Influencer Jade Tuncdoruk says companies have cut ties with her after she refused to lower rate

An Instagram influencer has hit out at companies for cutting ties with her after she refused to lower her cost to post about their products or services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Hundreds of thousands of Aussies have lost their jobs and healthcare heroes are working around the clock, yet influencer Jade Tuncdoruk is not willing to reduce her fees during COVID-19.

The bikini model and popular social media personality said she was shocked that brands she had worked with in the past would write her off when she refused to lower her cost to post about their products or services.

Influencer Jade Tuncdoruk complaining that companies asked her to work for a reduced rate during COVID-19.

Ms Tuncdoruk says companies have parted ways with her after she declined to work for a lower rate of pay.

Tuncdoruk has 442,000 Instagram followers, which very loosely would translate to anywhere between $800 – $3000 per post, dependant on a range of factors.

But Tuncdoruk did not see the pandemic as a reason to lower her rate, even acknowledging that she understood marketing budgets had been slashed, and was shocked that companies would not take well to her response.

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“I’ve collaborated/worked with a few brands over time (a long time) who as of late have asked me to work for much, much less, or for free due to budget cuts – which I understand,” she wrote on her Instagram.

“However when I’ve said no – which is in my opinion completely warranted – have completely written off the relationship.

She said she "understood" why they had asked her to lower her rate.

Tuncdoruk also modelled for Miami Swim Week last year. Picture: Supplied

“These are brands I’ve travelled with and promoted for years who just throw the relationship away because I’ve refused to work for free.

“I’m very surprised that these organisations are willing to throw relationships down the drain after such a long time.

“Each to their own, but personally I wouldn’t severe (sic) ties with someone who I ‘valued’ for years.”

Advertising expert and Gruen regular Dee Madigan.

Confidential contacted Tuncdoruk but she declined to expand on her thoughts.

Advertising expert Dee Madigan said the simple fact was, brands have less money and advertising platforms should be meeting the market.

“The thing is they don’t have hard costs as influencers, it’s really just themselves and their time,” she said.

“Brands have less to spend and influencers are of intangible value so it’s one of the first costs that’s going to get cut.

“But interestingly, it is significantly cheaper to run TV ads right now, because they have to meet the market.

“I would say if TV stations can meet the market yes, influencers can too.”

Tuncdoruk attracted media attention last year when she complained that the products companies sent her for free had too much packaging.