Asking for more money after a project?

[Carol1992]

Just wanted to see what peoples thoughts were on asking for more money for a project AFTER the project has completed AND if it exceeded the original proposal??

I did a lot more extra work for a client. I work on a package based system and in my mind I thought she had taken the middle package so I was happily doing this extra work for her, but when it came to invoicing her for the final amount, I realised I had put her on the basic package.

I'm wondering how to word it ? the problem with her is she is quite difficult at times and I imagine she may turn around (at the shock of the extra price) and say I should have said told her at the time - which I should have yes. I was thinking of as a gesture of good will knock off £100 and say "Sorry I hold my hands up" but also equally take it as a learning curve if she refuses.

But I want to word it well so she will feel bad if she doesn't. As I have had it before when you didn't realise something would cost as much and you reluctantly pay. It just leaves a bad feeling sometimes when the other one isn't up front about the costs which in this case is now me.

 

[AllUpHere]

It's a bit bloody cheeky to ask for any more money when it was completely your fault. If I were her, I'd tell you where to stick your invoice.

The decent thing to do is invoice her for the basic package, and make sure you don't make the same mistake again.

 

[billmccallum1957]

It's a bit bloody cheeky to ask for any more money when it was completely your fault. If I were her, I'd tell you where to stick your invoice.

The decent thing to do is invoice her for the basic package, and make sure you don't make the same mistake again.

THIS.

 

[Paul Murray]

Just take the hit and be more careful next time.

 

[Mark T Jones]

I’m assuming there is nothing in your contract to cover this?

In which case, there is a very high chance the customer will tell you to stick it. Leaving you with no additional money, bad will and no referrals

Far better is to graciously accept what you agreed, adding discreetly that you messed up on pricing and hav3 learned you lesson. Small (tiny) chance they will contribute. Greater chance they will feel pleased with the deal they got and refer you

 

[Carol1992]

Hmmm ok interesting comments!! I was actually going to leave it but someone told me I should ask her and then if she says no, take the hit, telling me you don't ask, you don't get, type of thing. But have been wondering how to word it. But it's interesting that you all think I should leave it, maybe that's best then, but let her know that she did get a good deal type thing

 

[Carol1992]

And in the contract it does about if extra work is completed it's liable to be charged, but normally i would always let them know, just this time I made a mistake.

 

[DontAsk]

I would say it depends on the conversations you had. Does she realise you were doing extra above the agreed package. Is she expecting to pay more for the extra work?

 

[Newchodge]

If you are considering knocking £100 off you must be talking about a large sum of money. Unless you can demonstrate that she was aware that she may have to pay extra AND was given the chance to refuse the additional work, leave it.

 

[Carol1992]

I have no idea... she never did say anything. There were a couple of things that popped up and I asked is it ok if you pay more for that and she said yeah that's fine. I think because we agreed on the project months before but there was a lot of back and forth in between because she couldn't decide on several things. Well it would have been an extra £300 (original agreed price was £800). I think I will just mention it and not ask for any more and see if she offers and then leave it at that.

 

[Alan]

There were a couple of things that popped up and I asked is it ok if you pay more for that and she said yeah that's fine.

I work on a package based system and in my mind I thought she had taken the middle package so I was happily doing this extra work for her,

This isn't very consistent.

I assume you issued a final invoice that said something like 'basic package final bill £800' in which case there is little you can do except eat your omission / error.

Do you get repeat business from your customers?

Do they refer others to you?

 

[ffox]

I'm wondering how to word it ? the problem with her is she is quite difficult at times and I imagine she may turn around (at the shock of the extra price) and say I should have said told her at the time - which I should have yes.

Always do a formal quotation and include a basic specification of the work. Then if extras are requested you can say either, yes that is within the spec, or no that will take more time and cost extra.
For most work and working from a template it take 15 - 60 minutes to do an email quote, well worth the time.