As an influencer, it can be frustrating when a brand doesn’t pay you for your work. You’ve put in effort to create quality content and build a relationship with the company, but they aren’t upholding their end of the deal by paying you as promised. While it’s important to always have a contract or agreement in place before accepting payment, there are steps you can take if a brand fails to pay you.
What Should I Do if a Brand Doesn’t Pay Me?
If you find yourself in a situation where a brand is not paying you, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your rights.
Document the agreement.
Before you begin working on any content, make sure to get everything in writing. This includes details such as who is paying for what, how much they will be paying (and when), and other relevant details such as timelines and deliverables. This may seem like extra work, but it can save you headaches in the future if the brand decides not to pay.
Demand payment from your clients ASAP.
If a brand does not pay within 30 days of receiving an invoice from you or after completing their end of the deal (whichever comes first), send them a reminder email politely requesting payment within a specific time frame. For example, you could say: “On [date], I sent you an invoice for $X owed for services rendered in connection with [project]. As we agreed upon previously, please remit payment via PayPal by no later than Friday November 30th at 5pm Pacific Time so that I may process it promptly and release funds into my bank account accordingly.” If the brand doesn’t comply with this request, it may be time to take further action.
Contact Accounting
If you’re not getting paid by a brand, it’s likely because they don’t have the funds available to pay you. In this case, your best option is to contact their accounting department and explain your situation. If you hire an accountant, you can ask them for help with this process.
Accountants are trained in contracts and can help figure out exactly how much money is owed to you and what steps need to be taken next. For example, if there are any legal issues involved in getting paid (such as an unlawful contract), an accountant will know how best to resolve these issues so they don’t affect future payments from that company or other companies like it.
Try to Resolve the Issue Directly
If you’re an influencer and a brand is not paying you, it’s always best to try to resolve the issue directly with them. Start by contacting them via email or phone. If you don’t receive a response, send another reminder email or text message. If you still don’t get a response, follow up with a phone call. If all else fails and you still don’t receive payment or even an update on why they aren’t paying, consider filing a formal complaint.
Take Legal Action
If you’re an influencer working with a brand and they still haven’t paid you after you’ve tried all the steps above, it might be time to consider legal action. There are a few options you can consider:
- Small claims court: If the amount you are owed is less than a certain amount (which varies by state), you may be able to file a claim in small claims court. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive process that allows you to present your case to a judge without the need for a lawyer.
- Hire an attorney: If the amount you are owed is more than the maximum allowed in small claims court, or if the case is more complex, you may need to hire an attorney. This can be more expensive, but it may be worth it if you stand to recover a significant amount of money.
- File a complaint with a government agency: If you believe the brand has violated a law or regulation, you may be able to file a complaint with a government agency. For example, if the brand has violated fair labor practices or consumer protection laws, you could file a complaint with the Department of Labor or the Federal Trade Commission.
It’s important to note that legal action should be a last resort, and you should only consider it if all other options have failed. It’s also important to consult with an attorney before taking any legal action to ensure that you understand your rights and the potential risks and costs involved.
Conclusion
If you’re an influencer working with a brand and they haven’t paid you, it can be frustrating and stressful. However, by following the steps outlined above, you can protect yourself and your rights and increase your chances of getting paid. Remember to document your agreements, follow up with the brand, and consider legal action if necessary.
