CollabRateQuick answer: An exclusivity fee pays you for the work you'll have to turn down. Charge it per month as a percentage of the content fee, and charge more the wider it is. CollabRate's defaults are 10% per month for named competitors (range 5–15%) and 20% per month for a whole product category (range 15–30%).
Exclusivity fee by scope and length
For 3 videos at $200 each (content fee $600):
| Length | Named competitors (10%/month) | Whole category (20%/month) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $60 | $120 |
| 3 months | $180 | $360 |
| 6 months | $360 | $720 |
| 12 months | $720 | $1,440 |
Twelve months of category exclusivity more than triples the job. That's deliberate: if skincare is your niche, a year without other skincare brands could cost you most of your work.
Named competitors or a whole category?
Named competitors is a short list of brands you won't work with, written into the agreement. It's easy to follow and leaves most of your market open. Category exclusivity (“no other haircare brands”) is much wider and harder to interpret: does a shampoo rule out a hair dryer? If a brand asks for it, ask for the list of competitors it actually cares about and offer that instead.
How to price an exclusivity request
- Get the scope in writing: the brand names or the exact category, and the regions covered.
- Agree when it starts and ends. Usually from delivery or first post, for a set number of months.
- Count what it costs you. If competitors already book you, use the top of the range or more.
- Set it in the calculator: months, scope, and your percentage. The quote states the dates in plain words.
Exclusivity vs usage rights
They're separate. Usage rights are what the brand can do with your content. Exclusivity is what you can't do for other brands. A brand can have perpetual usage with no exclusivity, or a month of exclusivity on an organic-only job. Price each one on its own line so the brand can see what it's paying for, and drop either one if the budget is tight.
Keep it short and specific
Long, vague exclusivity is the clause most likely to cost you money later. Prefer a few months, named brands, and a clear end date. Save the quote to Saved deals with a rights start date to get a calendar reminder on the last day of exclusivity, so you know exactly when you can say yes to competing brands again.
FAQ
Is an exclusivity fee normal for UGC?
Many UGC jobs have no exclusivity at all. When a brand asks for it, charging a fee is normal because it stops you taking paid work from competitors.
How long should UGC exclusivity last?
As short as the brand will accept. One to three months is easier to live with than a year. Price every month so longer periods cost more.
Does exclusivity stop me posting organic content?
Only if the agreement says so. Make sure the clause covers paid brand work, not your own unpaid posts, unless you're paid for that too.
Can I refuse exclusivity?
Yes. You can offer the job without exclusivity, or with a short named-competitor list instead of a whole category.
More UGC pricing guides
Last updated · Written by the MiniTools team. Rates here are negotiating starting points, not financial, legal or tax advice. CollabRate isn't affiliated with any platform or brand named on this site.