The Truth About Working With Brands: A Behind-the-Scenes Reality Check

Two months ago, I was contacted by a brand for a paid collaboration. The initial excitement quickly became a frustrating experience that shed light on the often-unseen realities of working with brands.

The collaboration involved creating three videos. We discussed a fee, but the brand countered with a lower offer. While not a major player, it wasn't a small brand either – they have more than several thousand followers on Instagram and appear to be doing well. Given this, I reluctantly agreed to their terms (understanding they might have a budget).

Instead of the agreed-upon three products, I received only two. The first video became a major point of contention. Despite multiple re-shoots (four times!) due to constant feedback and revisions from the brand, they remained unsatisfied.

Communication breakdowns further complicated the situation. Their point of contact was often unresponsive, leading to significant delays and increased frustration on my end. This lack of timely communication directly impacted the project timeline.

Finally, after weeks of back-and-forth, the first video was approved (with further edits by the brand). However, the relief was short-lived. My second video was also rejected.

Then came the unexpected: a call from the brand's representative stating they were terminating the collaboration. They would only pay for the first video, and even that payment was contingent on the representative strongly advocating on my behalf, highlighting my cooperation and willingness to make multiple re-shoots.

The brand's justification was baffling: "We have goodies we can send as compensation, but we don't have the money." This statement was incredibly disheartening. If they couldn't afford the agreed-upon payment, they shouldn't have entered the collaboration in the first place.

Despite my protests and insistence that they were breaking their agreement, I had no choice but to agree to the termination. The first reel was finally uploaded, and I was eventually paid.

This experience was incredibly disheartening, especially since I had previously collaborated with this brand on a barter basis. While that previous collaboration also involved multiple re-shoots, the lack of payment this time made the situation significantly worse.

Of course, I do not want to mention the name of the brand because I don't know what the circumstances of that would be.

This isn't an isolated incident. I've encountered similar challenges with other brands, highlighting the often-unseen realities of influencer marketing.

A Few Tips for Aspiring Influencers:

• Negotiate carefully: Don't settle for less than you deserve. Clearly outline your fees, deliverables, and expectations from the outset.
• Get everything in writing: Contracts are crucial to protect yourself. Ensure all agreements, including payment terms, deadlines, and deliverables, are clearly documented.
• Be prepared for revisions: Brand feedback is inevitable. However, be wary of excessive demands that seem unreasonable or go beyond the scope of the initial agreement.
• Communicate clearly and consistently: Establish clear communication channels and maintain open and consistent communication throughout the project.
• Don't be afraid to walk away: If a brand is not respecting your time, value, or the agreed-upon terms, it's not worth the stress.

This experience has taught me valuable lessons. While brand collaborations can be rewarding, they often come with unexpected challenges. It's essential to be prepared, protect yourself, and prioritise your well-being.

Disclaimer:

This blog post reflects my personal experience and does not represent all brand collaborations.