Rights and contracts
Gifting vs Paid vs Contra
Quick answer
Gifting means a brand sends free product and hopes for content. A paid deal means you receive money for your work. A contra deal is a trade of product or services for content, treated as an exchange with a real value on both sides.
Key takeaways
- Gifting is not a paid deal unless you agree on a fee.
- Product is not a substitute for a rate unless you choose that trade on purpose.
- Put the terms of any trade in writing, including what content is expected.
- Gifts and trades still need to be disclosed to your audience.
The three types
| Type | What it is | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Gifting | The brand sends free product or access, and hopes for content | No fee is owed, so make sure no content is required |
| Paid | You receive money for defined work | Usage rights, exclusivity, and payment terms |
| Contra | A trade of product or services for content | The value of each side, and what content is required |
When free product is worth it
- The product is something you would use and recommend anyway.
- The brand fits your audience and your niche.
- The content you owe is small and clearly defined.
- There are no usage rights or exclusivity attached.
- You are comfortable with the trade, even if nothing else follows.
When to say no
- The brand expects a full piece of content for a small product.
- The brand wants paid ads, whitelisting, or exclusivity for free.
- The terms are vague, or the brand will not put them in writing.
- The product has little value to you, but the work is large.
How to respond to a gifted offer
Thanks for thinking of me. I do paid collaborations. Here are my rates and options.
I would be glad to try the product with no obligation to post. If I love it, I will let you know.
I can do a small piece for the product. Here is what that would include: [deliverable], [number] rounds of revisions, organic use only.
Contra deals
In a contra deal, you agree on what each side gives. Put a real value on both, write down what content is expected, and treat usage and exclusivity as separate matters. If the trade is worth it to you, it can be a good deal. If not, you can say no.
Disclosure
If you receive a gift or trade and you post about the product, your audience should be able to see that. See FTC Disclosure Basics.
Gifting checklist
Checklist
- I know whether any content is required.
- I know whether usage rights or exclusivity are involved.
- The value of the trade is worth my time.
- The terms are in writing.
- I know how I will disclose the gift.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gifting and a paid deal?
In a gifted deal you receive product and no fee. In a paid deal you receive money for defined work.
Is a gifted post a brand deal?
It can be, but it is not a paid deal unless you agree on a fee. Any payment must be agreed separately.
What is a contra deal?
A contra deal is a trade of product or services for content. Both sides should agree on the value and on what content is required.
Should I take free product in exchange for content?
Only if the product and the exposure are worth your time and the content you owe is small and clear.
Do I have to disclose a gifted product?
In general, yes, if you post about it. Your audience should be able to see the connection. See FTC Disclosure Basics.
Can a brand ask for usage rights on a gifted deal?
It can ask, but usage rights are separate and should be priced. Gifted product alone rarely covers them.