Aussie business owner calls out 'influencer' for ghosting her after taking $600 worth of items in exchange for social media posts
An Australian small business owner has called out an influencer for ghosting her after accepting $600 worth of gifted clothes in exchange for social media posts.
The Sydney founder of clothing brand Don't Tell Ma said she was excited when the content creator first reached out to collaborate on her new label.
She claimed the influencer had promised to create multiple videos, stories, and reels across her platforms in return for the freebies.
Having just launched her new business, the owner knew that exposure on social media could help her brand take off.
'I was new to social media and excited that she could do all this stuff for me just as a gifted collab so that was fun,' she explained.
Thrilled by the opportunity, the owner sent over $600 worth of stock.
'I packed and shipped it out, and she told me when she had received it. She posted one story of the package... and then - nothing,' she said.
Multiple messages followed, but the influencer never replied.
To add insult to injury, the owner later spotted the influencer wearing her fashion label in a paid partnership for a completely different brand - a jewellery company.
'It's weird because I know (the influencer's) mum - she's a customer at our (family's) restaurant so that's pretty awkward,' the owner explained.
'My husband has been asking me if I want him to say anything, but I said no because I'm too shy.'
By speaking out about her experience, the business owner - who's currently running a pop-up shop inside a shopping mall in Sydney - hopes to stop influencers from taking advantage of small businesses.
'Please stop because it takes a lot of hard work and energy to put into a small business,' she said.
The owner remained tight-lipped about the influencer's identity - but it's understood the content creator has since removed all traces of her social media accounts.
However, it didn't take long before some business owners came forward, claiming the same influencer had also promised to post content in exchange for freebies - but disappeared after receiving the parcels.
'Unfortunately our business experienced the same thing with her. We agreed on a collab for her wedding. I set up for her and have been ignored since. No reposts, tag or reply - nor any payment. She's done this with multiple vendors. So sad to take advantage of small businesses like this,' one shared.
'Same thing happened to us, she never reposted our content and we were there all day, and she even unfollowed us. Such a shame honestly,' another revealed.
'This happened to me. I sent out a package worth $120 and she just stopped replying - still no contact,' one claimed.
'Happened to me too, I'm very disappointed,' another added.
Some people argued that small brands should stop giving out freebies entirely.
'I'm sorry but businesses should not be giving products/services to influencers for free,' one suggested.
'Maybe a discount, yes - but not for free. Do returning customers ever get free products? No. And they're the ones actually supporting you.'
Meanwhile, one suggested: 'You should've sent her an invoice since she didn't fulfil her end.'
The overwhelming support has comforted the Don't Tell Ma founder - but she's far from the only one learning the hard way.
As more stories emerge from small businesses left unpaid, untagged, and ghosted, the post is sparking a broader conversation about accountability in influencer marketing - and the real cost of 'free' collaborations.
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