Been juggling a project where the scope keeps shifting. Client wants extra features, but we didn’t discuss pricing upfront. Now I’m stuck wondering how to adjust the invoice without seeming unprofessional.
Anyone dealt with mid-project price changes before? Feels like I’m walking a tightrope here.
Been there, done that. It’s a tricky spot, but not impossible to navigate.
Here’s what I’d do:
On the call, be honest about the situation. Explain how the project’s grown beyond the original scope. Show them your breakdown of extras.
Give them options:
Whatever they choose, get it in writing. Email summary after the call.
For the future, always include a clause about scope changes in your contracts. Saves a ton of headaches.
Look, you gotta nip this in the bud right now. Call the client, explain the extra work costs more. Simple as that. Don’t dance around it.
Next time, get everything in writing before you start. Change orders, hourly rates for extras, the works. Makes life easier.
For now, break down the added features, time spent, and materials used. Show them why it’s costing more. Most clients get it if you’re straight with them. Just don’t let it drag on or you’ll be eating the costs yourself.
I’d just tell 'em straight up. Extra work means more money. Make a list of the new stuff and what it costs. Call the client and talk it out. Keep it simple.
Eh I just wing it usually. Customers ask for more stuff I do it. Sometimes I forget to charge extra though.
I’ve been in this spot more times than I can count. It’s a pain, but there’s a way out.
Here’s what worked for me:
I made a quick spreadsheet listing all the extra stuff the client wanted. Put down rough time estimates for each item. Then I called the client for a chat.
I explained that the project grew bigger than we first thought. Showed them my list of extras and how much time they’d take. Gave them a ballpark figure for the additional cost.
Most clients get it when you lay it out clearly. They might not like it, but they understand.
I learned to add a bit in my contracts about how we handle changes. Something like ‘Any additions beyond the original scope will be billed at $X per hour.’ Saves a lot of awkward conversations later.
For now, just be upfront with your client. The sooner you talk about it, the better. And next time, you’ll be ready with that contract clause.
I always outline everything in the contract, including how we handle changes. It saves headaches later.
For your situation, talk to the client ASAP. Explain the extra work means extra costs. Be specific about what’s changed and why it impacts the price.
Most clients understand if you’re upfront. Just don’t wait until the final invoice to bring it up.