Scope Creep Response Script
By jieunUX · Published · Updated
Saying no to the extra request without damaging the relationship.
Tags: Business, Communication, Planning
Prompt template
A client has asked for something outside what we agreed. - What we agreed: [textarea: Original scope and deliverables] - What they are now asking for: [textarea: In their words] - How much extra work it actually is: [text: Hours or days] - Has this happened before: [dropdown: First time, It has been creeping for weeks, Constantly, Long-standing good client] - Would I mind losing them: [dropdown: Want to keep them, Neutral, Would be quietly relieved] Draft the reply. Acknowledge the request, say clearly it sits outside the agreed scope, and offer three routes: a change order with a price, swapping it for something already in scope, or a later phase. Warm, not defensive. Then give me a clause to put in future agreements so this conversation happens less, and what to say if they push back.