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How to politely say to client that a project is outside my scope of work?
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I accepted a "full-time" freelance gig. Its freelance since its only 6 months and its remote and no need to go to the office. But I'm the only one who's gonna do their designs. They asked me for my rate and it was tricky for me since I'm going to be paid monthly like its a full time job.
I asked the frequency and scope of designs. I took the job and 3 weeks in, they're making me do vouchers and the frequency was more than I expected. Now they want me to do business cards. The scope of work was only posters and social media posts.
Honestly the rate wasn't THAT bad but I really wasn't expecting it to be this much. And I'm shy to confront them since honestly I'm thankful that they hired me. I'm not that experienced yet with design and its hard to get freelance clients. This one is fixed for 6 months. No hassle to source clients for me.
Here is the exact email for the scope of work:
Layouts per brand (THREE BRANDS)
- Menu editing – 1x every quarter (price revisions, removal of slow moving items, additional new items)
- Promo Posters – 1-2x monthly; resize for menu insert (optional) resize for social media, resize for tent cards, resize for creative
standee, resize for poster
- New Branches – lamp post banners, soon to open posters, board up collateral
- Social media for posts – 1-2x per week
communication freelance
edited 2 mins ago
IDrinkandIKnowThings
44k1598189
asked 10 hours ago
J. Mangum
63
 |Â
show 4 more comments
up vote
-2
down vote
favorite
I accepted a "full-time" freelance gig. Its freelance since its only 6 months and its remote and no need to go to the office. But I'm the only one who's gonna do their designs. They asked me for my rate and it was tricky for me since I'm going to be paid monthly like its a full time job.
I asked the frequency and scope of designs. I took the job and 3 weeks in, they're making me do vouchers and the frequency was more than I expected. Now they want me to do business cards. The scope of work was only posters and social media posts.
Honestly the rate wasn't THAT bad but I really wasn't expecting it to be this much. And I'm shy to confront them since honestly I'm thankful that they hired me. I'm not that experienced yet with design and its hard to get freelance clients. This one is fixed for 6 months. No hassle to source clients for me.
Here is the exact email for the scope of work:
Layouts per brand (THREE BRANDS)
- Menu editing – 1x every quarter (price revisions, removal of slow moving items, additional new items)
- Promo Posters – 1-2x monthly; resize for menu insert (optional) resize for social media, resize for tent cards, resize for creative
standee, resize for poster
- New Branches – lamp post banners, soon to open posters, board up collateral
- Social media for posts – 1-2x per week
communication freelance
edited 2 mins ago
IDrinkandIKnowThings
44k1598189
asked 10 hours ago
J. Mangum
63
is it an hourly rate? Are they paying you for 8 hours a day or something?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
@Kilisi No. I get paid monthly.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
on what basis? How many hours a month are you expected to work?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
1
do you have a written agreement of the scope? Email at least?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
1
Would expanding the scope of your work require you to work additional hours in the month without pay? Are these additional tasks preventing you from doing paid work for other clients? Otherwise, I'm not sure I understand the problem.
– Joe Strazzere
8 hours ago
 |Â
show 4 more comments
up vote
-2
down vote
favorite
up vote
-2
down vote
favorite
I accepted a "full-time" freelance gig. Its freelance since its only 6 months and its remote and no need to go to the office. But I'm the only one who's gonna do their designs. They asked me for my rate and it was tricky for me since I'm going to be paid monthly like its a full time job.
I asked the frequency and scope of designs. I took the job and 3 weeks in, they're making me do vouchers and the frequency was more than I expected. Now they want me to do business cards. The scope of work was only posters and social media posts.
Honestly the rate wasn't THAT bad but I really wasn't expecting it to be this much. And I'm shy to confront them since honestly I'm thankful that they hired me. I'm not that experienced yet with design and its hard to get freelance clients. This one is fixed for 6 months. No hassle to source clients for me.
Here is the exact email for the scope of work:
Layouts per brand (THREE BRANDS)
- Menu editing – 1x every quarter (price revisions, removal of slow moving items, additional new items)
- Promo Posters – 1-2x monthly; resize for menu insert (optional) resize for social media, resize for tent cards, resize for creative
standee, resize for poster
- New Branches – lamp post banners, soon to open posters, board up collateral
- Social media for posts – 1-2x per week
communication freelance
edited 2 mins ago
IDrinkandIKnowThings
44k1598189
asked 10 hours ago
J. Mangum
63
I accepted a "full-time" freelance gig. Its freelance since its only 6 months and its remote and no need to go to the office. But I'm the only one who's gonna do their designs. They asked me for my rate and it was tricky for me since I'm going to be paid monthly like its a full time job.
