SHOULD INFLUENCERS SELL PRODUCTS SENT TO THEM BY BRANDS?

I found someone speaking about this topic on TikTok and it is very debatable. A brand owner was expressing her disappointment about an influencer who sold products she sent her.

Influencers get paid for promotions and sometimes accept freebies from brands. My answers to this debate rests solely on these two factors; paid promotions or product sponsorships.

As a brand owner, it is understandable that you feel some type of way when you see an influencer sending a product that you sent them, but it is business, and you cannot do business based on emotions.

Why do I say this?

If you paid the influencer and you do not want your product sold, then you can request a return for product or indicate that in the terms of your contract. Nonetheless, I do not think it is ethical to sell a product you were paid for promoting on your page. I would rather you give it away online or sell it offline.

As a brand owner, you need to realize that influencers are people too. Your products that may not be used more than twice such as clothing, and they may have so much and need to declutter. Your outfit may be part of the ones they are willing to let go, and you have to be okay with that as long as they have done the work you paid them for.

Usually, maybe creating these pieces at the time is not cost efficient for you and this might be the reason why you attach a lot of emotions to it, but it is advisable to let go.

… remember that influencers do not pay their bills with clothes…

For unpaid promotions, that involve exchange for content, remember that influencers do not pay their bills with clothes and if they must let your product go after creating the content you need, then do not bug them for it.

Selling your product does not take away the value from your business.

What are your thoughts? Tell me in the comments.

My declutter sales will be happening here. Can’t wait to see you there.