Ever find yourself deep into a project that somehow morphed into something much bigger (and longer) than what you originally signed up for?
Maybe you’re performing way more revisions than agreed on or tackling tasks that were never part of the plan.
If so, you may have found yourself in a scope creep situation.
So, what exactly is scope creep?
Scope creep occurs when a client requests additional changes beyond the initial agreement, including continuous revisions, new demands, or changing expectations. While some requests may be minor and harmless, such as “Can you just tweak this color?”, others can quickly snowball into unpaid extra work for you.
It can be a creepy thing
Dealing with these situations can be frustrating and challenging to navigate. It can feel like you’re caught between wanting to please your client and protecting your time (and sanity). On one hand, you might want to finish the project on good terms to secure a positive review and protect your metrics and reputation. But on the other hand, you don’t want to feel like your client is walking all over you or demanding work you’re not being compensated for.
It’s a tricky balance, but if handled strategically and professionally, it’s possible to protect your metrics, maintain a positive client relationship, and ensure you’re not being taken advantage of.
Let’s walk through it.
Get ahead of it: preventing scope creep before it starts
The best way to protect yourself from scope creep is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Clearly define your packages
When setting up your Gigs, be as descriptive as possible about what each package includes (and doesn’t include). For example, if your standard package offers three revisions, make that crystal clear. You can also use your FAQs to clarify common misunderstandings or expectations. For example, if some clients might expect source files but your packages don’t include them, consider adding this information to your FAQs. This helps avoid confusion later on.
Nail your pre-order communication
Before you begin working on an order, ensure that you and your client are fully aligned. Gather all project details upfront, ask clarifying questions, and send a thorough recap message confirming what’s been agreed on. Your recap should include:
- The number of revisions included
- What counts as a “revision” versus a new request
You can even clarify what happens if they need extra work:
“Each additional revision beyond the included three will cost $X.”
That way, if things start to drift from the original plan, you can easily refer back to that recap message.
Handling scope creep when it happens
Even if you’ve done everything right, scope creep can still pop up. Here’s how to handle it professionally and protect your boundaries:
- Kindly acknowledge. Start by thanking the client for their trust and enthusiasm. It shows that you value their input and aren’t rejecting their ideas outright.
- Reference the original agreement. Gently remind them what was included in the original scope of work.
- Clarify the extra work. Be specific about which parts of their new request fall outside the original agreement. The clearer you are, the easier it is to avoid confusion.
- Offer options for moving forward. Show your client you’re flexible and solution-oriented:
- Offer to send a custom offer for the additional work.
- Suggest completing the original order first and treating new requests as a separate project.
Here’s how you can phrase it:
“Thanks so much for sharing these new ideas! I really appreciate your feedback. Just a quick reminder, our original agreement included [briefly restate what was included — e.g., ‘two logo concepts and up to three rounds of revisions’]. The new requests you mentioned go a bit beyond that scope, but I’d be more than happy to accommodate them with a custom offer.
I can send one your way that covers the extra work and time needed, or if you’d prefer, we can stick to the original plan for now and save these ideas for a future project. Totally up to you!”
All in all, you shouldn’t be afraid to set boundaries. They aren’t unprofessional, they’re a mark of respect for both your time and your client’s. When communicated calmly and clearly, most clients will appreciate your transparency (and many will be open to paying for extra work).
Know when to ask for help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a client may continue to push for more than what was agreed upon. If you’ve communicated clearly, set expectations, and your buyer still won’t respect your boundaries, reach out to Fiverr Customer Support.
They can look at your situation objectively, help mediate, and suggest next steps so you don’t feel stuck.
Bottom line:
Scope creep happens, but it doesn’t have to derail your project or your peace of mind. Set expectations early, stay firm yet friendly, and don’t hesitate to charge for additional work. Remember: your time, skill, and energy all have value. The right buyers will respect that.
