textcuts

How to politely decline a brand deal: 15 templates

Not every offer is worth taking. Some pay too little, some ask you to say things you cannot back up, and some simply do not fit your audience. Saying no is part of the job, but a rude or slow no can cost you the next deal. These messages let you decline briefly and kindly, push back on terms you cannot accept, suggest another time, and keep a good relationship with a brand you may want later. No guilt and no long explanations are needed. Copy any of them, or add all 15 to your keyboard and send them from Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp or any other app in one tap.

Add these 15 templates to your keyboard Add the 6 essentials

Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.

Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.

Not the right fit

Not the right fit

Essential
Thank you for thinking of me, {{name}}. I am going to pass on this one, because it is not the right fit for my audience. I appreciate you asking.

When to send: When the product or topic is off.

Why it works: Short, warm and final.

Cannot recommend it honestly

I looked closely at this, {{name}}, and I cannot recommend it honestly. I would rather say no than post something I do not believe. Thank you for understanding.

When to send: When you tried it and did not like it.

Why it works: It protects your audience's trust and still thanks them.

Already working with a similar brand

I am already working with a similar brand, {{name}}, and my agreement with them means I cannot take this on. Please check back later in the year.

When to send: When an exclusivity clause applies.

Why it works: It is a business reason, not a judgment.

Mass invitation

Thanks for the invite, {{name}}. I only take collabs that were written for me, so I will skip this one. A personal note is always welcome.

When to send: When a message is clearly copied to many creators.

Why it works: It sets a standard without being rude.

Suggest another creator

I cannot do this one, {{name}}, but I know a creator whose audience may suit it better. Would you like me to share their handle?

When to send: When you know a good match.

Why it works: It helps the brand and makes you memorable.

Money and terms

The fee is too low

Essential
Thanks {{name}}, I looked at the offer carefully. The fee does not cover the work involved, so I have to say no. If the budget changes, I am open to talking again.

When to send: When the offer is below what the work needs.

Why it works: It names the reason and invites a better offer.

Claims I cannot make

Essential
I cannot make the claims in the script, {{name}}, because I have not seen proof for them and I would not say them to a friend. I am happy to make the video in my own words and from real use.

When to send: When the script has health, money or results claims.

Why it works: Protects you and your followers, and offers a way forward.

No work for exposure

Essential
Thank you, {{name}}, but I do not make content for exposure or for product alone at this scope. If there is a paid budget, I would be glad to look again.

When to send: When the pay is exposure.

Why it works: Firm and polite.

Rights are too broad

The usage terms in the agreement are broader than I can accept, {{name}}. Unlimited rights forever is not something I agree to. A defined period would be fine.

When to send: When the contract asks for everything.

Why it works: It names the clause and offers a fix.

Gift with no promise to post

Thanks for the offer, {{name}}. I can accept the product only if there is no obligation to post. I cannot promise a review before I have tried it.

When to send: When product comes with strings.

Why it works: It protects your honesty.

Package with no promise

I received your package, {{name}}, but I cannot promise a post. If you would like it back, tell me where to send it.

When to send: When an unrequested box shows up.

Why it works: It respects the product and your limits.

Keeping the door open

Bad timing

EssentialPro
Interesting project, {{name}}, but the timing is wrong for me. Could we revisit it around {{date}}? I would love to be considered then.

When to send: When the idea is good and the date is not.

Why it works: It turns a no into a later yes.

My calendar is full

Pro
I would love to, {{name}}, but my calendar is full until {{date}}. If your timeline can wait, I am glad to talk then. If not, I understand.

When to send: When you are fully booked.

Why it works: It keeps the relationship and the choice with them.

Cannot agree on terms

Essential
I have enjoyed our back and forth, {{name}}, but I do not think we will land on terms that work for both of us. I am wishing you a great launch.

When to send: After a long negotiation fails.

Why it works: A kind ending protects the next chance.

Still a no

Thank you for following up, {{name}}. My answer is still no for now. I will reach out myself if anything changes.

When to send: When a brand keeps asking.

Why it works: It closes the loop politely.

When to send each message

WhenMessageNote
Within a few daysNot the right fitDo not leave a brand waiting.
When the fee is lowThe fee is too lowName the reason.
When the script has claimsClaims I cannot makeOffer your own words.
When pay is exposureNo work for exposureAsk for a budget.
When timing is wrongBad timingSuggest a later date.
After a long talkCannot agree on termsEnd kindly.
If they keep askingStill a noOne firm reply.

Do not say

  • Ghosting the brand.

    Instead: Send a short no within a few days.

  • Making up an excuse.

    Instead: Say you are passing, and keep the reason short and true.

  • Saying yes to a script with health, money or results claims.

    Instead: Offer to use your own honest words. The FTC says endorsements must reflect your real experience.

    Source

  • Posting a gift and skipping the label to avoid awkwardness.

    Instead: Label it clearly or decline the post.

    Source

  • Insulting the fee ("that is an insult").

    Instead: Say the fee does not cover the work.

  • Burning the bridge ("never contact me again").

    Instead: Say not now and leave the door open.

  • Writing a long apology.

    Instead: Two or three sentences is plenty.

Add these 15 templates to your keyboard Add the 6 essentials

Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.

Frequently asked questions

Is it okay to say no to a brand?

Yes. Brands expect it, and a clear polite answer is better than silence. A short thank you and one honest reason are enough.

Do I have to explain why?

No. A short reason such as fit or timing is kind, but you owe no long explanation.

What if I already accepted the gift?

Say that you cannot promise a post, and offer to send it back if they want it. Receiving a product does not oblige you to review it.

Do these templates work on the free plan?

Yes. 13 of the 15 use a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. "Bad timing" and "My calendar is full" use two blanks, so filling both from the keyboard needs Pro. Free holds 8 textcuts and 1 folder, so the six essentials fit comfortably, and importing all 15 is never blocked.

Can I use these in any chat app?

Yes. textcuts is a keyboard, so the templates work in every app where you type, from Instagram and WhatsApp to iMessage.

Related