Freelance to Founder Client Asks for Favors—What Should I Do?
Nov 20, 2025
Chanda Coston, a Navy veteran and business strategist, shares her insights for freelancers facing the dilemma of client requests for unpaid favors after project completion. She emphasizes the importance of establishing clear boundaries by introducing sign-off steps and timelines. Chanda also advocates for offering maintenance subscriptions to transform casual requests into recurring income, and highlights the benefits of subcontracting to manage workload. With practical tips, she guides listeners on creating structured systems to support clients while protecting their own time.
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Require Deliverable Sign-Offs
- Do include sign-off approval and clear contract terms for deliverables to prevent endless free revisions.
- Set a response window (e.g., five business days) and state that projects close automatically afterward unless a new contract is opened.
Respond With A Paid Option
- Say no matter-of-factly when a project is closed and offer a paid reopen or a modification fee.
- Quote a clear price or hourly estimate so the client can decide instead of assuming free work.
Create A Maintenance Plan
- Offer a maintenance or updates subscription if clients repeatedly request small changes.
- Convert recurring requests into a $X/month plan to create predictable revenue and limit ad-hoc favors.