How do I negotiate a brand deal?

Having the right number is only half the job — the other half is knowing what to do when a brand's first offer lands lower than that number. Most creators either accept immediately or go quiet awkwardly. Neither works well.

Assume the first offer is an opening bid

Brands rarely lead with their maximum budget — procurement and marketing teams are trained to anchor low and leave room to move. Treating a first offer as final leaves money on the table before the brand has even said no to anything.

Lead with your number, not an apology

"Thanks for reaching out! My rate for a dedicated Reel at my current engagement and reach is ₹X. Happy to structure a package if the budget needs to work differently — for example, a Story + Reel combo, or a longer usage rights window in exchange for a better base."

This states the number plainly, signals you have a rate card, and offers a path forward instead of a flat no.

Trade scope, not price

• Shorten usage rights — 30 days of ad usage instead of 12 months, for less money
• Drop exclusivity — removing a no-competitors clause should lower your ask
• Reduce scope — one Reel instead of Reel + Story + Carousel, at your normal per-piece rate
• Ask for a retainer — a lower per-post rate in exchange for guaranteed monthly volume can still net out ahead

Red flags worth walking away from

• "Exposure" as the entire offer — it doesn't pay rent
• Vague, open-ended usage rights — always get the duration and channel scoped
• Payment terms beyond 30 days from an unfamiliar brand — ask for 50% upfront on larger deals

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