Orris

we are an early startup orris and we are trying to collaborate with influencers for reach and output this one creator has offered to do a collab for 17k but we dont have that budget, our base can be 10k with additional 10k for 200k+ views and another 10k for 1 million+ views, write him a small negotiating message explaining our situation, also add how instagram reels are a hit or run they dont always perform well even for large creators

Here's a concise, friendly negotiation message you can send:
Subject: Collaboration Proposal - Orris x [Creator Name]
Hey [Name],
Really appreciate you being open to working together - we're genuinely excited about what we could create with you.
We're an early-stage startup, so we have to be thoughtful about how we allocate budget right now. We can't quite meet the $17k flat fee, but we'd love to propose something that still rewards you well and actually aligns both our interests:
  • $10,000 base fee (guaranteed, regardless of performance)
  • +$10,000 bonus if the reel hits 200,000+ views
  • +$10,000 bonus if it crosses 1,000,000+ views
So the total upside for you is $30,000 if the content performs - which we genuinely believe it can.
We're also being real with you: Instagram Reels are unpredictable, and you know this better than anyone. Even large creators with massive audiences regularly see reels underperform for reasons completely outside their control - algorithm shifts, posting windows, competing content. A performance-based structure protects us both from that uncertainty and gives you a real incentive to go all-in on the content quality.
We're not trying to lowball you - we're trying to build a structure that makes sense for a startup working with a limited runway, while still giving you a path to earn more than your original ask.
Would love to hear your thoughts. Happy to jump on a quick call if that's easier.
[Your Name] Team Orris
A few notes on tone/strategy:
  • The message frames the deal as upside potential ($30k) rather than a cut ($10k), which is psychologically more appealing.
  • Mentioning Reels unpredictability positions the base fee reduction as fair, not cheap - and the creator knows it's true.
  • Keeping it warm and transparent builds goodwill, which matters for a long-term relationship if this collab goes well.

we are paying in inr

Here's the updated message with INR:
Subject: Collaboration Proposal - Orris x [Creator Name]
Hey [Name],
Really appreciate you being open to working together - we're genuinely excited about what we could create with you.
We're an early-stage startup, so we have to be thoughtful about how we allocate budget right now. We can't quite meet the ₹17,000 flat fee, but we'd love to propose something that still rewards you well and actually aligns both our interests:
  • ₹10,000 base fee (guaranteed, regardless of performance)
  • +₹10,000 bonus if the reel hits 200,000+ views
  • +₹10,000 bonus if it crosses 1,000,000+ views
So the total upside for you is ₹30,000 if the content performs - which we genuinely believe it can.
We're also being real with you: Instagram Reels are unpredictable, and you know this better than anyone. Even large creators with massive audiences regularly see reels underperform for reasons completely outside their control - algorithm shifts, posting windows, competing content. A performance-based structure protects us both from that uncertainty and gives you a real incentive to go all-in on the content quality.
We're not trying to lowball you - we're trying to build a structure that makes sense for a startup working with a limited runway, while still giving you a path to earn more than your original ask.
Would love to hear your thoughts. Happy to jump on a quick call if that's easier.
[Your Name] Team Orris
One thing worth flagging - ₹17k is actually a pretty modest ask for an influencer collab in the Indian market. If this creator has a meaningful following (50k+), they may push back on ₹10k base. The performance bonuses do help make the case, but be prepared for a counter around ₹12-13k base.
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