I asked the frequency and scope of designs. I took the job and 3 weeks in, they're making me do vouchers and the frequency was more than I expected. Now they want me to do business cards. The scope of work was only posters and social media posts.
Honestly the rate wasn't THAT bad but I really wasn't expecting it to be this much. And I'm shy to confront them since honestly I'm thankful that they hired me. I'm not that experienced yet with design and its hard to get freelance clients. This one is fixed for 6 months. No hassle to source clients for me.
Here is the exact email for the scope of work:
Layouts per brand (THREE BRANDS)
- Menu editing – 1x every quarter (price revisions, removal of slow moving items, additional new items)
- Promo Posters – 1-2x monthly; resize for menu insert (optional) resize for social media, resize for tent cards, resize for creative
standee, resize for poster
- New Branches – lamp post banners, soon to open posters, board up collateral
- Social media for posts – 1-2x per week
communication freelance
communication freelance
edited 2 mins ago
IDrinkandIKnowThings
44k1598189
asked 10 hours ago
J. Mangum
63
edited 2 mins ago
IDrinkandIKnowThings
44k1598189
asked 10 hours ago
J. Mangum
63
edited 2 mins ago
IDrinkandIKnowThings
44k1598189
edited 2 mins ago
IDrinkandIKnowThings
44k1598189
edited 2 mins ago
IDrinkandIKnowThings
44k1598189
44k1598189
asked 10 hours ago
J. Mangum
63
asked 10 hours ago
J. Mangum
63
asked 10 hours ago
J. Mangum
63
63
is it an hourly rate? Are they paying you for 8 hours a day or something?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
@Kilisi No. I get paid monthly.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
on what basis? How many hours a month are you expected to work?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
1
do you have a written agreement of the scope? Email at least?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
1
Would expanding the scope of your work require you to work additional hours in the month without pay? Are these additional tasks preventing you from doing paid work for other clients? Otherwise, I'm not sure I understand the problem.
– Joe Strazzere
8 hours ago
 |Â
show 4 more comments
is it an hourly rate? Are they paying you for 8 hours a day or something?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
@Kilisi No. I get paid monthly.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
on what basis? How many hours a month are you expected to work?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
1
do you have a written agreement of the scope? Email at least?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
1
Would expanding the scope of your work require you to work additional hours in the month without pay? Are these additional tasks preventing you from doing paid work for other clients? Otherwise, I'm not sure I understand the problem.
– Joe Strazzere
8 hours ago
is it an hourly rate? Are they paying you for 8 hours a day or something?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
is it an hourly rate? Are they paying you for 8 hours a day or something?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
@Kilisi No. I get paid monthly.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
@Kilisi No. I get paid monthly.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
on what basis? How many hours a month are you expected to work?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
on what basis? How many hours a month are you expected to work?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
1
1
do you have a written agreement of the scope? Email at least?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
do you have a written agreement of the scope? Email at least?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
1
1
Would expanding the scope of your work require you to work additional hours in the month without pay? Are these additional tasks preventing you from doing paid work for other clients? Otherwise, I'm not sure I understand the problem.
– Joe Strazzere
8 hours ago
Would expanding the scope of your work require you to work additional hours in the month without pay? Are these additional tasks preventing you from doing paid work for other clients? Otherwise, I'm not sure I understand the problem.
– Joe Strazzere
8 hours ago
 |Â
show 4 more comments
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
up vote
6
down vote
If you have a written agreement outlining the scope it's easy. You just include that with a message saying that the extra work is out of scope and giving a costing for the extra work. This is normal procedure, so do it confidently and professionally. Outline the costs and ask what timeframes they need it done in as if it was an entirely different job. Then you can move forwards when they reply.
If you don't have a written agreement, then you do the same thing. At the end of the day, you're a freelancer, not an employee. Any scope creep weakens your present and future negotiations and status.
