Stop Scope Creep: How to Charge for Extra Client Requests (Without Guilt)

You delivered what was promised — so why are they still circling back with “just one more thing”?

You’re not imagining it.

The “quick edits,” “minor tweaks,” and “tiny asks” are draining your time, stretching your energy, and bleeding your business dry.

Today, we’re shutting down the never-ending feedback loop — without burning bridges, bending over backwards, or playing the guilt game.

Because boundaries don’t make you rude.
They make you profitable.

When “One Small Tweak” Turns Into Six Months of Free Work

One of my clients — a consulting firm with high-quality delivery and a wide-open contract — got caught in a cycle that nearly tanked their momentum.

They were hired to customize an off-the-shelf solution. The contract was signed. The goals were clear.

Then came the requests:

• “Can you move this column?”

• “We need a different format for the vendor…”

• “Just one quick change before we send it to leadership.”

Each one sounded small. But they kept coming. And here’s what happened:

• Their team was spread too thin

• Revenue from new clients stalled

• They were working for free

• And they felt trapped — like pushing back would look unprofessional

The root issue?
No clause that said what was included.
No pricing path for extra work.
No defined endpoint.

Why Clients Keep Asking for More (It’s Not Always Malicious)

Most clients aren’t trying to take advantage of you.

Here’s what’s actually going on:

• “Quick edits” feel innocent to them

• They think they’ve bought a partnership, not a deliverable

• If the contract doesn’t spell it out, they’ll keep asking

• If you don’t have a plan to say no, you’ll keep saying yes

Even amazing service providers often leave the door wide open — energetically and operationally.

The Misalignment That Bleeds You Dry

Clients expected ongoing VIP support.
The team expected a project with a clear end.

But without a Scope Creep Clause, no one could define what “done” meant — and the team ended up burning time and losing revenue.

The Fix: A Scope Creep Clause That Sets the Record Straight

This whole spiral could’ve been avoided with two simple contract tools:

• A Scope Creep Clause that defines what’s included, what’s not, and how extra work is quoted

• An Acceptance Clause that clearly ends a phase or project and triggers payment

But right now, we’re focusing on the Scope Creep Clause — because that’s what stops the “just one more thing” cycle before it starts.

The Scope Creep Clause Playbook gives you:

• Copy/paste contract language

• Client-friendly explanations

• Word-for-word email scripts that let you hold boundaries without conflict or guilt

When your contract draws the line — and your energy aligns with it — clients respect it.

How to Reinforce Boundaries in Your Communication

The language you use sets the tone, even before the contract is signed. Try:

• “This project includes X milestones. Additional work will be quoted separately.”

• “Unless we hear otherwise by [date], we’ll consider this complete.”

• “If anything new comes up, happy to send an estimate.”

Clear isn’t cold — it’s confident. And it gets you paid.

Ready to Get Paid for the Work You’re Already Doing?

If you’re done overdelivering, undercharging, and hoping your kindness gets respected…

The Scope Creep Clause Playbook is your next move.

It’s just $17. And it gives you the exact words — contract language, email scripts, and client-friendly boundaries — to stop the endless change requests and finally run a business that respects your time and your talent.

Because doing great work shouldn’t mean working for free.
And saying no shouldn’t feel like betrayal.

Let’s fix this — and turn that “just one more thing” into “happy to quote that for you.”

Scope Creep Clause Playbook

Stop the “just one more thing” loop. Use this contract clause to prevent unpaid extras and late-night edits.

Get the Playbook

Common Questions (And How to Answer Them)

Can I use a Scope Creep Clause if I bill hourly?
Yes. Whether you bill hourly or flat-rate, the key is defining what’s included and when things move outside that.

Can I charge more if the client keeps adding things, even if it’s not in the contract?
You can try — but without clear terms, you’re relying on their goodwill. That’s a risky way to run a business.

What if the client says, “I thought that was included”?
Respond with:
“I totally get it. To keep things clear and on track, I quote separately for anything beyond what’s listed. Want me to send that over?”

Do I need a separate contract for every added request?
Not always. A quick add-on or scope expansion works if your original contract allows it — and if it’s confirmed in writing.

Can I just send a new invoice when they ask for more?
Only if your contract says that’s how changes will be handled. Otherwise, they can dispute it. Clear terms = smooth payments.

What if I feel bad charging for small changes?
That guilt is costing you real money. If this were retail, nobody would expect a free bonus item at checkout. This is no different.

What if I didn’t include a Scope Creep Clause in my current contract?
You can’t enforce what’s not written. But you can update your template today — and start using clearer scope-based language in your emails moving forward.

Won’t clients get upset if I push back?
Only if you spring it on them. If you normalize boundaries early — in tone and in contract — most clients will respect them.

How do I explain this without sounding cold or greedy?
Try:
“To stay aligned with the project scope and timeline, I’ll prepare a separate quote for anything outside the original deliverables.”

Is it too late to introduce this mid-project?
You can’t change a signed contract without both parties agreeing — but you can clarify what’s included moving forward. The Playbook gives you the language.