We’ve all been there. The client agrees to a price, you do the work, and then they start asking for things that weren’t part of the deal. These "extras" might seem small at first, but they add up.
They stretch your time, increase the work without increasing the price, and reduce your profits. This is the issue of scope shifting, a common and often overlooked problem for tradies.
You’ve agreed on a price. The job is underway. Then the client starts suggesting:
- • “While you’re here, can you fix this?”
- • “It’s just a small job, and shouldn't take long.”
- • “I thought that was included.”
They change jobs. The scope shifts, and you’re left doing extra work without additional pay.
Why is this a problem
Scope creep means the job keeps getting bigger and ends up messing with how you get things done.
- • Time lost — what started as a quick job now drags on.
- • Materials used up faster — you didn’t account for these additions.
- • Schedule disruption — the extra work affects your next job.
- • Profit loss — you do more work for the same price.
- • Stress — managing the growing workload becomes harder.
Clients often don’t see the knock‑on effect of their requests, and some reckon the price can shift once the job’s underway. Extra tasks stack up bit by bit until the whole job’s heavier, and they add things as they go, thinking it’s just part of the work. It’s a regular headache that hits your business every time.
Signs of a Scope Shifting Client
Look for these signs to spot scope shifters before the job begins:
- • Hesitation during price discussions or vague questions.
- • Uncertainty about what the quote includes.
- • Casual mention of additional tasks during the quote that resurface once the job starts.
- • Shifting priorities or changes in expectations after the job has begun.
These signs show the client isn’t locked into their initial expectations, and they’ll expect flexibility once you start working.
How Feed4ward Helps You Avoid These Clients
Feed4ward helps tradies avoid scope shifters before the job even begins. Tradies leave honest reviews about clients who:
- • Add tasks without agreement.
- • Change the scope once the job starts.
- • Try to renegotiate after the fact.
You get full visibility into the client’s past behaviour. This lets you make an informed decision before you even step onto the site. You don’t need to wait until the job gets bigger and your profits shrink.
Start using Feed4ward Today!
Clients often add extra work after agreeing to a price, leading to unpaid tasks that eat into your time and profits. The best way to avoid this is by clearly defining the job scope upfront and getting approval for any additional work before starting.
Feed4ward helps tradies screen clients by offering real reviews about their past behaviour. You can avoid clients who shift the scope by checking their reputation before accepting the job, saving you time and money.
So, start using Feed4ward today. It’s absolutely free and available on the App Store and Play Store. Register your business, check reviews from other tradies before starting a job, or leave your own reviews based on your past experiences!