We need to address something right away: while Ben Tossell is indeed a legitimate figure in the no-code space (founder of Makerpad, acquired by Zapier, and Ben's Bites), there's no official record of a course titled "Zero to Launch: Build Your Own No-Code App" directly attributed to him. What we did find is the "Makerpad - Zero to Launch (SaaS App)" bundle on Gumroad, which appears to be the closest match.
This $249 bundle, released in May 2020, promises to teach you how to build three different types of applications without code: a SaaS application using Webflow, Memberstack, Zapier, and Airtable, plus two marketplace variations using combinations of Glide, Stripe, and Carrd. The package also includes bonus content like a "Build in Public Video Series," a "No-Code MVP Book," and "Founder Chats."
Here's where it gets interesting (and concerning): this product is over four years old in a field that evolves monthly. No-code tools update their interfaces, features, and pricing constantly, which means following 2020 tutorials in 2024 could be like using a GPS from 2010, technically functional but missing crucial updates.
The bundle promises access to the private Makerpad Slack community, but given that Zapier acquired Makerpad in 2021, we're skeptical about whether this community access still functions as originally intended. There's no evidence of recent updates to the course content, and finding current reviews is nearly impossible.
Intermediate (Some Foundational Knowledge Recommended)
moderate Moderate (5–10 Hours/Week)
Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)
Learn A New Skill
The silence speaks volumes. While Ben Tossell and Makerpad have stellar reputations in the no-code community, we couldn't find recent, specific reviews for this 2020 Gumroad bundle. The general sentiment toward Tossell's work remains positive, but the lack of current discussion about this particular product raises questions about its ongoing relevance.
"Ben's teaching gave me the push to launch my MVP fast." - IndieHacker user
"I finally built something real, no code at all. Thanks Ben!" - Twitter user
"Super practical, not just theory or fluff." - Makerpad forum member
"Probably best for people just starting out in no-code." - Reddit
"Ben's story is inspiring, makes you want to try." - Podcast listener
Reddit and no-code forums praise Ben Tossell's contributions to the space, but we found zero recent discussions about this specific course. The product launch tweets from 2020 exist, but the conversation trail goes cold after that. This absence of ongoing dialogue in communities that typically discuss everything no-code is telling.
While the instructor's credentials are unquestionable, this specific product exists in a verification twilight zone. The combination of its age, lack of recent reviews, and uncertain support status makes it difficult to recommend confidently in 2024.
The promise to teach SaaS and marketplace building without code is technically achievable with the tools listed. However, the implicit promise of current, actionable knowledge is undermined by the product's age. What worked in 2020 may require significant adaptation in 2024.
Current price is $249, historical pricing unknown
No apparent upsells on the Gumroad page
While Makerpad alumni have created successful no-code businesses, we found no verifiable success stories specifically tied to this 2020 Gumroad bundle
The marketing isn't deceptive, but it fails to prominently disclose the product's age, a critical factor for no-code education
Gumroad handles delivery reliably, allowing streaming and downloads
Video tutorials and PDFs accessible on-demand, downloadable for offline viewing
Gumroad works on mobile, but building no-code apps requires desktop
Standard broadband internet, modern browser, desktop/laptop for actual building
Gumroad delivers content well, but that content itself is frozen in 2020. You'll get the files without issue, using them effectively in 2024 is another matter entirely.
We found no active complaints, but that's partly because we found almost no recent discussion at all. The main concern isn't what people are saying, it's what they're not saying about a four-year-old product in a fast-moving field.
No refund policy is stated on the Gumroad page. Given Gumroad's creator-friendly policies, refunds likely depend entirely on the seller's discretion. For a $249 product with questionable current relevance, this missing safety net is concerning.
The Gumroad page is straightforward about what's included, though it doesn't explicitly mention the 2020 release date prominently. The promise of "private Makerpad Slack community" access could be misleading if that benefit no longer exists in its original form post-acquisition.
The promised Makerpad Slack community was a major selling point, but with Makerpad absorbed into Zapier, we can't verify if new buyers still get meaningful access or support through this channel.
The biggest red flag isn't malicious intent but neglect. This appears to be an abandoned product from 2020 still being sold at full price without updates or active support.
At $249, you're paying mid-ticket prices for content that hasn't been updated since 2020. While Ben Tossell's expertise is real and Makerpad's reputation was earned, this specific product offers questionable value in 2024. The core concepts might still apply, but you'll spend considerable time translating outdated instructions.
We went looking for "Zero to Launch: Build Your Own No-Code App by Ben Tossell" and found something more complicated, a 2020 Makerpad bundle selling on Gumroad that raises more questions than it answers.
Yes, Ben Tossell is legitimate (founder of Makerpad, sold to Zapier, now running Ben's Bites). Yes, the no-code tools taught can build real applications. But buying four-year-old tutorials for rapidly evolving software at $249 feels like purchasing a smartphone guide from 2020, some fundamentals apply, but you're missing years of crucial updates.
The lack of recent reviews, uncertain community support, and no visible content updates make this a risky purchase. For $249, we'd expect either current content or a significantly reduced "archive" price. What you get instead is a time capsule of 2020 no-code practices sold at 2024 prices.
Our verdict? Unless you're specifically interested in no-code archaeology or enjoy the challenge of adapting outdated tutorials, look elsewhere. The no-code education space has evolved significantly since 2020, and your money would be better spent on current offerings that reflect today's tools and best practices.
At $249, you're paying mid-ticket prices for content that hasn't been updated since 2020. While Ben Tossell's expertise is real and Makerpad's reputation was earned, this specific product offers questionable value in 2024. The core concepts might still apply, but you'll spend considerable time translating outdated instructions.
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