The complete checklist to review before you sign any brand deal. Save it, share it, use it every time.
You got a brand deal offer. Exciting! But before you sign anything, you need to make sure the contract actually protects you. Most brand deal contracts are written by the brand's legal team — which means they're written to protect the brand, not you.
That doesn't make the brand evil. It just means the default terms usually favor them on usage rights, payment timelines, revision limits, and cancellation terms. It's your job to read the contract, know what's fair, and negotiate the parts that aren't.
This checklist gives you everything you need to review a brand deal contract with confidence — whether it's your first deal or your fiftieth.
A DM that says "we'll pay you $1,000 for two posts" is not a contract. An email saying "here's the brief, let us know when it's done" is not a contract. Without written terms, you have zero legal protection if:
A contract makes expectations explicit. It protects both parties, prevents miscommunication, and gives you legal standing if something goes wrong. No contract = no protection.
Review every item before signing. If something is missing, ask for it.
If you see any of these in a brand deal contract, don't sign until you've negotiated changes:
"Perpetual, worldwide, all-media usage rights"
This means they can use your face and content forever, anywhere, for any purpose. If they insist, charge 5-10x your base rate.
"Work for hire" language
This transfers ownership to the brand. You lose all rights to content you created. Only agree if the payment reflects a full buyout.
No cancellation fee or kill fee
If the brand can cancel at any time without paying you, all the risk is on your side.
"Unlimited revisions"
There's no such thing as unlimited revisions at a fixed price. Cap it at 2 rounds. This is non-negotiable.
Payment "upon posting" or Net 60+
You shouldn't wait 60+ days to get paid. Push for 50% upfront and the balance within 15-30 days of delivery.
Broad non-compete / exclusivity with no extra pay
Exclusivity costs you money (lost deals). It should always be compensated separately.
Negotiating a brand deal contract feels intimidating, especially early in your career. Here's how to approach it professionally:
Always respond in writing
When you want to change a term, send your revision in an email or message. "I'd love to move forward! I'd just like to adjust the usage rights to 90 days instead of perpetual." Written records protect you.
Frame changes as industry standard
"Most creators include 2 revision rounds at this rate" is more persuasive than "I don't want to do unlimited revisions." Position your ask as normal, not adversarial.
Negotiate scope down before negotiating rate up
If the budget is firm but the terms are too broad, reduce the deliverables, shorten usage rights, or remove exclusivity to make the deal fair at that price.
Know your walkaway point
Before you negotiate, decide the minimum terms you'll accept. If the brand won't meet them, be ready to pass. Not every deal is worth taking.
Use your own contract when possible
It's always easier to negotiate from your own template than to redline someone else's. Having a professional contract template puts you in the driver's seat.
Every item on this checklist is already built into our creator contract templates — ready to customize and send.
Get Your Contract TemplateThis guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for your specific situation.