Guide · before you sign

Questions to ask an agency before you sign.

Before you sign with an agency, ask about the split and its basis, the exact services, the contract term and exit, who owns your accounts, how chatting and compliance are handled, and how results are reported. Get every answer in writing. Here are the questions that separate a real partner from a pitch.

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Why these questions matter

An agency pitch shows you the upside. The questions below surface everything the pitch leaves out: the real cost, the exact work, the contract, who controls your accounts, and how results are reported. A good agency answers them plainly and puts the answers in writing. Evasive or vague answers are the warning you came for.

Run through every group before you sign. Pair this with the economics of a managed creator so you can test the numbers, and our vetting standard for the bar we hold listings to.

The questions to ask, grouped

Work through all six groups. Ask for written answers, since only what is in the contract counts.

  1. 01

    Money: what is the split and its basis

    Ask the exact percentage, whether it is figured on gross or on net after the platform cut, and what counts as revenue. Confirm there are no extra fees. Full management is commonly 30% to 50% of net.

  2. 02

    Services: what exactly do you do

    Get a written list of deliverables: chatting hours and coverage, marketing channels, content scheduling, and any extras. Ask what is included in the split and what costs more.

  3. 03

    Contract: term, exit, and exclusivity

    Ask how long the term is, how notice works, whether it auto renews, and what the exclusivity covers. Read the exclusivity clause against the services you actually receive.

  4. 04

    Ownership and security: who holds the keys

    Confirm that logins, payout, and the account stay in your name, how access is shared, who has it, and how it is removed when you leave. Your ownership should never transfer.

  5. 05

    People and compliance: who does the work

    Ask who chats as you, how they are trained and supervised, how they verify fan age and consent, and how disputes and chargebacks are handled.

  6. 06

    Reporting: how will I see results

    Ask for a sample performance report and how often you receive one. Know which metrics they share. Our guide on how to read an agency performance report shows what good looks like.

Red flags in the answers

Watch for these patterns. One on its own may be fixable. Several together are a reason to walk away.

  • A split quoted on gross without a clear reason, or fees that are vague or open ended.
  • Pressure to sign quickly, or refusal to share the full contract before you commit.
  • Any request to put accounts, logins, or payout in the agency's name.
  • Long terms with automatic renewal and a tiny cancellation window.
  • No sample report and no clear answer on how results are measured.
  • Promises of guaranteed earnings or specific income figures, which no honest agency can make.

Related reading and hubs

Use these alongside the questions to weigh cost, contract terms, and reporting before you commit.

Read a performance reportExclusivity clauses explainedGuides hubHow we vet agenciesGet matched with an agency

Frequently asked questions

What should I ask an agency before signing?

Ask the split and whether it is on gross or net, the exact services and what they cost, the contract term and exit, who owns your accounts and payout, who does the chatting and how compliance is handled, and how results are reported. Get every answer in writing.

How do I know if an agency split is fair?

Compare it to common ranges and to the work you receive. Full management is usually 30% to 50% of net after the platform cut, chat only is around 15% to 25%, and marketing may be a retainer or a smaller performance share. A split quoted on gross is effectively higher than the same number on net.

What are the biggest red flags?

Pressure to sign fast, refusal to share the full contract, any request to hold your accounts or payout, vague or open ended fees, no sample performance report, and guarantees of specific earnings. Several of these together are a strong reason to walk away.

Should I have a contract reviewed before signing?

If the agreement is long, the exclusivity is broad, or anything is unclear, having a qualified professional review it is worth the cost. At minimum, get plain written answers to the money, ownership, exit, and reporting questions before you commit.

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Last updated May 22, 2026