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How to manage clients adding more work to project
Hi,
I've had a couple of instances recently where I'll bid for and win a job with a particular brief. After contacting the client and doing the work they'll say 'could you just do X as well?' or something similar. Now of course I don't mind if it's the occasional thing here or there - I understand projects change. But what I'm not sure of is where to draw the line, or what the etiquette is for asking for more money. I don't want to sour the relationship, and I understand that I need to be flexible, but when does it become too much? Or is that just the freelancer's lot? What are your experiences with this, and how did you handle it?
I've had a couple of instances recently where I'll bid for and win a job with a particular brief. After contacting the client and doing the work they'll say 'could you just do X as well?' or something similar. Now of course I don't mind if it's the occasional thing here or there - I understand projects change. But what I'm not sure of is where to draw the line, or what the etiquette is for asking for more money. I don't want to sour the relationship, and I understand that I need to be flexible, but when does it become too much? Or is that just the freelancer's lot? What are your experiences with this, and how did you handle it?
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Lupita
Messages count : 207Likes count : 6Registration : 2 November 2006Hi Jess3D, FreelanceUK arranged for an expert to answer your query!
https://www.free-work.com/en-gb/tech-it/blog/freelancer-news
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edw2016
Messages count : 4Likes count : 1Registration : 18 April 2016Hi Jess3D,
During my time as a freelancer, I found the best thing is to be honest. If you have the time to do more work for the client and they offer straight away to pay extra, then you should go for it. If they ask for more work, then you can politely ask that they increase the money they are paying you. Chances are if you ask politely they will not be offended by the question. And forgive my bluntness, but if they do get annoyed and decide to end their relationship with you, then quite frankly they don't deserve your hard work.
It also depends on the volume of extra work they are asking for. As a freelance writer, I would let clients off if they asked for an extra 200 words or something like that. My general rule was that if it needed an extra hour's work (say 500 words upwards) then I would ask for remuneration. Whenever I asked politely and gently for it, they have always agreed and paid me extra. But it's entirely your decision as to where you 'draw the line' as it were.
Hope that helps! - Contact in PM
Mark Lyons
Messages count : 21Likes count : 4Registration : 7 January 2016I suggest you only one thing to avoid these situations. Always work with Digital Signatures (Approveme.me) It can help you to sign documents online with the client in which all terms and conditions must be written. If you have a legal bond you client cannot ever tease you.
These are the small things which we avoid but very beneficial. Try this I am sure you never face this kind of problem. - Contact in PM
lon124
Messages count : 3Likes count : 0Registration : 6 August 2016Hi Jess3D, you asked this question back in March, did you get any extra money in the end? It's great that they are asking for more work, it means that they value (and need) your service. The rest is just sales strategy :)
I would do some small changes for free, part of good customer service. If they've made a spelling mistake or realised they'd sent the wrong picture, that sort of thing. You don't want them to be left in the lurch.
For anything else, I start charging straight away. I used to be worried about this too but it changed when I started to assume that they expect to be charged extra. It's a small psychological trick that you can play on yourself. Here's a standard email that I send out:
"Dear ..., thank you for your email. Yes, of course, I'd be happy to carry out the extra changes. I estimate it would take 2 days. Under our agreed rate that comes to £x. Please confirm that you would like to go ahead and I can get started straight away. Best regards,..."
This is a really positive approach, there are no obstacles in the way. It doesn't open up any questions about whether you're 'allowed' to charge. Quite often they ask for an estimate straight away the next time they ask for changes 🙂 Hope that helps! - Contact in PM
AlexMorrison
Messages count : 8Likes count : 0Registration : 10 October 2016
Agree with this, just be polite in stating that you are charging more and usually it works out well.lon124, post: 25217, member: 29711 a écrit : Hi Jess3D, you asked this question back in March, did you get any extra money in the end? It's great that they are asking for more work, it means that they value (and need) your service. The rest is just sales strategy :)
I would do some small changes for free, part of good customer service. If they've made a spelling mistake or realised they'd sent the wrong picture, that sort of thing. You don't want them to be left in the lurch.
For anything else, I start charging straight away. I used to be worried about this too but it changed when I started to assume that they expect to be charged extra. It's a small psychological trick that you can play on yourself. Here's a standard email that I send out:
"Dear ..., thank you for your email. Yes, of course, I'd be happy to carry out the extra changes. I estimate it would take 2 days. Under our agreed rate that comes to £x. Please confirm that you would like to go ahead and I can get started straight away. Best regards,..."
This is a really positive approach, there are no obstacles in the way. It doesn't open up any questions about whether you're 'allowed' to charge. Quite often they ask for an estimate straight away the next time they ask for changes 🙂 Hope that helps!