You haven't had a payment yet and they're trying to maximise returns on their money. At this point they haven't invested much in you. If you're really nervous about losing them as a client, then wait until you have received your first payment. Once money has changed hands there is more of an investment which means you have a stronger negotiating/dispute base.
Do you think gift cards and business cards shouldn't be included on my work?
That is entirely up to your interpretation, as a freelancer you are your own boss. If something is not clear you can interpret it however you want, they can negotiate. But just taking it on the chin is a bad idea.
answered 9 hours ago
Kilisi
104k57234409
Thank you. Honestly im just really scared to confront because I might lose them and I RARELY get a freelance job like this. I'll sleep on this and think about it.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
1
If you're desperate then you just take the knocks for short term money. But in the long run you have to train yourself to be a bit mercenary about things if you expect to make a rising career out of it. If you're really nervous wait until after your first payment. Up to now they haven't invested that much in you and don't have a lot to lose by dumping you.
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
That is true. Its only been 2 weeks. But its going to be weird if I still let this happen and doesn't bring it up when it came up. I think I might do it. I just dont know how to compose my email. Actually its better to do it now while I still have a full time job
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
2
Keep the email short and professional. 'Hello, X and Y are outside the scope of our original agreement and will be charged separately. Attached is a breakdown of costings. Regards..../ or ......'outside of the scope of our original agreement, please advise if you would like me to quote on them, Regards'. Personally I just quote... saves time
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
You still bring it up as additional scope; then if they say “we don’t want to pay extra for that you should just do it because†then you can decide to take it or not. But by not bringing it up at all you do yourself a great disservice.
– mxyzplk
8 hours ago
 |Â
show 1 more comment
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
6
down vote
If you have a written agreement outlining the scope it's easy. You just include that with a message saying that the extra work is out of scope and giving a costing for the extra work. This is normal procedure, so do it confidently and professionally. Outline the costs and ask what timeframes they need it done in as if it was an entirely different job. Then you can move forwards when they reply.
If you don't have a written agreement, then you do the same thing. At the end of the day, you're a freelancer, not an employee. Any scope creep weakens your present and future negotiations and status.
You haven't had a payment yet and they're trying to maximise returns on their money. At this point they haven't invested much in you. If you're really nervous about losing them as a client, then wait until you have received your first payment. Once money has changed hands there is more of an investment which means you have a stronger negotiating/dispute base.
Do you think gift cards and business cards shouldn't be included on my work?
That is entirely up to your interpretation, as a freelancer you are your own boss. If something is not clear you can interpret it however you want, they can negotiate. But just taking it on the chin is a bad idea.
answered 9 hours ago
Kilisi
104k57234409
Thank you. Honestly im just really scared to confront because I might lose them and I RARELY get a freelance job like this. I'll sleep on this and think about it.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
1
If you're desperate then you just take the knocks for short term money. But in the long run you have to train yourself to be a bit mercenary about things if you expect to make a rising career out of it. If you're really nervous wait until after your first payment. Up to now they haven't invested that much in you and don't have a lot to lose by dumping you.
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
That is true. Its only been 2 weeks. But its going to be weird if I still let this happen and doesn't bring it up when it came up. I think I might do it. I just dont know how to compose my email. Actually its better to do it now while I still have a full time job
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
2
Keep the email short and professional. 'Hello, X and Y are outside the scope of our original agreement and will be charged separately. Attached is a breakdown of costings. Regards..../ or ......'outside of the scope of our original agreement, please advise if you would like me to quote on them, Regards'. Personally I just quote... saves time
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
You still bring it up as additional scope; then if they say “we don’t want to pay extra for that you should just do it because†then you can decide to take it or not. But by not bringing it up at all you do yourself a great disservice.
– mxyzplk
8 hours ago
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
6
down vote
If you have a written agreement outlining the scope it's easy. You just include that with a message saying that the extra work is out of scope and giving a costing for the extra work. This is normal procedure, so do it confidently and professionally. Outline the costs and ask what timeframes they need it done in as if it was an entirely different job. Then you can move forwards when they reply.
If you don't have a written agreement, then you do the same thing. At the end of the day, you're a freelancer, not an employee. Any scope creep weakens your present and future negotiations and status.
You haven't had a payment yet and they're trying to maximise returns on their money. At this point they haven't invested much in you. If you're really nervous about losing them as a client, then wait until you have received your first payment. Once money has changed hands there is more of an investment which means you have a stronger negotiating/dispute base.
