You’ve dotted the i’s, crossed the t’s and signed the agreement... but now the other party’s gone quiet, missed a deadline, or simply hasn’t delivered what they promised. Whether you’re a creator waiting on a payment, a brand expecting deliverables, or a freelancer left in the lurch, it’s frustrating, time-consuming and (let’s be honest) a bit awkward.

So what now? Here’s how to handle it calmly, clearly and professionally.

1. Re-read the agreement

Before firing off any emails, take a moment to re-read the contract. Look closely at the timelines, payment terms, deliverables, cancellation clauses and anything about disputes. You’ll want to be sure you’re on solid ground before addressing the issue.

2. Reach out directly and politely

Start with a polite, professional message. Don’t assume malice - sometimes people genuinely forget or are dealing with circumstances they haven’t communicated. A short email like:

“Hi (Name), just checking in on (specific item) as per our agreement dated (date). Please let me know if there’s been a delay or if you need anything from my side to move things forward.”

It keeps things clear without being confrontational.

3. Follow up in writing (and keep a paper trail)

If there’s no response or nothing gets resolved, follow up again, ideally in writing. Keep your tone neutral and factual. If you’re dealing with a brand or agency, consider copying in a second contact or relevant department (e.g. accounts or partnerships).

Always keep written records of communications, just in case things escalate.

4. Be firm about next steps

If you’ve followed up a couple of times and are still being ignored or given vague answers, it’s time to be a little firmer. Outline what hasn’t been fulfilled, and refer directly to the contract:

“As per our signed agreement, the deliverables/payment were due on (date). I’d like to resolve this professionally, so I’d appreciate confirmation by (reasonable deadline) before I consider taking further steps.”

No need for threats, just clarity and boundaries.

5. Consider pausing your part (if applicable)

If the other party isn’t holding up their end, you’re not always obligated to continue yours. For example, if you’re a creator who hasn’t been paid, you might pause posting. If you’re a freelancer waiting on materials or approval, you can temporarily step back.

Just make sure you’ve communicated this clearly before you do it.

6. Escalate if needed

If you’ve tried all the above and the situation still isn’t resolved, you’ve got a few options:

• Send a formal letter (or email) labelled “Letter Before Action” outlining the issue, what’s owed or outstanding, and your intention to escalate if it’s not resolved by a specific date
• Use a small claims court for unpaid fees (in England and Wales, this can be done online for claims up to £10,000)
• Seek legal advice if the amount or complexity warrants it, especially if there are potential reputational or legal implications

7. Learn and adjust for next time

Even if you get a resolution, the situation probably cost you time and stress. Use it as a lesson:

• Add late fees or interest clauses to future agreements
• Be clear about consequences if terms aren’t met
• Work with a deposit system wherever possible, especially for new clients or collaborators

In creative and freelance work, professionalism can sometimes feel one-sided, but standing up for yourself (calmly and clearly) is part of running a business. Having a signed agreement is powerful, but it’s how you follow up that really protects you.

If nothing else, you’ll know next time who not to work with.

Q + A

What Do I Do If I Can’t Afford A Lawyer?

1. Use free legal advice services

There are plenty of resources in the UK that offer free or low-cost legal support. A few to check out:

• ACAS: for employment and freelance disputes
• Citizen’s Advice: free guidance on contracts, unpaid invoices and general legal rights
• IPSE (for freelancers): offers templates and advice, plus helplines if you’re a member
• LawWorks: connects individuals and small businesses with free legal advice clinics

2. Send a “Letter Before Action” yourself

You don’t need a solicitor to send a formal notice. A Letter Before Action is a written warning that outlines what’s owed or breached, and gives a deadline before you escalate to legal action (like small claims court). Keep it professional and direct, there are free templates online you can adapt.

3. Use the Small Claims Court

In England and Wales, if you’re owed money (usually under £10,000), you can use the small claims process without a lawyer. It’s designed to be accessible and can all be done online via gov.uk’s Money Claim Online.

Filing costs vary depending on the amount you’re claiming (starting from around £35), but you can usually claim that back if you win.

4. Consider mediation

Some disputes can be resolved without court, especially if the other party is just being slow or vague. Community mediation services, or online services like Resolver or The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution, can help settle things without formal legal proceedings.

5. Build contracts that protect you from the start

Next time, make sure your contract includes:

• Clear payment terms and deadlines
• Late fee clauses
• A timeline for deliverables
• What happens if either party doesn’t deliver
• Your right to pause or walk away if payments or terms aren’t met

You can find contract templates for UK freelancers and creators through sites like IPSE, Freelancer’s Union (US-based), or even by networking in online communities.

Even without legal backing, being organised, assertive and clear in your follow-up can go a long way. Most people don’t want the hassle of being taken to court, so just showing you know your rights (and are prepared to escalate) can be enough to get a resolution.

What Do I Do If It's A Gifting or Affiliate Agreement?

