How much does an Amazon PPC agency cost in 2026?

Direct answer: In 2026 most Amazon PPC retainers land roughly $1,500–$5,000/month, or 10–20% of ad spend. Full-service pods cost more because you are paying for a roster. A one-operator desk is a flat month-to-month fee for daily search-term control — not a percent that rises when you spend more. If wasted spend already exceeds the fee, the desk pays for itself before “performance” is counted.

How to compare quotes

Model	Typical 2026 range	The catch
% of ad spend	10–20%	Pays the vendor to spend more, not to cut waste.
Flat retainer	$1,500–$5,000/mo (SMB)	Only works if someone actually harvests every week.
Full-service pod	$3,000–$8,000+ /mo	You often get a junior on the bids. Listing and PPC still fight.
This desk	Month to month, one operator	Capacity is limited on purpose. Review first. No 12-month PDF.

Market ranges are compiled from 2026 agency-pricing roundups. They are not a quote. Send the store link; if I cannot show the leaks, I decline.

A better test than “who is cheapest”

1. Export 30 days of search terms. Sum spend with zero orders. That is the waste line.
2. If that number is larger than a month of management, you do not have an “expensive category” problem. You have an unmanaged-account problem.
3. Ask who changes the bids, how often, and whether you get a written log. If the answer is a dashboard login, keep looking.