Client de scopes projects and asking whether price will be reduced

[cityben]

Hi All,

I've quoted a client for some work which they agreed to go ahead with. All contracts signed etc with that quote and we're now into the project. Now the client has descoped a couple of items. Nothing major really but now asking if quote would be reduced.

In my previous job at a digital agency, in this scenario we wouldn't reduce a cost but not sure how I'd go about wording this to a client?

Anybody had any similar experience or thoughts?

[v8gaz]

The questions to ask are - how did the digital agency justify this to their clients, and why wouldn't your client simply bin you for being an inflexible idiot? I know I would.

[eek]

The questions to ask are - how did the digital agency justify this to their clients, and why wouldn't your client simply bin you for being an inflexible idiot? I know I would.

Depends when its been de-scoped and what the original contract said...

The problem is that people often descope the small quick items but expect it to save them a fortune...

[cityben]

The questions to ask are - how did the digital agency justify this to their clients, and why wouldn't your client simply bin you for being an inflexible idiot? I know I would.

This isn't being inflexible...or an idiot. The quote and figure in the contract is based on understanding at that time. During any project items small and large get included or excluded as a project progresses which is how I'll be explaining it.

The actual difference in work isn't that big anyway. If it was a major item then I'd would understand a changing of the price.

If you were to finish something quicker than expected would you call the client and give them some money back?

[v8gaz]

This isn't being inflexible...or an idiot. The quote and figure in the contract is based on understanding at that time. During any project items small and large get included or excluded as a project progresses which is how I'll be explaining it.

The actual difference in work isn't that big anyway. If it was a major item then I'd would understand a changing of the price.

If you were to finish something quicker than expected would you call the client and give them some money back?

You probably need to give us a lot more info that you currently have in order to get the answer you want. The implication from the OP was that the work had significantly changed and therefore the price may have to as well. And by responding to my clearly flawed assumptions, haven't you answered your question?

You're welcome. Invoice is in the post.

[cityben]

You probably need to give us a lot more info that you currently have in order to get the answer you want. The implication from the OP was that the work had significantly changed and therefore the price may have to as well. And by responding to my clearly flawed assumptions, haven't you answered your question?

You're welcome. Invoice is in the post.

True, I thought that I was replying.

Used notes ok?

[davetza]

This is the sort of thing that should really be defined in the contract you have with the client. This may not help not but something to think of next time.

[WTFH]

Are you on a fixed price contract, or one that is based on project deliverables, or one that is based on time? (or a combination of these?)

[unixman]

I know all of our businesses are different but if a client asked me to reduce my price mid contract, the answer would be a polite no. And the fact that they ask would set alarm bells ringing.

This is different from the routine rate cuts for which certain banks are famous in these forums.

[LondonManc]

Only you know how much less effort is involved. If it's 4 days saved, knock 2 off.