Landmark ruling for more consumer protection in online coaching 🚀

Online coaching is booming - whether for crypto investments, business strategies or personal development. But what happens if the promises are not kept? A recent court ruling is causing a stir: A customer got his money back for crypto coaching because the offer did not meet expectations. This ruling could have far-reaching consequences for the industry. t3n reported on it today:

Money back for crypto coaching: This judgment strengthens customers of online coaches - t3n - digital pioneers

A customer paid 1.500 euros for crypto coaching - and was disappointed with the result. The Munich Regional Court has now ruled that the initiator must refund the money. What is particularly interesting is the reasoning, which could also be applied to other cases. Becoming a crypto expert via internet coaching and then getting rich very quickly? Sounds too [...]

t3n MagazinTobias Weidemann

Why customer judgment is important ⚖️

Many online coaches lure you in with big promises: quick profits, financial freedom or the perfect business. But there is often little substance behind the glossy advertisements. The recent ruling by the Munich Regional Court (judgement of 15.01.2025, ref. 44 O 16944/23, not final) shows that customers are not defenceless if they feel deceived by such offers.

The following are particularly problematic:

• Exaggerated advertising promises: "Earn €10,000 a month with crypto!" - but without guarantee.
• Lack of individual support: Many coaching sessions consist of ready-made videos instead of real support.
• Intransparent refund conditions: Some providers refuse refunds or make contracts complicated, if they have any at all

The court ruled: If coaching does not deliver what was advertised, the customer can demand their money back.

Does coaching count as distance learning? 📚

One particularly exciting aspect of the ruling is the classification of online coaching as distance learning. In this case, the court saw a parallel to traditional educational offers and found that the provider may not have had the necessary authorization.

In addition, the judges argued that the customer was not sufficiently informed of her right of withdrawal. This could mean that many coaching contracts are invalid if they violate existing consumer protection laws. If this view prevails, affected customers could reclaim their money more easily in future.

MLM and snowball systems 🕵️‍♂️

This problem is strongly reminiscent of multilevel marketing (MLM) and snowball systems, which also lure customers with unrealistic promises. Many dubious coaches use the same psychological tricks as MLM distributors:

• Pressure to make a purchase decision quickly
• Exclusive "insider" secrets that are only revealed to paying customers
• Success stories, that are not verifiable

In my article on the dangerous world of multilevel marketing and pyramid schemes, I show exactly how such schemes work and how to protect yourself from them 👇🏼

The dangerous world of multilevel marketing and pyramid schemes 🌐

MLM and pyramid schemes are dangerous illusions. Find out why almost nobody wins and how digital price scams are often modern-day scams! ⚠️

Disane.dev - Tech blogMarco Franke

Effects on the coaching industry 🚨

This ruling sends out a signal. Providers will have to be more careful about how they market their programs in future. High-priced coaching programs that cost several thousand euros are particularly affected.

The following developments are likely:

• More transparency in advertising promises
• Clear contracts with comprehensible rights of return
• Stricter legal checks of coaching offers

This means more security for reputable coaches, as they can clearly distinguish themselves from dubious providers. For customers, it means more protection and a better chance of getting their money back if the coaching does not deliver what it promises.

Protect yourself from dubious coaching 🛑

If you are considering booking online coaching, pay attention to these points:

• Check reviews: Look at independent reviews on Trustpilot or Google.
• Check the contract: Is there a money-back guarantee? Are the conditions clearly formulated? Are there clearly formulated terms and conditions?
• Set realistic expectations: Nobody gets rich or successful overnight.
• Compare alternatives: Sometimes there are cheaper or free alternatives with the same added value.
• Is there an imprint and/or a privacy policy?

Fazit 🫰🏼

The new ruling strengthens the rights of customers and sets limits on dubious coaches. Anyone who has spent their money on an empty promise now has a better chance of getting it back. At the same time, the market for online coaching is likely to become more professional in the long term.

Contract for online coaching void - LG Munich 44 O 16944/23

anwalt.deBRÜLLMANN Rechtsanwälte

If you are also affected by this, contact a lawyer specializing in media law. Don't be taken for a ride!

Have you ever had a bad experience with online coaching? Let us know in the comments! 👇