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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhen a client asks for a forum and user-profile system after a website project is underway, don’t frame the conversation as “I want more money.” First check what the proposal includes, explain that the new features fall outside that scope if they do, and send a separate estimate for the client to approve before you begin.
Start by checking what the original agreement covers
Compare the request with the written proposal, contract, or other agreement. In the SitePoint discussion that prompted this question, the client asked for a forum and user-profile system during the design phase. The freelancer believed the original proposal covered only the work it described. That makes the first question practical, not personal: are these features already included in the agreed scope?
A request that is already covered by the agreement is different from a new feature. If the wording is unclear, discuss the ambiguity with the client before assuming the work is separately chargeable. The thread offers a useful business approach, not a determination of what any particular contract means or what local law requires.
Explain the scope change without making it adversarial
Acknowledge the request and show that you are willing to help. Then state the boundary and explain the next step. LiquidReflex, a participant in the 2009 SitePoint thread, suggested wording that offers to provide an agreement amendment with a quote for the additional work. It is an example from a forum discussion, not a legal template:
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“We would be happy to work with you on adding a forum and user profile system, but since these features are outside our original Agreement, we will provide you with an amendment to the Agreement with a quote for the additional work.”
You can adapt that structure to your own project: welcome the idea, refer to the agreed scope, and say that you’ll price the added work separately. Keep the explanation factual. You do not need to apologize for charging for work that is genuinely beyond the agreement.
Choose whether to include the request or quote it separately
Not every change needs the same response. The SitePoint discussion includes one participant’s opinion that a very small amount of extra work might be included, but it sets no general threshold. Decide based on the agreement, the added time or complexity, and whether you want to absorb the cost as a deliberate business choice.
| Situation | Practical response |
|---|---|
| The request is within the written scope | Handle it according to the agreement; clarify any ambiguity with the client. |
| The request is minor and you choose to absorb it | Say clearly that you are including this particular change, rather than implying that all future additions are free. |
| The request adds meaningful work or complexity | Estimate it and send a separate quote before proceeding. |
| The client has not decided whether to proceed | Pause the added work until the client approves the price and scope. |
Estimating the extra hours and cost can make the change concrete, as another participant in the thread suggested. That is one way to explain a quote, not a universal pricing formula. For revisions and similar changes, Viktor Marinov’s 2019 Freelancermap article also recommends making clear that extra revisions cost money and defining relevant limits in a contract or proposal: How to Deal with Client Revisions as a Freelancer.
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- Describe the addition. List what the new feature or change includes, and clarify important boundaries or assumptions.
- Provide the price. Give a separate estimate or quote. If it helps the client understand the cost, explain the expected additional hours or other pricing basis.
- Ask whether to proceed. Make clear that the new work will start only after the client approves the scope and price.
- Record the approval. Put the agreed change and cost in an amendment to the existing agreement or in a new agreement before starting the added work.
If the client questions the additional fee, refer calmly to the original agreement and explain which requested items were not included. If the scope itself is disputed, resolve that question before treating the charge as settled.
A ready-to-adapt message
Thanks for suggesting a forum and user-profile system. Those features aren’t included in the scope of our current agreement. I can prepare a separate quote describing the additional work and cost. If you’d like to go ahead, I’ll send an amendment for your approval before starting those features.
Replace the feature names and scope statement with the details that fit your project. If you decide to include a small change at no additional cost, say that explicitly and distinguish it from any later additions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the advice can—and cannot—settle
The original SitePoint discussion dates to March 27–28, 2009, and reflects individual participants’ experience and opinions: Politely letting client know that extra work costs more. Its core advice is to quote significant additions, get the client’s decision, and document approved changes. Neither that thread nor the Freelancermap article determines whether a particular request is chargeable under your agreement or under the law where you work. Check the actual agreement and, if needed, get advice suited to your circumstances.
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