BrandTreatyHow Much Extra Should You Charge for Exclusivity?
Exclusivity means turning down other deals — so it should never be free. Here's how to price it based on how long, how broad, and how much work you'd be giving up.
Exclusivity is one of the most expensive things you can agree to — and one of the most often given away for free. Let's fix that.
In plain terms, exclusivity means you agree not to work with a brand's competitors for a set period. The brand gets peace of mind that your audience won't see you promoting a rival next week. But you give up something real: other deals. That's why exclusivity should always come with its own fee.
If you're new to the clause itself, start with the pillar: Exclusivity Clauses in Brand Deals, explained. This guide is about the price.
Why exclusivity always costs you
Say a sportswear brand pays you for one post but adds: "Creator will not work with any competing athletic or apparel brand for 6 months."
For half a year, every activewear, shoe, or clothing brand that wants to pay you — you have to say no. If even one of those deals would've been $1,500, your exclusivity just cost you $1,500. If the brand didn't pay extra for it, you funded their protection out of your own pocket.
That's the mindset: exclusivity isn't a favor. It's lost income, and you price it like lost income.
The three things that set the price
There's no single number, but every fair exclusivity fee comes down to three factors.
1. Duration — how long are you locked up? The longer the window, the more deals you'll turn away. A 30-day window is minor. Six months is major. A year is huge.
2. Scope — how broad is the category? This is the one creators underestimate. Compare:
| Scope | Example | Cost to you |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow | "No other sunscreen brands" | Low — few deals blocked |
| Medium | "No other skincare brands" | Higher — a whole niche |
| Broad | "No other beauty brands" | High — most of your inbound |
| Total | "No other brand deals at all" | Very high — your whole business |
3. Opportunity cost — what would you actually give up? If competitor deals are rare for you, exclusivity is cheap to grant. If you get rival offers every month, it's expensive. Be honest about your real inbound.
A simple way to price it
Start with a baseline premium, then adjust:
- Begin at +15–30% of your base rate for a reasonable window (say, 30–90 days) in a narrow category.
- Add for length. Going to 6 months? Push toward the top of the range and beyond.
- Add for breadth. "All beauty" instead of "this one product"? That's a big jump, not a small one.
- Sanity-check against opportunity cost. Estimate the deals you'd realistically turn down during the window. Your fee should comfortably cover them. If it doesn't, the deal isn't worth it as written.
Quick example: a $1,000 base post with 30 days, one narrow competitor might add ~$150–$300. The same post with 6 months, your entire main category could double your rate or more — because you're handing over half a year of your core income.
The red flags to negotiate before you sign
Exclusivity clauses hide cost in vague wording. Watch for:
- Undefined "competitors." Who counts? Get a specific list or a clear category — not "any competitor in Brand's sole judgment."
- "Including but not limited to." This quietly widens the category to almost anything. Pin it down.
- A long window on a small deal. Six months of exclusivity for one post is wildly out of balance. Match the lock-up to the pay.
- No start/end dates. You need to know exactly when it lifts — so you can take the next deal the moment it does.
How to ask for the fee
Keep it matter-of-fact:
"Happy to include exclusivity! Since that means turning down other brands in the category, I price it as an add-on. For [30 days / no other sunscreen brands] it's +[X]. For a wider category or longer term, I'll send updated options."
You're not being greedy — you're charging for something with real value to the brand and a real cost to you.
The bottom line
Never grant exclusivity for free, and never sign a vague version of it. Price it on duration, scope, and what you'd give up — and make sure you know the exact date it lifts, so you can get back to earning.
That last part is where creators lose the most: forgetting when an exclusivity window ends and missing the deal they were finally free to take. BrandTreaty reads each contract, pulls out the exclusivity terms — category, scope, and dates — and reminds you the day the lock-up lifts, so you never miss a deal you're allowed to take. Charge for it, track it, and move on.
Related: how to charge for usage rights — the other big add-on most creators underprice.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for exclusivity?
A common starting point is +15–30% on top of your base rate, but it depends on the deal. Short and narrow (e.g., 'no other sunscreen brands for 30 days') is cheap. Long and broad (e.g., 'no beauty brands at all for 6 months') should cost much more — sometimes well above 30%.
What is an exclusivity clause?
It's a contract term that stops you from working with a brand's competitors for a period of time. It protects the brand from seeing your face on a rival's ad right after theirs — but it blocks you from income, which is why it should be paid for separately.
How do I price exclusivity fairly?
Think about three things: how long you're locked up, how wide the category is, and what deals you'd realistically have to turn down during that time. If you'd likely pass on a $2,000 competitor deal, your exclusivity fee needs to make that worth it.
Is exclusivity the same as usage rights?
No. Usage rights are about how a brand can use your content. Exclusivity is about you — whether you're allowed to work with their competitors. They're priced separately, and a deal can include one, both, or neither.
BrandTreaty is an organizational tool, not legal advice. The numbers here are industry ranges, not fixed rates — your niche, engagement, and audience matter more than follower count. Always confirm terms yourself before you sign.