OFM agency contract checklist: clauses creators should understand
A plain-language checklist covering commission, exclusivity, access, content rights, reporting, termination and post-contract obligations.
A management contract turns sales promises into enforceable obligations. This guide is not legal advice, but it helps creators identify the clauses that deserve a clear explanation before signing. If the agreement is important to your income or account control, independent legal review can be worth far more than the cost of correcting a bad contract later.
Parties and legal identity
The agreement should identify the creator and the legal person operating the agency. Check the full name, address, registration information where applicable and the person authorised to sign.
A brand name or social handle alone may make enforcement and communication difficult.
Scope of services
The contract should describe what the agency is responsible for and what remains your responsibility. Look for operational detail around content planning, posting, chatting, marketing, analytics, staffing and reporting.
If a service influenced your decision, make sure it appears in the written scope.
Commission and calculation base
Confirm the percentage, currency, calculation period and whether the base is gross or net of platform fees, refunds, chargebacks, taxes and promotional costs. Ask who prepares the statement and when payment is due.
The contract should also address late payments and access to supporting records.
Expenses and approval limits
An agency should not be able to create unlimited expenses in your name without a defined process. Consider written approval thresholds for advertising, contractors, software or production.
Term, renewal and notice
Identify the start date, minimum term, renewal mechanism and exact notice method. Calendar the notice deadline after signing so an automatic renewal does not surprise you.
Check whether notice must be sent by email, registered letter or another specified channel.
Exclusivity
Exclusivity should define platforms, services, geography and duration. A broad clause may affect side projects, webcam work, social-media partnerships or future agencies even when the agency does not actively manage them.
Account access, security and ownership
The agreement should preserve account ownership and describe access, two-factor authentication, payout settings and the return or deletion of credentials after termination. It should also require the agency to notify you about security incidents.
Content and image rights
Clarify who owns newly produced content, what licence the agency receives and whether it may use your image, results or screenshots for its own marketing. Marketing permission should be specific and revocable where appropriate.
Boundaries, approvals and representation
If other people communicate in your voice, the agreement or operating policy should define prohibited statements, content boundaries, approval requirements and quality control. The agency should not create promises or obligations you did not authorise.
Termination consequences
Check what happens to account access, media, scheduled posts, staff, unpaid commission and ongoing subscriber relationships. Pay special attention to post-termination commission, non-solicitation and non-compete clauses.
Disputes and governing law
The contract may specify a governing law, court, arbitration process or notice procedure. International relationships can make disputes more expensive, so understand where and how a claim would be handled.
Questions to resolve before signing
Ask for changes when the written agreement does not match the commercial discussion. A contract is not a test of politeness; it is the operating manual for difficult situations.
- Can I explain the commission calculation with a real example?
- Do I know the earliest date and exact method for leaving?
- Is every form of exclusivity clearly limited?
- Do I retain ownership and recovery control of my accounts?
- Are photo, content and marketing rights specific?
- Does the contract document my boundaries and approval rights?
Do not sign because the relationship currently feels friendly. Sign only when the written agreement still looks fair if communication later becomes difficult.