Do you think gift cards and business cards shouldn't be included on my work?
That is entirely up to your interpretation, as a freelancer you are your own boss. If something is not clear you can interpret it however you want, they can negotiate. But just taking it on the chin is a bad idea.
answered 9 hours ago
Kilisi
104k57234409
Thank you. Honestly im just really scared to confront because I might lose them and I RARELY get a freelance job like this. I'll sleep on this and think about it.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
1
If you're desperate then you just take the knocks for short term money. But in the long run you have to train yourself to be a bit mercenary about things if you expect to make a rising career out of it. If you're really nervous wait until after your first payment. Up to now they haven't invested that much in you and don't have a lot to lose by dumping you.
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
That is true. Its only been 2 weeks. But its going to be weird if I still let this happen and doesn't bring it up when it came up. I think I might do it. I just dont know how to compose my email. Actually its better to do it now while I still have a full time job
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
2
Keep the email short and professional. 'Hello, X and Y are outside the scope of our original agreement and will be charged separately. Attached is a breakdown of costings. Regards..../ or ......'outside of the scope of our original agreement, please advise if you would like me to quote on them, Regards'. Personally I just quote... saves time
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
You still bring it up as additional scope; then if they say “we don’t want to pay extra for that you should just do it because†then you can decide to take it or not. But by not bringing it up at all you do yourself a great disservice.
– mxyzplk
8 hours ago
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
6
down vote
up vote
6
down vote
If you have a written agreement outlining the scope it's easy. You just include that with a message saying that the extra work is out of scope and giving a costing for the extra work. This is normal procedure, so do it confidently and professionally. Outline the costs and ask what timeframes they need it done in as if it was an entirely different job. Then you can move forwards when they reply.
If you don't have a written agreement, then you do the same thing. At the end of the day, you're a freelancer, not an employee. Any scope creep weakens your present and future negotiations and status.
You haven't had a payment yet and they're trying to maximise returns on their money. At this point they haven't invested much in you. If you're really nervous about losing them as a client, then wait until you have received your first payment. Once money has changed hands there is more of an investment which means you have a stronger negotiating/dispute base.
Do you think gift cards and business cards shouldn't be included on my work?
That is entirely up to your interpretation, as a freelancer you are your own boss. If something is not clear you can interpret it however you want, they can negotiate. But just taking it on the chin is a bad idea.
answered 9 hours ago
Kilisi
104k57234409
If you have a written agreement outlining the scope it's easy. You just include that with a message saying that the extra work is out of scope and giving a costing for the extra work. This is normal procedure, so do it confidently and professionally. Outline the costs and ask what timeframes they need it done in as if it was an entirely different job. Then you can move forwards when they reply.
If you don't have a written agreement, then you do the same thing. At the end of the day, you're a freelancer, not an employee. Any scope creep weakens your present and future negotiations and status.
You haven't had a payment yet and they're trying to maximise returns on their money. At this point they haven't invested much in you. If you're really nervous about losing them as a client, then wait until you have received your first payment. Once money has changed hands there is more of an investment which means you have a stronger negotiating/dispute base.
Do you think gift cards and business cards shouldn't be included on my work?
That is entirely up to your interpretation, as a freelancer you are your own boss. If something is not clear you can interpret it however you want, they can negotiate. But just taking it on the chin is a bad idea.
answered 9 hours ago
Kilisi
104k57234409
edited 9 hours ago
answered 9 hours ago
Kilisi
104k57234409
answered 9 hours ago
Kilisi
104k57234409
answered 9 hours ago
Kilisi
104k57234409
104k57234409
Thank you. Honestly im just really scared to confront because I might lose them and I RARELY get a freelance job like this. I'll sleep on this and think about it.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
1
If you're desperate then you just take the knocks for short term money. But in the long run you have to train yourself to be a bit mercenary about things if you expect to make a rising career out of it. If you're really nervous wait until after your first payment. Up to now they haven't invested that much in you and don't have a lot to lose by dumping you.
