Pricing and rates
How to Build a Rate Card
Quick answer
A rate card is a price sheet that shows what you charge for each deliverable, package, and add-on. Build yours around your deliverables, then list usage rights, exclusivity, and rush work as separate lines so a brand can see what it is buying.
Key takeaways
- A rate card makes pricing clear and saves time when brands ask.
- Price deliverables, packages, and add-ons on separate lines.
- Always list usage rights and exclusivity as their own lines.
- A rate card is a starting point, not a fixed price for every deal.
What a rate card is
A rate card is a short price sheet. It shows what you charge for each type of deliverable, any packages, and the extras a brand can add. It gives a brand a clear place to start and gives you a consistent way to answer.
What to include
- Deliverables. Each type of content you offer, such as a post, a video, a story set, or a UGC clip.
- Packages. Bundles of deliverables, such as a launch set or a monthly set.
- Add-ons. Usage rights, whitelisting, exclusivity, extra revisions, raw footage, and rush work.
- Terms. Payment terms, how many revision rounds are included, and how long a quote is valid.
A sample layout
Fill in your own prices. Prices are left blank on purpose.
| Item | What is included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single post or video | One deliverable, [number] rounds of revisions | [price] |
| Package | [number] deliverables over [time period] | [price] |
| Paid usage | [channels], [term], [territory] | [price] |
| Whitelisting or partnership ads | [term] | [price] |
| Exclusivity | [category], [start date] to [end date] | [price] |
| Rush work | Delivery in less than [number] business days | [price] |
| Extra revision round | One additional round | [price] |
How to set the prices
Base your prices on your minimum rate and on what each item is worth to a brand. See How to Think About Your Minimum Rate and How Brand Deal Pricing Works. Review them as your audience, results, and workload change.
How to use it
- Send it when a brand asks for your rates, along with your media kit.
- Treat it as a starting point and adjust for scope.
- If a brand wants something off the list, price it as its own line.
Common mistakes
- Folding usage and exclusivity into the base price.
- Leaving out revision limits and payment terms.
- Never updating it.
- Publishing prices you would not stand behind.
Rate card checklist
Checklist
- Each deliverable has its own line.
- Usage rights and whitelisting are separate add-ons.
- Exclusivity is a separate add-on.
- Revisions, rush work, and extras are priced.
- Payment terms are stated.
- My prices are at or above my minimum rate.
Frequently asked questions
What is a rate card?
It is a price sheet showing what you charge for deliverables, packages, and add-ons.
Should I publish my rate card?
It depends. A public rate card can save time, but deals vary by scope. Many creators share it on request.
Should I list a price for every platform?
Not necessarily. Price each deliverable on its own merits, since effort and value differ.
How often should I update it?
When your audience, results, or workload change, and at regular points in the year.
What if a brand asks for a discount?
Offer to change the scope instead of the price. Reduce deliverables or shorten usage.