<b>Brand-deal negotiation: a checklist, not a vibe</b>

<b>Brand-deal negotiation: a checklist, not a vibe</b>

Walk into every negotiation with the same sequence so emotion doesn't drive the number. Order matters — anchor scope before price.

<b>Phase 1: Discovery (before any number)</b>
— Confirm deliverables, formats, post count
— Confirm usage rights + duration (ads? how long?)
— Confirm exclusivity window and category
— Confirm timeline and revision rounds

<b>Phase 2: Anchor (you go first if you have the rate card)</b>
— Present base + modifiers, itemized
— Hold the floor; modifiers are your trade currency

<b>Phase 3: Trade, never just discount</b>
— If they push price → remove usage rights or a deliverable
— If they want exclusivity → add the exclusivity modifier
— If they want rush → rush fee, non-negotiable

<b>Phase 4: Close + paper it</b>
— Recap in writing within 24h
— Net-30 terms, 50% upfront for first-time partners

<b>Definition of done:</b> signed scope, payment terms, kill fee, and a usage-rights clause in writing. Rule: if it's not in the recap email, it wasn't agreed. Reuse this sequence every deal.