When signing up for Darren Campbell’s FBA Brand Builder, you might expect an all-in-one program that sets you on the path to Amazon success. Instead, clients find themselves navigating a maze of upsells and hidden costs, all pitched as "essential" but rarely disclosed before joining.

One video from the program sheds even more light on this strategy, showcasing how Darren positions his own services as indispensable while leaving clients in the dark about alternatives.

Hidden Costs Masquerading as Guidance

In one of the program videos titled Making Sure You Get Your Brand's Video for Launch, Darren frames professional video production as critical to a product's success. He advises clients:

"It’s gonna cost a little bit more, guys, but that’s the difference between having a luxury brand that converts at 30% versus a basic product converting at 5%."

While he’s not wrong about the importance of strong branding, the solution Darren offers leads straight to FBA Studio, his in-house service. Clients are quoted upwards of £1,500 for launch videos, with no guidance on sourcing these services elsewhere or understanding what quality benchmarks to look for.

For clients who’ve already invested £6,500 upfront, the added costs of FBA Studio’s packages often come as an unpleasant surprise. Worse, there’s no transparency about whether these videos are actually produced in-house or outsourced to freelancers.

"Be Resourceful" – But Only for Darren’s Gain

One of Darren’s favorite phrases is "be resourceful," a mantra he repeats often to encourage clients to stretch their finances for his program. In this same video, he emphasizes:

"If you need to, ask friends or family. This is about creating generational wealth. You’re investing in your future."

While the sentiment might sound motivational, it’s become a recurring tactic to push clients into financial decisions that benefit the program. As we explored in The Hidden Truth About Darren Campbell’s FBA Brand Builder, clients often find themselves maxing out credit cards or taking personal loans to cover escalating costs.

Pushed Into a Funnel, Not Empowered

Clients who’ve been through the program describe a similar experience: they’re funneled toward Darren’s services at every turn. Need help with branding? FBA Studio is your only option. Struggling with advertising? Darren’s PPC team is there—for an additional monthly fee. This lack of choice leaves clients feeling more like captive customers than empowered entrepreneurs.

As one former client put it in a previous article:

"I felt completely misled about the pricing. I thought the £6,500 covered everything I needed to launch, but by the time I added inventory, PPC, and studio costs, I was out over £25,000."

The Real Cost of Upselling

Let’s break down just how these costs escalate:

• FBA Studio Launch Video: £1,500–£2,000 for production and photography.
• Monthly PPC Ad Spend & Management: £2,000–£4,000, often without meaningful results.
• Additional Branding Costs: £3,000+ for design and packaging.

By the time clients realize the true price tag, they’re already heavily invested—both financially and emotionally. Darren’s approach appears calculated, ensuring clients feel they have no choice but to keep spending.

Ignoring Alternatives

What’s particularly frustrating is the lack of guidance on evaluating alternative providers. In the video, Darren offers no tips on what makes a good product video or how to find trustworthy, affordable freelancers. The implicit message is clear: if you don’t use Darren’s services, you’re on your own.

This isn’t just poor mentorship—it’s a breach of trust. A good program equips clients with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions. Darren’s approach, however, seems designed to keep clients dependent on his ecosystem.

A Pattern of Misleading Practices

This isn’t the first time Darren’s upselling tactics have raised eyebrows. As we reported in Mindset Hype and Endless Upsells, over 20% of the program content focuses on services linked to Darren’s team, while nearly 44% covers Amazon basics widely available online for free.

In one particularly egregious example, clients were encouraged to inflate income figures on AMEX applications—a strategy that left some participants grappling with financial and legal consequences.

The Takeaway

For anyone considering Darren Campbell’s FBA Brand Builder, it’s essential to understand what you’re signing up for. The program’s true cost far exceeds the £6,500 entry fee, and the heavy emphasis on in-house services leaves little room for flexibility.

If you’re already in the program, we recommend pausing any further spending until you’ve had time to evaluate all your options. Ask yourself:

• Are these upsells genuinely necessary, or are there more affordable alternatives?
• Why aren’t other providers discussed or recommended?
• Is this mentorship—or just another sales pitch?

Transparency should be the cornerstone of any mentorship program, but Darren’s approach suggests otherwise. For those weighing their options, tread carefully—it might save you thousands in the long run.