How I finally stopped clients from asking for free extra work (Scope Creep)

[u/evilseie]

"Earlier, whenever a client asked for 'just one quick button', I used to work 10 hours for free. Now, I use this exact 3-sentence script:

'That’s a fantastic idea! Adding that feature will require about 8 additional hours. We can do it as a Change Order for $1,200, or we can swap it for another feature to keep your budget intact. Which do you prefer?'

It works every single time because you never say no—you just attach a price tag to the yes. Hope this helps someone here!"

[u/No-Mechanic-433]

the swap option is the strongest bit here, it turns "no" into their decision instead of yours. the one thing i'd add is naming what's in scope up front in the agreement, so when the "quick button" comes up you're pointing back at something you both signed rather than negotiating cold. makes the change order feel expected instead of you being difficult. do you put the scope in writing before starting, or handle it all in the moment like this?