How to counter a low UGC offer

A low offer isn't a no. Most of the time the brand left something out of the price, like usage, whitelisting or extra hooks. Here's a simple way to answer, with replies you can copy.

Updated October 11, 2026

Step 1: List everything they asked for

Before you think about the number, write down the full scope from the brief:

How many videos, and how long
Extra hooks or calls to action (alternate first seconds or endings)
Raw footage
Paid usage (ads, website, email) and for how long
Whitelisting / Spark Ads, and for how many months
Exclusivity, and payment terms (Net 30, Net 60…)

Step 2: Price that scope with your own rate

Start from your rate per video and add each extra. Common starting points:

Paid usage: +30–50% of the content fee; more for long or perpetual use
Raw footage: +30–50%
Extra hooks: about $50 each
Whitelisting: about +30% of your rate per month, up to +100%

Example: rate $175, brand offers $400 for 2 videos with 3 months of paid usage. Your price: 2 × $175 = $350, plus 30% usage = $105, so $455. The offer is $55 short, and the missing part is exactly the usage. Run your offer through the free checker.

Step 3: Counter with the total, not an apology

Thank them, restate the scope, give one number. Don't explain your costs or say “sorry”.

Hi [Name], Thanks so much for thinking of me, I'd love to work on this! For 2 UGC videos and 3 months of paid usage, my rate is $455. Let me know if that works and I can get started! Best, [Your name]

Step 4: If they can't pay more, change the scope

Instead of dropping your rate, offer less for their budget. The price per video stays the same.

I understand budgets are tight! For $400 I can do 2 videos with organic use on your channels, or 2 videos with paid usage for 30 days instead of 3 months. Happy to go with whichever works best for you.

Good things to trade: shorter usage window, fewer hooks, no raw footage, organic only, a longer deadline.

Step 5: Fix the terms, not just the price

Net 60 or Net 90: you wait two or three months to get paid. Ask for Net 30, or 50% upfront.
Usage “in perpetuity”: ask for a time limit or price it much higher. How to price usage.
Exclusivity: ask which brands and how long, then price it separately.

One small thing: I work on Net 30 payment terms. Could we update that in the agreement?

When to say no

If the offer is far under your minimum and they won't change the scope, it's fine to pass politely. A short, friendly no keeps the door open for a better budget next time.

Thanks so much for the offer! Unfortunately I can't make this budget work for this scope, but I'd love to collaborate in the future. Feel free to reach out for your next campaign.