Client keeps expanding scope without paying more - normal?

t_nguyen

about 1 month ago

My first client started with 'just email management' and three weeks in I'm also doing social media captions and light bookkeeping questions, still at the original rate. I like the client otherwise but this doesn't feel sustainable. Is this just what happens with a first client or did I mess up the scope conversation?

4 replies

Replies (4)

brookeonabudget·about 1 month ago

You didn't mess up, this is really common with a first client especially if you didn't have a written scope doc. I'd have a direct conversation now before it gets worse.

marisol_k·about 1 month ago

Had almost this exact situation. I brought it up as 'I want to keep doing great work for you, can we talk about adding X to the retainer' rather than framing it as a complaint. Worked fine.

devon_ruiz·about 1 month ago

This is exactly why I always send a scope doc now even for small clients, even if it feels overly formal for a small gig.

ordinary_pete·about 1 month ago

Counterpoint, I let scope drift a little on purpose with my first client because I needed the reference and portfolio work more than the extra $50. Just know that's a tradeoff you're choosing, not something happening to you.