Not every agreement is about money changing hands, some are based on gifting products or promoting affiliate links. If someone signs an agreement like this and doesn’t deliver what they promised (e.g. no content posted, or misuse of your brand), you’re still within your rights to follow up and take it seriously.

Here’s what to do:

1. Refer back to the agreement terms
Double-check what was agreed, for example, was the content meant to go live within a certain timeframe? Was tagging required? Were there usage rights or exclusivity clauses? Many affiliate or gifting agreements still include timelines and expectations, and these are enforceable if signed.

2. Send a polite reminder
Sometimes it’s an honest oversight. A quick message like:

“Hi (Name), just checking in to confirm when your post will go live as per the gifting agreement dated (date]). Please let me know if there’s a delay or issue on your side.”

This often prompts a quick fix without drama.

3. Be clear about the value exchange
It’s easy for creators (especially newer ones) to underestimate that gifting and affiliate partnerships are still business deals. If there’s no follow-through, you’re within your rights to explain:

“We sent products based on the terms agreed, including (e.g. one Instagram post and two stories). If you’re unable to deliver, we’d appreciate a return of the gifted items or an update on the content plan.”

4. Decide if you want to escalate
If you’ve followed up and you're still been ignored, you have a few options:

• Withdraw affiliate access or discount codes
• Remove them from any ongoing gifting or PR lists
• Note the breach for future legal or internal reference
• Send a formal message requesting either the agreed deliverables or the return of goods

While it might not be worth taking legal action over one bottle of moisturiser or a £25 commission payment, setting clear boundaries sends a strong signal and helps prevent repeat behaviour.

5. Update your agreements going forward
Gifting and affiliate terms should always include:

• Clear content expectations and timelines
• What happens if content isn’t posted
• Usage rights for any content created
• A clause covering the return of products in case of non-delivery
• An opt-out clause for either side

I'm A Creative/Freelancer, Is There Anyone Who Can Help Me Chase Unpaid Invoices?

1. Accountants or bookkeepers
If you have one, they can handle invoice follow-ups on your behalf. Even a part-time bookkeeper can send payment reminders, apply late fees and manage your accounts professionally, which adds weight when chasing payments.

2. Credit control freelancers
There are specialist freelancers who focus purely on chasing payments and managing cash flow. They can sound more formal than you might want to be directly and that can work in your favour. You’ll find them via platforms like Upwork or PeoplePerHour.

3. Small business debt recovery services
If a payment is seriously overdue, these companies can chase it for you. A few to consider:

• Safe Collections: UK-based and freelancer-friendly
• Daniels Silverman: offers ethical debt recovery
• Chaser: a software tool that automates polite, professional payment reminders

Some work on a no win, no fee basis, others charge a flat rate or small percentage of what’s recovered.

4. Templates and email tools
If you’re not ready to outsource but want to look more official:

• Use late payment email templates
• Add interest and late fees under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 – you’re legally entitled to do this in the UK
• Add a ‘Final Notice’ before considering legal action

Should I Expose Someone on Social Media for Breaking an Agreement?

It’s tempting, especially when you feel taken advantage of, to call someone out online. You’ve got the receipts, you’re angry, and they’re ignoring your emails. But while it might feel satisfying in the moment, going public can quickly backfire.

Here’s what to consider first:

1. It can damage your own reputation
Even if you’re in the right, airing disputes publicly can make future clients or collaborators nervous. People may worry about how you handle conflict, or assume you’re difficult to work with, even if that’s completely unfair.

2. It could be seen as defamation
If you post something that names a person or company and they claim it harmed their reputation (even if it’s true), you could be open to a defamation claim. Especially if you exaggerate, make assumptions, or share private details.

3. You lose control of the narrative
Once it’s public, anyone can comment, share or twist the situation and you can’t take it back. Even if your intention was just to warn others, things can escalate quickly.

4. It makes professional resolution harder
Brands and agencies may become defensive or hostile once something’s out in the open. You’re far more likely to get a clean resolution through direct, formal steps (like a Letter Before Action or small claims process).

What to do instead:

• Handle things privately first, with clear written follow-ups
• Use the proper channels (see earlier section on chasing unpaid invoices or contract breaches)
• Document everything so you have evidence if legal steps are needed
• Speak privately to other creators or freelancers if you want to warn them. Direct messages or closed communities are safer than public posts

If you do decide to post...

If all else has failed and you feel you must speak out:

• Stick to facts only
• Don’t name names unless you’ve had legal advice
• Focus on your own experience rather than accusing anyone
• Avoid sarcasm, threats or emotional language

Something like:

“I had a disappointing experience recently where agreed deliverables weren’t honoured after gifting a product. I’ve tried resolving it privately and have learned a lot from it. If you’re a fellow small brand or creator, always have an agreement in place and trust your instincts.”

It gets the message across without opening you up to legal trouble.