5 signs a brand deal isn’t worth it.
Not every paid deal is a good deal. These five red flags usually mean more work, less money, or both.
1. Forever usage for a one-off fee
If a brand wants to use your video in ads “in perpetuity” but is paying a single-post price, they’re getting years of advertising for the cost of one video. Ask for a fixed term, or price it properly.
2. Payment in “exposure”
Exposure doesn’t pay rent. A gifted product can be fine for a small ask, but if a brand wants paid-level work, it should come with a paid-level fee.
3. Nothing in writing
A brand that won’t confirm the deliverables, deadline, usage and payment in writing is a brand you may struggle to get paid by. Even a short email confirming the details is better than nothing.
4. Unlimited revisions
One round of changes is standard. “Revisions until we’re happy” can turn one video into five. Agree the number up front, and charge for extra rounds.
5. They ask you to pay first
A real brand never asks you to pay a joining fee, buy a starter kit or hand over your bank login to get started. That isn’t a deal. It’s a scam.
Before you sign, make sure you know:
- What you’re making. How many videos, how long, and in what format.
- When you get paid. The amount, the due date and the method.
- What happens if they cancel. A kill fee covers the work you’ve already done.
- How long they can use it. And where it will run.
Quick tip: a gifted deal can still be worth it if it’s a brand you’d pitch anyway and the ask is small. Just don’t give paid work away for free product.
Not sure about a contract? Creator24 can review it for you before you sign.