Rejecting Lowball Offers

Overview

You will receive offers below your rate. Declining well is a skill: it preserves the relationship, and a surprising number of brands come back with a better number.

This document explains how to counter or decline without hostility.

Decide between counter and decline

Counter when the gap is less than 40% of your rate — anchor to your metrics and offer a smaller scope at the offered price. Decline when the gap is large or the request signals a low-value relationship.

A "no" now is better than an underpaid "yes" that trains the brand to undervalue you.

Scripts that keep doors open

For a counter: "I can't do the full scope at that price, but I can do X for Y — or we can keep the scope and adjust the number. Which works?"

For a decline: "I appreciate the offer, but I can't make this work at that level. If the budget moves, I would love to revisit." Then stop negotiating.

• Never accept immediately after a counter — even if the final number is fine.
• Keep the reply short. Long justifications weaken your position.
• If they ask "what is your best number," restate your rate card, not a discount.