Should I Ever Pay a Digital Producer Up-Front?

This is something that we’re asked a lot when on panels or talking to many brands and agencies simultaneously.

Are there any benefits to it, what are the risks and do other companies do this? When are producers entitled to ask for this - are they even allowed to ask for this kind of thing?

We’re aware that many brands/agencies may be totally against this, perhaps from previous bad experiences or just extremely nervous about paying before seeing any content or data.

Due to this Sharper will only usually ask for payment upfront in two instances; when a job is over a certain budget (amount) or; the job spans a longer than usual amount of time, ie; posts are to go up over the course of a month, or perhaps multiple months.

In this instance, we’d propose 50% upfront as we feel this gives stability to the producer for the amount of time that work is being carried out prior to the campaign being completed, but also security to the agency/brand in that the producer has a reinforced obligation to remain engaged, punctual and vigilant throughout a long-term campaign.