Creator contract guides · Updated November 1, 2026
Net 30, net 60, net 90: what's a fair payment term for a brand deal?
Short answer
Net 30 means you're paid within 30 days of sending your invoice; net 60 and net 90 are common with big brands and agencies but mean waiting two to three months. The bigger risk is payment that only starts after the brand "approves" your content in its sole discretion, because that clock may never start.
The wording that matters
Payment will be made net 60 following Brand's approval of all Deliverables.
Brand shall pay Creator within 30 days of the Content going live, provided the Content meets Brand's guidelines in Brand's sole discretion.
Read when the clock starts. "Net 30 from invoice" starts when you send the invoice. "Net 60 following approval of all deliverables" starts only when the last piece is approved, and "sole discretion" lets the brand decide that whenever it likes.
What's normal
- Net 30 from invoice for small and mid-size brands; net 45–90 with large brands and agencies.
- A deposit (often half) up front for new or unknown brands, the rest on delivery.
- Approval deemed given if the brand doesn't respond within a few business days.
- Payment method named in the contract (bank transfer, PayPal, platform payout).
- A late fee or interest clause, even if you never use it.
Red flags
- Content due before any contract is signed ("send the video and we'll send the contract").
- A check or e-check sent before you've done anything, especially for more than the agreed amount. Overpayment scams send a check, then ask you to send part of it back or pay a "designer".
- Payment "after the campaign ends" with no end date.
- No payment clause at all, or one that says payment depends on results (views, sales) when you agreed on a flat fee.
If you've delivered and haven't been paid
- Send a polite invoice reminder citing the payment clause and the due date.
- Follow up in writing at 7 and 14 days past due; keep every message.
- If they still don't pay, a final notice with a deadline and the next step (small claims court in your area, or the platform's dispute process if you were hired through one).
- Without a written contract, your emails and DMs agreeing the fee and deliverables are still evidence of the deal.
What to send the brand
Copy, adjust the numbers, and send. Brands expect pushback on these; asking doesn't make you difficult.
“Could we change this to net 30 from invoice, with approval deemed given if there's no feedback within 5 business days?”
“As we're working together for the first time, I take 50% up front and 50% on delivery.”
“I'll start once the agreement is signed; happy to turn it around quickly after that.”
Got the actual contract?
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Questions
Is net 90 normal for influencer deals?
It's common with large brands and agencies, but it's negotiable, especially for small creators. Asking for net 30 or a deposit is a normal request, not a rude one.
Should I create content before the contract is signed?
No. Without a signed agreement you have no clear right to be paid, and the brand may use the content anyway. A real brand can send a contract first.
A brand wants to pay me by e-check before I make anything. Is that safe?
Be careful. Pre-payment by check is how overpayment scams work: the check bounces days after you've sent money back or bought something. If a check arrives for more than agreed, don't send any money back.
What if the brand never approves my content?
That's why approval wording matters. Ask for a fixed review window and a set number of revision rounds, after which the deliverable counts as approved and payment is due.
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