Use AI to write a polite but firm response when customers request unapproved extra work mid-job.
1. Open ChatGPT or Claude and describe the situation: what you were originally hired to do, what the customer is now asking for mid-job, and why it's outside the original scope. 2. Ask the AI to draft a short, friendly message that acknowledges the customer's request, explains that it's additional work not covered by the original quote, and offers to provide a quick price estimate before proceeding. 3. Review the draft. Make sure it sounds like you — adjust any overly formal language or add a line that references something specific to the job or your conversation with the customer. 4. Paste the message into your text or email, send it, and use the clarity it provides to avoid doing unpaid work or creating billing confusion later. This keeps scope creep in check while maintaining a professional, helpful tone that doesn't make customers feel like you're being difficult.
Try this prompt today
“I'm a plumber working on a bathroom repair. The customer hired me to fix a leaking shower valve, but while I'm here they've asked me to also replace a toilet fill valve and check a dripping kitchen tap — neither were in the original quote. Write me a polite but clear text message that acknowledges their request, explains this is extra work not covered in the original price, and offers to give them a quick price for the additional tasks before I do them. Keep it short and friendly, not pushy.”
March 13, 2026
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