Owning vs Outsourcing Amazon Growth – What Brands Need to Consider

For brands trying to grow on Amazon, one of the first questions is whether to build capability in-house or form a partnership with an agency. Upon first glance, it may seem simple, but the reality is more complicated. The impact of this choice is evident in long-term profitability, scalability, and brand equity.

The Hidden Cost of In-House

Hiring a single Amazon specialist rarely covers everything a brand actually requires. Success on the platform demands a mix of expertise in advertising SEO, creative strategy, operations management, compliance, and reporting. To cover this, you need multiple hires, as well as new software tools and ongoing training. This means that expenses such as salaries, overheads, and employee turnover significantly increase.

Before long, internal teams stretch thin, gaps appear, and ad spend underperforms.

The Scalability of Agency Partnerships

Agencies, on the other hand, give brands instant access to a full team. PPC managers, copywriters, designers, and strategists are already in place with proven systems that work across multiple categories. This arrangement speeds up launches, accelerates optimisation, and makes it easier to scale up during busy periods. Agencies also bring cross-account insights; what’s successful in one category can be transferred to another. For brands in competitive spaces, that perspective on sharing information can be invaluable.

When In-House Works Best

For large accounts that generate significant Amazon revenue, building internal teams does make sense. It allows full control over daily operations and ensures the Amazon strategy aligns seamlessly with wider brand and channel plans. But it only works if the business commits to a team full of specialists. Leaning on just one or two generalists often slows progress and limits long-term results.

Hybrid as a Strategic Model

Increasingly, brands are taking a hybrid approach. Internal teams focus on brand positioning and an overarching marketing strategy, while agencies handle execution and specialised tasks. It’s a balanced combination that keeps control in-house while providing access to extra firepower and expertise when it matters most.

Making the Right Decision

The question is not simply whether to outsource or own. It comes down to the stage of the brand, the economics of the products, and the resources that are currently available. For many, the most effective route is a partnership that combines internal oversight with specialist external support.

Want to see your Amazon performance skyrocket? Email amazon@marketrocket.co.uk and take your brand to the next level.

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