Problem
A buyer requests 'one small change' repeatedly because there is no written definition of revision rounds.
Solution
Root Cause / Diagnostic:
Vague scope definitions allow clients to submit endless minor adjustments under the guise of casual polish, creating runaway scope creep. Each unbilled revision consumes editing bandwidth, delays publication schedules, and erodes effective hourly earnings.
Actionable Fix:
1. Define Explicit Contractual Revision Caps: State in all agreements that the project fee includes exactly one (1) round of consolidated script revisions and one (1) round of minor rough-cut visual adjustments.
2. Mandate Single Consolidated Feedback Documents: Require the client to submit all edit requests in a single, aggregated change-log document rather than piecemeal emails or chat messages.
3. Institute a Formal Scope Change Rate: Add a clause specifying that any additional revision rounds or requests outside agreed brand guidelines will be billed at $150–$250/hour or 15% of the base fee per round.
Pro Tip:
Protect your post-production workflow by explicitly stating: "Feedback must be consolidated into a single written review within 5 business days, after which the delivered cut is deemed approved."
Vague scope definitions allow clients to submit endless minor adjustments under the guise of casual polish, creating runaway scope creep. Each unbilled revision consumes editing bandwidth, delays publication schedules, and erodes effective hourly earnings.
Actionable Fix:
1. Define Explicit Contractual Revision Caps: State in all agreements that the project fee includes exactly one (1) round of consolidated script revisions and one (1) round of minor rough-cut visual adjustments.
2. Mandate Single Consolidated Feedback Documents: Require the client to submit all edit requests in a single, aggregated change-log document rather than piecemeal emails or chat messages.
3. Institute a Formal Scope Change Rate: Add a clause specifying that any additional revision rounds or requests outside agreed brand guidelines will be billed at $150–$250/hour or 15% of the base fee per round.
Pro Tip:
Protect your post-production workflow by explicitly stating: "Feedback must be consolidated into a single written review within 5 business days, after which the delivered cut is deemed approved."