Plans change — sometimes you need to step back from a brief you’ve applied to or been accepted for. Here’s the right way to do it so it’s handled cleanly and doesn’t affect your standing.
Ask to be removed in the brief chat
Withdrawals are handled directly with the brand, so the first step is to message the brand in the brief chat. Let them know you’re no longer able to continue and ask to be removed from the brief. A quick, polite heads-up — the earlier the better — is all it takes, and you don’t need to share personal details if you’d rather not.
Keep in mind that accepting a brief is a commitment to the brand, so it’s best to apply only to briefs you’re confident you can complete — but if something comes up, clear communication in the chat is always the right move.
If the brand doesn’t respond
If you’ve messaged the brand in the brief chat and haven’t heard back within 2 business days, email support@cohley.com with the brand name, the brief name, and a one-line note that you’ve asked to be removed. We’ll follow up with the brand and help get you sorted. For more on handling a quiet brand, see What do I do if the brand isn’t responding?
If you already bought products for the brief
If your brief was a purchase-and-reimburse brief and you’ve already bought the product — or the brand removed you after you’d purchased it — don’t worry about being out of pocket. See What do I do about my product — shipping, reimbursements, or a damaged or wrong item? for how reimbursements work, and email support@cohley.com with the brand and brief name if you need help recovering a cost.