By Zuko Komisa
Though being an influencer looks like an easy way to make a quick buck, it apparrenttly is not child’s play.
You could get yourself into some legal trouble with brands you collaborate with.
Today, the influencer is frequently the one who pays for these costs, which may include photographers, videographers, hair stylists, make-up artists, and everything else required to achieve the hiring company’s advertising or marketing goal.
There is a lot of paperwork and behind the scenes skills you should master.
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Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi spoke to Osborne Molatudi from Managing Director at Molatudi Attorneys about some of the key things influencers should take into consideration to avoid being sued.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION HERE:
Employed vs Freelancer
'One has to look at it from an employment law perspective, and from a cautionary perspective I would submit that influencers may not neccesarily be employees of the client on who’s behalf they advertise products. I think largely many of them would want to see themselves as independent contractors or so-called freelancers in the context of the media industry.” says Molatudi
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Having a clean brand
“A client would require that that they and the (influencer) enter into a specific agreement of its own kind, where amongst their conduct and the manner in which they go about advertising their products would have to be spelt out. What we have in mind here, is your behaiviour over the weekend, the things you do afterhours etc. and whether or not that would impact the brand you are representing.” says Molatudi
Forbes.com also offered these crucial tips to influencers
- Understand and Negotiate Contracts:
- Limit your promises: Don’t say you’re heading to Coachella wearing nothing but Spanx if you’re not.
- Do obtain protection, such as indemnity: The brand should handle the mess if something goes wrong with the product and customers start suing.
- Do research: Spend a little time and money deciding what to do rather than a lot of time and money trying to get yourself out of trouble.
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