What do members actually experience with Amazon marketing agencies, and how much ad spend is typically needed to drive meaningful traffic?

Members report that Amazon marketing agencies are only effective if you have significant ad budget behind them—organic traffic doesn't materialise simply by listing on the platform. Ad spend is the most significant factor in driving sales.

**Agencies members have used:** - **E-works** — reported to have delivered some success. - **Mercatus Agency** — members have had success and can make introductions. - **Rosetta** — achieved ranking (Kin Vodka to #1 in flavoured vodka category), but requires sustained spend of £2k+ per month to be competitive.

**Key findings:** - One wholesaler approached members offering to add 11% markup on wholesale price but stalled after initial sales dried up, then pushed paid ad packages. - Members warn that competing against yourself is a real problem if multiple retailers stock your product on Amazon. - Without the budget to compete with major brands, members describe the effort as ineffective for smaller drinks brands. - **Realistic spend threshold:** £2k+/month appears to be the minimum to achieve meaningful rankings in competitive categories like vodka.

**Caveat:** For gin brands and smaller producers, the consensus is sceptical—Amazon paid advertising may not deliver ROI unless you can sustain high monthly ad spend. Members emphasise that agency quality matters far less than the budget you allocate to them.