Just realized I was wrong about charging by the hour for my web design work

I switched to fixed project rates after a client in Tampa argued for 3 hours about a 15-minute logo tweak last month, so how do you handle scope creep without burning a whole day?

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3 Comments

black.beth6mo ago

My past self was a total doormat who would have done that logo tweak for free AND apologized for it. Fixed rates are the only way to save your sanity. A detailed contract that lists what ISN'T included has been my best friend for shutting down those "quick little changes" before they start. You have to build a wall against that stuff or they'll take your whole week.

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the_tyler6mo ago

Tell my past self to stop being such a pushover.

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riverhill5mo ago

I read a blog post by a freelance writer who said she started adding a "scope clause" to every contract. It lists three specific things that are not included, like extra rounds of edits or format changes. She said clients stopped asking for freebies when they saw it in writing. It turns a maybe into a firm no without you having to say it. That one page saved her so many awkward talks.

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