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Scope creep email generator
The client asked for something that wasn't in the agreement. Pick how you want to handle it and get a friendly, firm reply ready to send.
Best when the request is clear and you have the time: price it, state the timeline impact, and ask for written approval.
Your reply
Hi [Client], Thanks, that's a good idea. Adding [the new request] isn't part of the scope we agreed, so I've priced it separately: $600.00, and it would add about 3 business days to the timeline. If you'd like to go ahead, reply to confirm and I'll send a short change order to sign. Work on it starts once that's approved; everything else stays on track as planned. Best, [Your name]
Scope creep starts with a vague contract. Clinch writes a clear scope with a change-request clause, signed from the client's phone: start from the SOW template →
How to say no to scope creep (without saying no)
Never say a flat no and never say a silent yes. Acknowledge the idea, name that it's outside the agreed scope, and offer a path: a price and timeline, a trade for something else, or a later phase. Ask for written approval before you start. The reply is easy when your contract already defines the scope and says extra work needs a change request; if it doesn't, fix that in the next contract.
FAQ
What is scope creep?
Work that gets added to a project after the agreement, usually in small requests, without any change to the price or the deadline.
How do I tell a client something is out of scope?
Politely and quickly: thank them, say it isn't in the agreed scope, and offer options with a price and a timeline. The longer you wait, the more it feels already included.
Should I do small extras for free?
Occasionally, on purpose, and say so ('happy to include this one at no charge'). Doing them silently teaches the client that extras are free.
How do I prevent scope creep?
List deliverables and exclusions in the contract, limit revision rounds, and include a clause that out-of-scope work needs a written change order.
Stop scope creep at the contract.
Clinch drafts contracts with a clear scope, exclusions and a change-request clause; your client signs from their phone and the deposit is requested at signature.
Draft the contract with Clinch