How to price for exclusivity

Understanding how exclusivity works, and how to negotiate its terms, can make the difference between a below market-rate payment and a deal that truly reflects the value of your work.

What is exclusivity?

Exclusivity can have a major impact on a creator's income. When a brand asks for exclusivity, they're requesting that the creator avoid promotion of their direct competitors for an agreed-upon period of time. This is advantageous from the brand's perspective. They want to ensure their messaging isn't diluted by endorsements of similar or competing products in the same timeframe. For the creator however, exclusivity can mean turning down and missing out on other paid opportunities.

Before agreeing to exclusivity, creators should take time to understand what the brand considers a “competitor.” Is the restriction limited to direct market rivals, or does it include entire categories of products? How long will the exclusivity last? And most importantly, how will it affect the creator's ability to work with other brands they care about or rely on for income?

How to price exclusivity

A good approach to pricing for exclusivity is to consider what the creator is giving up by accepting the terms. The broader or longer the restriction, the higher the fee should likely be. Be realistic in determining the number and value of collaborations that would be given up to accommodate the requested exclusivity terms. Keep in mind these negotiations aren't just about money, they're about protecting the creator's ability to build their desired business on their own terms.

Being proactive

The most successful creators approach exclusivity and usage the way any professional should: with clarity, confidence, and boundaries. If a brand doesn't raise the topic, creators shouldn't assume it's off the table and should be proactive about bringing it up and seeking clarification. Always ensure that any agreements about exclusivity are well-defined in the contract, not just discussed over email or DMs. If the brand is asking a creator to turn down other opportunities, they should be making it worth their while.

When in doubt, creators facing exclusivity negotiations may consider working with a manager to help navigate the terms.

It's important for creators to protect their creativity, reputation, and ability to grow sustainably. The influencer economy runs on authenticity, but it also depends on professionalism. Knowing your rights, and advocating for them, is one of the most powerful ways to ensure your work is respected, and your business thrives. Inq helps creators and their managers keep track of exclusivity terms for each project and makes it easy to avoid accidentally scheduling a sponsored post that would conflict with exclusivity terms from other projects.