How to Create a Change Order as a Freelancer and Get Paid Faster
Learn how to create a change order as a freelancer and reduce disputes with clients, with practical steps and tips to help you get paid faster.
You've just finished a project for a client, but they've asked for last-minute changes that will impact your payment. You've already invested hours and resources in the original work. A change order can save you from financial losses, but how do you create one effectively and get paid for the extra work?
Why this keeps happening
As a freelancer, you often face clients who request changes to a project, but fail to compensate you for the extra work. This can be due to a lack of clear communication about changes, or a misunderstanding about the scope of the project.
Real example
Sarah, a freelance web designer, had just completed a website project for a client. However, the client requested a last-minute change to the navigation menu, which would take an extra 5 hours to implement. Sarah didn't have a clear process for handling change orders, and the client agreed to pay for the extra work only after it was completed. By the time the change was implemented, the client had already paid for the original project, leaving Sarah with a $500 loss.
The habits that fix this permanently
These are the non-negotiables for getting paid reliably in your profession:
How to implement this step by step
Communicate Changes Clearly
When a client requests a change, communicate it clearly and ask them to agree on the scope of work. Use a change order form to document the changes and the agreed-upon compensation. For example, Sarah could have sent an email to the client outlining the change and asking them to confirm their agreement. This would have prevented any misunderstandings about the scope of the project and the compensation for the extra work.
Use a Change Order Form
A change order form is a document that outlines the changes to be made, the scope of work, and the agreed-upon compensation. Use a template or create your own form to make it easy to create and send change orders to clients. For example, Sarah could have used a change order form to document the changes to the navigation menu and the agreed-upon compensation of $500.
Establish a Clear Payment Schedule
Establish a clear payment schedule for change orders to avoid disputes. This could be a separate payment schedule or an amendment to the original payment terms. For example, Sarah could have agreed with the client that the extra $500 would be paid within 7 days of completing the change order.
Use a Project Management Tool
Use a project management tool to track changes and ensure that all parties are on the same page. This could be a tool like Becflow that allows you to create change orders, track progress, and send reminders to clients. For example, Sarah could have used Becflow to create a change order, track the progress of the change, and send a reminder to the client when the change was completed.
Consider Using a Contract
Consider using a contract that includes a change order clause to protect your interests. This clause would outline the process for handling changes, including the scope of work, compensation, and payment terms. For example, Sarah could have used a contract that included a change order clause to protect her interests and ensure that she was compensated for the extra work.
The Becflow solution
Becflow makes it easy to create change orders, track progress, and send reminders to clients. With our AI-powered contracts, payment links, and automatic reminders, you can reduce disputes and get paid faster. Try Becflow today and start getting paid for your extra work!
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