is a legitimate online learning platform with a vast library of courses. However, a recurring theme in reviews is unexpected subscription renewals and difficulties in obtaining refunds, which raises concerns about their billing practices. While many users have positive experiences with the course content and instructors, it's crucial to carefully manage your subscription and cancellation to avoid unwanted charges. The mixed experiences suggest that while the platform itself is legitimate, users should exercise caution regarding subscription management.

Based on 25 reviews

Does Skillshare have good customer service?

Customer service experiences with Skillshare appear to be inconsistent. Some reviewers praise the support team for their quick and helpful responses in resolving issues like duplicate accounts or billing discrepancies. However, other users report difficulty getting assistance, receiving generic responses, or being denied refunds, leading to frustration. The mixed feedback suggests that customer service quality may vary depending on the nature of the issue and the representative handling the request.

Based on 10 reviews

Is Skillshare worth it for small business owners?

Skillshare can be a worthwhile investment for small business owners seeking affordable training and skill development for themselves and their teams. The platform offers a wide range of courses covering creative and business-related topics, allowing for continuous learning and upskilling. However, it's essential to be mindful of the potential for unexpected subscription renewals and to carefully manage your account settings. If you're willing to invest the time to explore the course catalog and actively manage your subscription, Skillshare can provide a valuable return on investment.

Based on 15 reviews

What is Skillshare's cancellation policy like?

Skillshare's cancellation policy is a point of contention among reviewers. While the official policy may outline specific procedures for cancellation, many users report difficulty in successfully cancelling their subscriptions and avoiding unwanted charges. Some reviewers claim they were charged even after cancelling, while others were denied refunds for subscriptions they didn't intend to renew. It's crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions and to take screenshots or other documentation as proof of cancellation to avoid potential billing issues.

Based on 12 reviews

Are Skillshare classes suitable for beginners?

Yes, Skillshare offers a wide range of classes suitable for beginners across various topics. Many reviewers appreciate the availability of beginner-level courses that provide a solid foundation in new skills. The platform's structure, with short video lessons and project-based learning, is also conducive to beginners. However, it's important to check the course description and reviews to ensure that the content aligns with your skill level and learning objectives.

Based on 8 reviews