How to reply to a brand's first message (with templates)

By the My Collabs team · 31 October 2026

The first reply to a brand sets the tone for the whole deal. A quick, clear, professional answer gets you better offers and fewer misunderstandings. Here's how to handle that first message, plus templates you can copy.

Step 1: check it's genuine

Fake "brand collaboration" messages are common. Be careful if:

The email comes from a free address or a domain that's slightly different from the brand's real website.
They ask you to pay anything: a registration fee, shipping, or a "deposit".
They ask you to download an app, open an unexpected file, or log in through a link.
The offer is unusually generous for very little work, and they're pushing you to decide fast.

When in doubt, find the brand's official website or verified account yourself and ask them to confirm.

Step 2: move it to email

DMs are fine for a first hello, but agree the details over email. It's easier to find later, easier to forward to an accountant, and it reaches the right people at the brand.

Step 3: ask the right questions

What deliverables do you have in mind, and on which platforms?
What's the timeline, and when should the content go live?
What budget have you set aside?
Will you reuse the content (reposting, ads, whitelisting), and for how long?
Is there any exclusivity?
What are your payment terms, and who handles invoices?

Templates

Interested: ask for details

Hi [Name], thanks so much for reaching out. I'd love to hear more about [campaign/product]! Could you share the brief, the deliverables and platforms you have in mind, the timeline, whether you plan to reuse the content, and the budget for this collaboration? Happy to send my media kit too.

Sending your rates

Thanks for the details! Based on the brief, here's what I'd suggest: – 1 Reel (45–60s), 1 revision round: ₹[amount] – 3-frame story set with link: ₹[amount] – Organic reposting on your pages for 3 months: ₹[amount] Prices are [+ GST / inclusive]. I work with a [50]% advance and the balance within [30] days of posting. Let me know if you'd like to adjust the package!

Declining politely

Thank you for thinking of me! This one isn't the right fit for my audience at the moment, but I really appreciate the offer and would be happy to hear about future campaigns.

Following up when they go quiet

Hi [Name], just following up on my note from [day]. Happy to answer any questions or adjust the package to fit your plans. Do let me know if the campaign is still going ahead!

Reply quickly, but don't rush the deal

Replying within a day or two shows you're professional. Agreeing to everything in that first reply isn't necessary. It's fine to say "Let me look at the brief and come back to you by tomorrow." Once terms are settled, confirm them in writing using our collaboration checklist.

Track every collab in one place. My Collabs is a free app that shows what each brand has agreed, paid and still owes you, with alerts before deadlines.

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This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change, so check the current position or ask a professional for your situation.