Payment guide · 4 min read
How Brand Deals Get Paid: Invoices, Net Terms, and Timelines
By Roberto Blake · Last reviewed October 3, 2026 · Part of the First Brand Deal guide
Quick answer
Brand deals usually pay by invoice after you deliver, on net terms. Net 30 means payment is due 30 days after the invoice date, and some brands use net 45 or net 60. Larger deals often pay a deposit up front. Put the amount, due date, and payment method in the contract, invoice the day you deliver, and follow up the day after it is due.
Common payment structures
- Deposit plus balance: a portion up front, the rest on delivery or after posting. Best for larger or longer projects.
- Full payment on delivery: invoice when you hand over the content.
- Net terms: payment due a set number of days after the invoice date, commonly net 30, net 45, or net 60.
- Milestones: payments tied to stages such as script approval, delivery, and posting.
Payment terms are part of the price. Faster payment can justify a discount, and net 60 or longer should carry a premium. See how to price a brand deal.
An example timeline (net 30)
- Contract signed: deposit invoice sent if the deal has one.
- Day of delivery: send the final invoice with the content.
- Day 30: payment due.
- Day 31: send a polite reminder if unpaid.
- Day 38: follow up with the accounts payable contact and your invoice attached.
This is an illustration of how net 30 works, not a legal standard. Your contract controls.
What your invoice should include
- Your legal name or business name and contact details
- A unique invoice number and the invoice date
- The brand's billing contact and any purchase order number they gave you
- A line-item description of the deliverables and the amount for each
- The due date and payment instructions
US brands often ask for a W-9 before they pay, so keep one ready. Payments are generally taxable income, so talk to a tax professional about how to handle them. A tool such as Creator Invoices can generate professional invoices and keep track of what is outstanding.
If a brand pays late
- Check that the invoice reached the right accounts payable contact.
- Send a short, friendly reminder the day after the due date.
- Escalate to your partnership contact and accounts payable together.
- Pause new deliverables or usage permissions if your contract allows it.
Prevent most problems up front. Ask for a deposit, a clear due date, and a late fee in the contract. See the contract red flags guide.
Brand Deals Starter Kit · $99
Get paid on time, every time
The Starter Kit includes a Guide to Getting Paid and a lesson on delivering, invoicing, and following up on your first deal.
Frequently asked questions
What does net 30 mean?
Net 30 means the brand owes payment within 30 days of the invoice date. Net 45 and net 60 work the same way with longer windows.
Should I ask for a deposit?
On larger or longer deals, yes. A deposit confirms the brand's commitment and covers your costs. Smaller deals often pay in full after delivery.
What if the brand pays late?
Remind them the day after the due date, then contact both your partnership contact and accounts payable. A late fee and a clear due date in the contract make this easier.
Do I need a W-9?
US brands commonly request a W-9 before paying a US-based creator. Keep one ready, and ask a tax professional about your specific situation.
Keep going
- How to Get Your First Brand Deal as a Content Creator
- Brand Deal Contract Red Flags
- How Much to Charge for a Brand Deal
Written by Roberto Blake. Educational content, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Cite as: Blake, R., "How Brand Deals Get Paid," Awesome Creator Academy, 2026.