It has happened to all of us at some stage on a job, whether it is video, photo or drone work: the client asks for "just one more thing", then another, and suddenly a half-day shoot has become a week of unpaid extras. That is scope creep, and here are six ways to stop it.
1. Get the brief in writing
Before you quote, write down exactly what is included: number of shots or minutes of footage, locations, deliverable formats and deadlines. A written brief turns "I assumed that was included" into a five-second conversation.
2. Define what is NOT included
The most powerful line in any quote is the exclusion list. Ground photography, extra locations, rush editing, licensed music: if it is not included, say so explicitly.
3. Limit revisions
Include a fixed number of revision rounds, two is standard, in your quote. Additional rounds are billed at your hourly rate. Unlimited revisions is unlimited unpaid work.
4. Use change orders for anything new
When the client asks for something outside the brief, respond positively but formally: "Happy to add that. Here is the cost and the new timeline." A one-line email is enough. It reframes extras as purchases rather than favours.
5. Take a deposit
A 30 to 50 per cent deposit filters out non-serious clients and gives you standing to enforce the scope. Clients who have paid something respect the agreement more than clients who have paid nothing.
6. Communicate early when scope shifts
The moment a job starts drifting, say something. Waiting until the invoice to raise extras guarantees a dispute. Raising them the day they happen keeps trust intact and gets you paid.
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