Contracts
The agency contract checklist.
Print it, fill it in, and do not sign until every line has an answer in writing.
Before you sign, know these
| Item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Contract length | Start, end, and any auto-renewal. |
| Termination notice | How much notice, in what form, and any penalties. |
| Commission | Exact %, and whether on gross or net earnings. |
| Platform accounts | Who creates them, who owns them, who has login access. |
| Password access | Never share your passwords; confirm the agency never needs them. |
| Content ownership | Who owns what you produce, and rights after the contract ends. |
| Exclusivity | What is restricted, where, and for how long. |
| Non-compete | Any post-termination restrictions on working. |
| Payout timing | Who receives payment first, when you are paid, and how you verify amounts. |
| Chargebacks | Who absorbs chargebacks and refunds. |
| Expenses | Who pays for equipment, software, marketing and other costs. |
| Jurisdiction | Which law governs, and where disputes are resolved. |
Twelve questions to ask in writing
- What is the exact commission percentage, and is it applied to gross platform earnings or net after platform fees?
- Who legally owns the platform account? If I leave, do I take the account and followers with me?
- Who receives the payout first — me or the agency? How do I verify the numbers each period?
- What is the contract length, and what are the exact termination and notice terms?
- Is there an exclusivity or non-compete clause? What exactly does it restrict and for how long?
- Who owns the content I produce, and what happens to it if the contract ends?
- Are there minimum hours or schedule requirements?
- Who pays for equipment, and who owns it?
- What happens to my earnings, account and content if the agency closes or is sold?
- Which jurisdiction’s law governs the contract, and where would disputes be resolved?