If you’re a content creator, you’ve probably come across platforms that promise to connect you with big brands and streamline your workflow. One such platform is GetRetrograde. It sounded like a great idea. A “one stop” solution to manage brand collaborations, cut down on the email back and forth, and help creators secure deals. But after giving it a try, I quickly realized it might not be the game changer I hoped for.

What is Retrograde?

Retrograde claims to be an “all-in-one” influencer management platform (Talent Agency) that offers email forwarding, deal management, and brand collaboration support. The idea is to simplify the process by acting as a middleman between creators and brands, handling communication and negotiation on your behalf. Sounds convenient, right? Unfortunately, the execution left a lot to be desired and gatekept.

My Experience with Retrograde

When I signed up for Retrograde, I was expecting a seamless experience where I could manage brand deals, respond to outreach, and secure collaborations without the usual hassle. Instead, I found myself locked out of key parts of the process. Here’s a breakdown of the issues I faced:

Lack of Transparency

One of the biggest red flags was the lack of transparency. I couldn’t see the actual emails from brands that reached out to me. Instead, everything was filtered through their “Emma” chat system, which provided only limited details about each opportunity. For example, I had 11 potential brand deals sitting in my dashboard, but I had no way to see the full context of those messages or verify if the rates were properly negotiated.

No Access to Brand Contacts

A major pain point was the inability to access the direct contact information for the brands reaching out. This meant I couldn’t follow up, ask questions, or negotiate terms directly. If you like to have control over your brand relationships (which most creators do), this is a huge drawback.

Unclear Payment and Commission Structure

GetRetrograde takes a 10% commission on deals, but without transparency into the actual negotiations, it’s impossible to know if they’re securing you the best possible rate. For example, one of my deals with a major tech brand was offered at $100. Significantly below my usual rates, and I had no way of knowing if they even attempted to negotiate for more on my behalf. I also have no way of knowing if they did in fact negotiate more and were offering me a rate they predetermined.

Limited Communication

The chat function felt more like a gatekeeper than a helpful assistant. I tried multiple times to get more information about brand inquiries, only to be met with vague responses or redirection to their dashboard, which still lacked the critical details I needed.

Should You Use GetRetrograde?

If you’re a content creator who prefers to have full control over your brand partnerships, GetRetrograde might not be the best choice. The lack of transparency, limited access to brand contacts, and questionable negotiation practices are significant drawbacks.

For creators who value transparency and direct communication, it’s better to stick with platforms that give you more control or manage your outreach directly. As a travel creator it’s important for us to be able to keep future communication accessible, where this platform also does not allow for.

and to be really honest for creators or brands who value aesthetics, having your handle listed with “getretrograde.com” is super long and ugly and “off brand” when displayed in your bio.

Final Thoughts

I’m all for platforms that make creators’ lives easier, but GetRetrograde didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It felt more like a barrier than a bridge to building meaningful brand relationships. If you’re considering using this service, make sure you fully understand what you’re giving up in terms of control and transparency.

Have you tried GetRetrograde or a similar service? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment below or reach out to me on social! Let’s share our experiences and keep the creator community informed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GetRetrograde a good platform for managing brand deals as a creator?

GetRetrograde might not be the best choice for creators who prefer transparency and control over their brand partnerships. The platform acts as a middleman, handling email communication and negotiations, but it restricts your direct access to brand emails, making it hard to know what’s really being discussed or offered. This can be frustrating if you like to personally negotiate your rates or understand the full context of a brand’s outreach.

Can I access the emails brands send me through GetRetrograde?

No, creators do not have direct access to the emails sent to their GetRetrograde address. The platform filters all communication through their “Emma” chat system, providing only limited information about each deal. This lack of transparency can make it difficult to assess the true potential of a partnership or follow up with brands directly.

Does GetRetrograde negotiate the best rates for creators?

Based on my experience, it’s unclear if GetRetrograde truly negotiates the best possible rates for creators. For example, I was offered a $100 deal from a major tech brand, which was significantly below my usual rates. Without being able to see the full email chain or negotiation details, it’s impossible to verify if they pushed for a better deal on my behalf.

How does GetRetrograde handle brand communication?

GetRetrograde centralizes all brand communication through their platform, but it feels more like a gatekeeper than a helpful assistant. When I tried to get more information about brand inquiries, the responses were often vague or redirected me to a dashboard that still lacked the critical details I needed to make informed decisions.

Is GetRetrograde worth the 10% commission they charge?

This really depends on how much control you want over your deals. The 10% commission might be worth it if you prefer a completely hands off approach, but if you want to have a say in your rates, relationships, and creative direction, it might not be worth the cost. Without transparency into the actual deal negotiations, you can’t be sure you’re getting fair value for your content.