A Brand Ghosted Me on Payment – What Can I Do?

Mikael Blomkvist via Pexels

You did the work. You delivered the content. You followed all the guidelines. And now… silence. The brand that promised to pay you has vanished, ignoring your emails and messages. Unfortunately, influencers, talent, and small brands encounter this situation far too often. So, what are your options if a brand ghosts you on payment?

Step 1: Check Your Agreement

The best way to protect yourself in any brand deal is to have a signed contract in place before you start work. If you don’t already have a formal agreement, moving forward, make sure you get everything in writing. Your agreement should include:

  • Payment terms (how much, when it’s due, and how it’s paid)

  • Late fees or penalties for missed payments

  • Deliverables and timelines

If you do have an agreement, review it to confirm the payment terms. Some brands might have a 30-, 60-, or even 90-day payment window, so make sure the deadline has actually passed.

Step 2: Involve Your Agency (If You Have One)

If you’re represented by a talent agency or manager, this is exactly what they’re there for. Many agencies handle payments and invoicing, so your rep can follow up on your behalf, increasing the pressure on the brand to pay up.

Step 3: Try to Resolve It Yourself

Before escalating the situation, try reaching out professionally:

  • Send a polite follow-up email reminding them of the payment terms.

  • If you’re getting no response, try different points of contact, such as a brand rep, their finance department, or a LinkedIn message.

  • If you worked with a third-party platform, check if they offer payment dispute resolution.

Step 4: Consider Legal Action – A Demand Letter

If the brand is still ignoring you, it may be time to consult a lawyer who specializes in influencer agreements. The first step they’ll typically take is sending a demand letter—a formal written request for payment.

A demand letter serves several purposes:

  • It documents the dispute in writing.

  • It formally demands payment by a specific deadline.

  • It shows the brand that you’re serious and willing to escalate the matter.

  • It can sometimes prompt a quick resolution, avoiding further legal action.

Step 5: Taking Further Action – Small Claims, Collections, or Litigation

If the demand letter doesn’t work, your next steps might include:

Small Claims Court: If the amount owed is within the small claims limit in your state, you can file a case without needing a lawyer. The process is often quicker and cheaper than full-scale litigation.

Debt Collection Agency: If you’d rather not deal with the hassle, you can sell the debt to a collections agency, though they typically take a percentage of what they recover.

Litigation: Filing a lawsuit against the business to recover the money. You’ll need a lawyer for this step. 

In New York City, the Freelance Isn’t Free Act (FIFA) allows for freelancers to use special legal avenues to go after non-payment through the NYC Office of Labor Police and Standards (OPLS), Consumer Affairs Department. Read more about FIFA for NYC freelancers here.

Final Thoughts

The best way to avoid this situation is to protect yourself upfront with a solid contract and clear payment terms. A reputable entertainment attorney that works with creatives and influencers on brand deals can help get solid agreements in place. If a brand does ghost you, a lawyer can act quickly and escalate as needed. A demand letter from a lawyer can often be the push they need to finally pay up. 

Emily Krausz