Unrealistic Customers? How to Manage Scope Creep

Last Updated on October 27, 2025 by Dave Schoenbeck

A significant part of owning a business is learning to manage project scope creep. Scope creep, for those unfamiliar with the term, is when a client requests changes or services that were not part of the original agreement. Before you know it, you’re doing more work than you initially charged for, drastically reducing your profits.

We’ve all seen it happen: your client contracts for a project, then pushes for more work, extra rounds of revisions, or additional services for no extra charge. Business owners often give in to please customers, but this unpaid labor can kill your bottom line. Here’s what you need to know to avoid unpaid project scope creep.


How to Handle Unreasonable Customers


If you’re having trouble learning how to manage scope creep, you’re not alone. It might start innocently enough: a client requests a minor change, and you don’t see the need to create a change order because you have a good relationship. 

However, this kind of behavior can quickly spiral out of control. For example, the client might request additional changes or services, thinking they can get more work for no extra charge, or you might throw in free services for multiple clients. As a result, you’ve completed hours and hours of work you’re not getting paid for. 

It doesn’t have to be that way. Here are a few tips on how to manage scope creep

1. Don’t start the job without a contract. Setting expectations with customers from the outset is essential so every party knows what to expect. The contract is the place to put these expectations in writing. 
2. Ensure the contract includes an explicit, written agreement specifying how revisions, change orders, and additional services will be handled. Talk about this with your customer, too—don’t just hide it in the fine print.
3. Prepare yourself to handle a request to absorb the change order. If you have difficulty saying no, develop a few scripts you can use. Preparation will prevent you from being caught off guard. 
4. Use project management software if possible. The software makes it easy to track each customer’s progress and billable hours. If you notice that a particular client repetitiously keeps pushing for more hours, you know it’s time to talk. 
5. Be aggressive with your communication from the beginning. If a customer is involved at every step of the process, it’s much less likely that changes will be needed later. A big part of learning to manage scope creep is preventing additional revisions. 
6. Have a mindset that preserving your rights is not conflict; it is negotiating a solution. Saying no to a client can leave a bad taste in your mouth, but protecting your boundaries is crucial for profitability. 

One aspect of owning a business is managing scope creep effectively. To lead effectively, you should constantly strive to learn new tactics. Sign up for my free weekly blog articles or a complimentary coaching session for more fabulous leadership tips from a qualified business coach.

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Dave Schoenbeck

CEO at Dave Schoenbeck - Business & Executive Coach

Dave Schoenbeck is a professional business and executive coach who translates complex business methods, processes, and strategies into actionable plans to dramatically improve financial results. Read more about Dave here.

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