Dealing with an agency vs the brand directly

Dealing with an agency vs the brand directly

Offers reach you two ways: straight from the brand, or through an agency (a middle company managing the brand's creators). Knowing which one you're talking to changes how you negotiate.

Why it matters: agencies run many deals, so they know rates well and push templates hard, but they also have a budget and can move fast. A brand direct may pay more but needs more hand-holding on what's normal.

Simple example: an agency sends a contract with perpetual usage 'standard for all our creators.' It isn't a law, it's their template. You can still reply 'I do 6-month terms; here's my rate for perpetual.'

Your move: with agencies, push back politely on templates. With brands, gently teach them the fair terms.