Guide · choosing an agency
Red flags to avoid when signing with an agency.
Walk away from any agency that wants to own your account or payouts, works without a written contract, quotes a vague or uncapped split, demands lifetime exclusivity, charges large upfront fees, or guarantees earnings. Each is a warning sign on its own. Two or more together means slow down and get answers in writing.
The red flags that should stop you signing
Most disputes trace back to a few warning signs that were visible before signing. The table below pairs each red flag with what a trustworthy agency does instead. If you see two or more on this list, slow down and get answers in writing before you commit.
| Red flag | Why it is a problem | What good looks like |
|---|---|---|
| They want to own your account or payouts | Loss of control over your income and your audience. | You keep ownership of logins and payout details, with access defined in the contract. |
| No written contract | Nothing to enforce when the relationship sours. | A clear written agreement covering scope, split, term, and exit. |
| A vague or uncapped split | The real cost can balloon as you grow. | A specific percentage, on a defined base, with extras listed. |
| Lifetime or very long exclusivity | You are locked in even if performance is poor. | A reasonable term with a clean notice period and exit terms. |
| Large upfront or signing fees | Reputable agencies earn from results, not entry fees. | Payment from the revenue they help generate. |
| Guaranteed earnings | No one can promise a number. It signals a sales pitch, not a plan. | Honest projections framed as ranges, with the assumptions shown. |
Questions to ask before you sign
Use these questions to test an agency in a single call. Vague or defensive answers are themselves an answer. When you are ready to compare offers, read our guides on negotiating your agency split, on revenue share versus flat fee agencies, and on how to exit a bad agency contract.
- ✓What exactly is your scope, and what stays my responsibility
- ✓What is the split, is it on net or gross, and what extras apply
- ✓How long is the term, and what is the notice period to leave
- ✓Who holds the logins and payout details, and who has access
- ✓Can I see a sample monthly statement and a sample contract
- ✓How do you handle disputes, refunds, and brand protection
How vetting reduces the risk
You can avoid most bad contracts by checking the basics yourself, and you can lower the risk further by starting from a shortlist that has already been screened. Our vetting standards explain what we check before an agency is listed. If you would rather skip the cold search, get matched with a vetted agency at no cost and compare offers side by side.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the biggest red flags when signing with an agency?
The clearest are demands to own your account or payouts, no written contract, a vague or uncapped split, lifetime exclusivity, large upfront fees, and guaranteed earnings. Any one deserves scrutiny. Two or more together is a strong signal to walk away.
Should an agency ever own my account?
No. You should keep ownership of your logins and payout details, with the agency's access defined and limited in the contract. Handing over ownership means handing over your income and your audience, which is very hard to undo.
Are upfront fees normal?
Reputable agencies are generally paid from the revenue they help you earn, not from entry fees. Large upfront charges, signing fees, or paid trials are a common warning sign. Be cautious about paying anything before you see results or a clear contract.
How do I check an agency is legitimate?
Ask for a sample contract and a sample monthly statement, confirm the split and the exit terms in writing, and verify who holds the logins. Starting from a vetted shortlist lowers the risk further, since the basics have already been screened.
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Get matched with an agencyLast updated May 21, 2026