Hidden fees don’t usually appear as obvious line items. They show up as vague scopes, bundled costs, and unclear inclusions. This guide explains what to watch for — and what to ask — before you sign.
Quick take
- Hidden fees are rarely “illegal”. They’re usually unclear scope.
- If you don’t know what’s included, you’ll pay extra later.
- The fix is simple: line-by-line clarity, included vs excluded lists, and a change process you understand.
Where hidden fees usually show up
- Vague “admin” or “service” lines
- Extra reporting fees
- Trafficking/tagging fees
- Creative revision fees
- Change fees (every time you tweak something)
- Production mark-ups
- Cancellation or pause fees
The questions that protect you (copy/paste)
- Can we separate media spend vs agency services line by line?
- What’s included vs excluded in your service?
- What costs might appear later?
- What’s your change process and what does it cost?
- Who owns the accounts and data?
- What happens if we pause or cancel?
What good looks like
- A clean scope in plain English
- A clear included/excluded list
- A simple change process
- Reporting that leads to actions
- No surprise invoices
Recommended Further Reading
Agency Management Fees vs Media Spend: What You’re Really Paying For
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Media Buying Agency (Small Business Checklist)
How to Switch Advertising Agencies Without Disrupting Your Campaigns
If you want to avoid hidden fees and keep commercials clear or help to pressure-test a proposal (and spotting hidden fees before you sign), our team are here to help. Get in touch.