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
That is true. Its only been 2 weeks. But its going to be weird if I still let this happen and doesn't bring it up when it came up. I think I might do it. I just dont know how to compose my email. Actually its better to do it now while I still have a full time job
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
2
Keep the email short and professional. 'Hello, X and Y are outside the scope of our original agreement and will be charged separately. Attached is a breakdown of costings. Regards..../ or ......'outside of the scope of our original agreement, please advise if you would like me to quote on them, Regards'. Personally I just quote... saves time
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
You still bring it up as additional scope; then if they say “we don’t want to pay extra for that you should just do it because†then you can decide to take it or not. But by not bringing it up at all you do yourself a great disservice.
– mxyzplk
8 hours ago
 |Â
show 1 more comment
Thank you. Honestly im just really scared to confront because I might lose them and I RARELY get a freelance job like this. I'll sleep on this and think about it.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
1
If you're desperate then you just take the knocks for short term money. But in the long run you have to train yourself to be a bit mercenary about things if you expect to make a rising career out of it. If you're really nervous wait until after your first payment. Up to now they haven't invested that much in you and don't have a lot to lose by dumping you.
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
That is true. Its only been 2 weeks. But its going to be weird if I still let this happen and doesn't bring it up when it came up. I think I might do it. I just dont know how to compose my email. Actually its better to do it now while I still have a full time job
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
2
Keep the email short and professional. 'Hello, X and Y are outside the scope of our original agreement and will be charged separately. Attached is a breakdown of costings. Regards..../ or ......'outside of the scope of our original agreement, please advise if you would like me to quote on them, Regards'. Personally I just quote... saves time
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
You still bring it up as additional scope; then if they say “we don’t want to pay extra for that you should just do it because†then you can decide to take it or not. But by not bringing it up at all you do yourself a great disservice.
– mxyzplk
8 hours ago
Thank you. Honestly im just really scared to confront because I might lose them and I RARELY get a freelance job like this. I'll sleep on this and think about it.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
Thank you. Honestly im just really scared to confront because I might lose them and I RARELY get a freelance job like this. I'll sleep on this and think about it.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
1
1
If you're desperate then you just take the knocks for short term money. But in the long run you have to train yourself to be a bit mercenary about things if you expect to make a rising career out of it. If you're really nervous wait until after your first payment. Up to now they haven't invested that much in you and don't have a lot to lose by dumping you.
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
If you're desperate then you just take the knocks for short term money. But in the long run you have to train yourself to be a bit mercenary about things if you expect to make a rising career out of it. If you're really nervous wait until after your first payment. Up to now they haven't invested that much in you and don't have a lot to lose by dumping you.
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
That is true. Its only been 2 weeks. But its going to be weird if I still let this happen and doesn't bring it up when it came up. I think I might do it. I just dont know how to compose my email. Actually its better to do it now while I still have a full time job
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
That is true. Its only been 2 weeks. But its going to be weird if I still let this happen and doesn't bring it up when it came up. I think I might do it. I just dont know how to compose my email. Actually its better to do it now while I still have a full time job
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
2
2
Keep the email short and professional. 'Hello, X and Y are outside the scope of our original agreement and will be charged separately. Attached is a breakdown of costings. Regards..../ or ......'outside of the scope of our original agreement, please advise if you would like me to quote on them, Regards'. Personally I just quote... saves time
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
Keep the email short and professional. 'Hello, X and Y are outside the scope of our original agreement and will be charged separately. Attached is a breakdown of costings. Regards..../ or ......'outside of the scope of our original agreement, please advise if you would like me to quote on them, Regards'. Personally I just quote... saves time
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
You still bring it up as additional scope; then if they say “we don’t want to pay extra for that you should just do it because†then you can decide to take it or not. But by not bringing it up at all you do yourself a great disservice.
– mxyzplk
8 hours ago
You still bring it up as additional scope; then if they say “we don’t want to pay extra for that you should just do it because†then you can decide to take it or not. But by not bringing it up at all you do yourself a great disservice.
– mxyzplk
8 hours ago
 |Â
show 1 more comment
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is it an hourly rate? Are they paying you for 8 hours a day or something?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
@Kilisi No. I get paid monthly.
– J. Mangum
9 hours ago
on what basis? How many hours a month are you expected to work?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
1
do you have a written agreement of the scope? Email at least?
– Kilisi
9 hours ago
1
Would expanding the scope of your work require you to work additional hours in the month without pay? Are these additional tasks preventing you from doing paid work for other clients? Otherwise, I'm not sure I understand the problem.
– Joe Strazzere
8 hours ago