Late Payments in Influencer Marketing: What You Need to Know

Late payments are a common frustration in the influencer marketing world, whether you’re working directly with brands or through an agency. Most of the time, delays stem from brand accounting departments—whether they’re overwhelmed, underfunded, or just moving slowly, it’s hard to say.

If you’re working through an agency, reputable ones will generally pay creators shortly after receiving funds from the brand. For example, at Ruthless Talent, we process payments on the same day the money arrives. However, if the brand pays late, this delay affects everyone.

When working directly with brands, understanding the terms of your contract is critical. Standard payment terms are typically net-30, meaning you’ll be paid 30 days after content goes live. But late payments happen frequently. In such cases, persistence is key—keep chasing the brand until you get paid. If they still refuse, creators in the UK can escalate the matter to a debt collection agency. For international disputes, the solution varies depending on jurisdictions and contract terms.

A critical tip: never resort to public defamation. Slandering a brand online can lead to costly legal battles, regardless of your frustrations. Always adhere to the contract’s terms and seek professional advice if needed.

For those collaborating with agencies, ensure you work with one that prioritises creators’ payments. Unfortunately, some agencies are notorious for holding funds unnecessarily, with reports of delays up to 45 days. Others may even fail to pay entirely. To avoid these pitfalls, get feedback from creators who’ve worked with the agency. Transparency and trust are crucial in these partnerships.

At Ruthless Talent, we maintain an open track record—our completed deals are public, and you’re welcome to contact creators we’ve worked with. They’ll all vouch for one thing: they got paid for their work.

If you’re tired of the hassle and want a reliable agency, reach out to us. Let’s make collaboration stress-free.