# Handle a client asking for work outside the contract

A response to scope creep that protects the relationship while getting extra work paid for or traded off.

- Topic: Email & Workplace Communication
- Framework: RTF
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Legal, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/handle-a-client-asking-for-work-outside-the-contract

## Prompt

```text
A client has asked for work that's outside our agreement. Help me respond.

**The request:** [WHAT THEY ASKED FOR, in their words if possible]
**What the contract or statement of work covers:** [RELEVANT SCOPE]
**Effort the request would take:** [HOURS, TEAM, COST ESTIMATE]
**Relationship context:** [account value, renewal timing, past favors given]
**My options:** [e.g. quote it as a change order, swap it for something in scope, do it once as goodwill, decline]

Give me:
1. A quick read: is this clearly out of scope, a gray area, or actually covered? Point to the relevant scope wording.
2. Which option fits best given the relationship and effort, and why.
3. A reply that thanks them, confirms we can help, explains plainly that it's outside the current scope, and offers the option(s) with cost or trade-off. Positive and direct, not apologetic.
4. A version for gray areas, proposing how we'll handle similar requests going forward.
5. How to prevent repeat scope creep: a simple change-request process I can propose.

Rules: base the scope judgment only on the contract wording I share; if it's ambiguous, say so. Do not quote prices I haven't provided - use [ADD COST].
```

## What to fill in

- WHAT THEY ASKED FOR, in their words if possible
- RELEVANT SCOPE
- HOURS, TEAM, COST ESTIMATE
- account value, renewal timing, past favors given
- ADD COST

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