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Used a satisfaction guarantee to stop scope creep cold

Had a client who kept adding small requests to a $3,000 web project, tiny things that piled up into 15 extra hours. I wrote a simple clause saying any change beyond the original scope voids the 100% satisfaction guarantee. Has anyone tried something like this to shut down the endless 'one more little thing' requests?
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3 Comments
matthewking
Feels like a lot of paperwork for a few extra requests. Unless they're asking for a whole new site, seems like you could just say no or charge them.
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logan_anderson40
The "just say no" thing works great until the client is a referral from someone you work with regularly. Then you're stuck either burning a bridge or doing free work. I've been down that road before and it costs more in the long run than some stupid contract addendum. A quick change order form takes me ten minutes to fill out and saves me from awkward conversations about money later. Paperwork is annoying but it keeps the relationship professional and the client knows where they stand.
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michael_williams
Yeah but that "just say no" part gets tricky when you've already taken their money and they keep coming back. Paperwork sucks but it's better than some he said she said over email later.
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