A 3-step playbook for handling a lowball offer

A 3-step playbook for handling a lowball offer
A lowball = an offer well under your worth. It's not an insult; it's an opening move. Stay warm and steer it.

Do this in order:
— Don't reject. Reply with curiosity ('Thanks! Can you share the full scope and usage?')
— Re-anchor with your real number and what it covers
— Offer a smaller package at their budget if they can't move

Example: they say $200 for a video with ad rights. You answer $600 for that, or $250 for a single story with no ad rights.

That second option lets them say yes without you working for free.

Your move: always have a 'smaller deal' version ready so a low budget becomes a conversation, not a dead end.