What to Do When an Influencer Withdraws After Signing a Sponsored Collaboration Contract
This article was automatically translated from the Japanese original. Read the original in Japanese
When you receive a request to withdraw, respond in accordance with the cancellation clause in the contract. After confirming the reason for withdrawal, you should promptly proceed with switching to an alternative candidate. Insisting on enforcing the contract tends to make trouble escalate.
Why shouldn't you force performance of the contract?
Demanding that someone who has expressed intent to withdraw still perform the contract will not result in a satisfactory post. Pushing forward regardless tends to lead to either a low-quality post or a deteriorated relationship—and either way, the brand gains nothing from it.
How should you confirm the reason for withdrawal?
Rather than pressing for an explanation, confirm only what is necessary to maintain the relationship going forward. If the reason is health or scheduling, you can leave the door open for a future opportunity. If it relates to fit with the brand, there's no need to probe further.
What does responding in accordance with the cancellation clause actually involve?
Confirm the cancellation procedures, the method for settling compensation, and how any materials already provided will be handled, as defined in the contract, and proceed accordingly. Precisely because this kind of situation can easily turn emotional, handling it calmly according to the shared standard set out in the contract keeps the burden lower for both parties.
How should you proceed with switching to an alternative candidate?
Once a withdrawal has been confirmed, begin considering alternative candidates right away. The tighter the schedule, the greater the risk of delaying the decision to switch. Keeping several candidates under consideration in parallel makes the switch go more smoothly.
Scope of this article
This article addresses how to handle a withdrawal request that comes after a contract has been signed. For guidance on what to do when an influencer declines an initial casting offer, see What to Do Next When an Influencer Declines Your Casting Offer.
Conclusion
When you receive a withdrawal request, respond calmly in accordance with the contract and do not force performance. Once you've confirmed the reason, the standard practice is to move promptly into considering alternative candidates.