Client demanding "just a few tweaks" but it's 20+ hours of extra work - contract says project is "complete"

I'm a freelance web designer. I completed a website project for a client - delivered everything in the scope of work, got their approval, and sent the final invoice.

Now they're saying they want "a few small tweaks" before they'll pay. I asked for specifics and they sent me a list of changes that would take at least 20 hours: complete redesign of two pages, new functionality that was never discussed, additional content sections, etc.

My contract says I include "two rounds of revisions" which we already completed. It also says the project is considered complete when deliverables match the scope of work, which they do.

They're saying the tweaks are "implied" and that I should do them as part of "good customer service." They haven't paid the final $3,500 yet and now I'm worried they won't pay at all.

What are my options here? Do I have to do the extra work or can I demand payment for the completed project as-is?

Thank you. That's helpful to know I'm on solid legal ground.

My concern is that they're a bigger company and could just refuse to pay and drag this out. What happens if I demand payment and they just ignore me? Do I really have to sue them over $3,500?

Also, I'm worried about my reputation. They've hinted they might leave bad reviews if I don't do teh extra work. Is that legal for them to do?

On collection options:

You don't necessarily have to sue in full court. Options include:

• Demand letter: Often resolves the matter when they realize you're serious
• Collections agency: You can sell or assign the debt to a collection agency (you'll get less than full amount but no hassle)
• Small claims court: For $3,500, this is perfect for small claims. Lower cost, simpler process, no attorney required in most states
• Mechanic's lien: Depending on your state and the nature of work, you might have lien rights on the website/content

On the review threat:

Threatening negative reviews to extort free work is potentially:

• Blackmail/extortion (criminal in some states)
• Defamation if the review contains false statements
• Violation of consumer protection laws

If they make this threat in writing, SAVE IT. That's evidence of bad faith and can actually strengthen your position.

You can respond: "I'm disappointed to hear you're threatening negative reviews to avoid payment for completed work. I've fulfilled my contractual obligations and expect payment as agreed. I'm happy to provide additional services under a separate agreement."

I learned this the hard way after getting burned on three different projects.

Now my contracts explicitly include:

• Detailed scope of work with specific deliverables listed
• Definition of what counts as a "revision" vs. new work
• Change order process with minimum fees
• Late payment penalties (1.5% per month)
• Right to remove/disable work if final payment isn't made within 30 days

The "right to disable" clause has been huge. Clients pay real fast when they realize you can take the website down for non-payment.

For your current situation - stick to your guns. You did the work, you deserve to be paid.

I had almost this exact situation. Client owed me $4,200 or something like that, kept asking for "small changes" that would have been another 30 hours.

I sent a formal demand letter (found a template online), gave them 10 days to pay. On day 9 they paid in full. Never heard about the "essential changes" again.

Sent it certified mail. They paid. Sometimes people just need to know you're serious.

Update: I took the advice and scheduled a call with the client. I went through the original scope item by item showing what was delivered. Then I created a detailed breakdown of their new requests showing it was 22 hours of additional work.

I explained that I'm happy to do the additional work but it requires a change order since it's outside the original scope. I offered to discount my rate by 10% as a goodwill gesture since we've worked together.

They backed down significantly. Turns out the "must have" list was mostly their marketing team throwing ideas around, not actual requirements. They agreed to pay the original invoice and signed a much smaller change order for about 5 hours of actual important updates.

Crisis averted. Lesson learned about being firm but professional.

Excellent outcome! This is exactly the right approach.

A few additional tips for your next contract:

• Define "revision" explicitly: "A revision means modifications to existing deliverables within the original scope. New features, pages, or functionality constitute additional work."
• Include a change order process: "Any work outside the defined scope requires a written change order with estimated hours and costs."
• Add payment terms: "Final deliverables and source files will be released upon receipt of final payment."
• Consider a kill fee: "If project is terminated before completion, client owes X% of total fee for work completed."

Glad you got paid and maintained the client relationship!

Great resolution! This is why I always recommend the itemized breakdown approach.

When clients see "22 hours of work" written out line by line, they usually realize they're asking for way more than "a few tweaks." Often they didn't even realize how much they were requesting just saying.

The fact that you offered the goodwill discount on the change order was smart - shows you're reasonable and want to work with them, while still protecting your boundaries.

@losing_my_mind_here_15 - I'd give them a week to respond to the change order. After that, send a polite follow-up saying you'll consider the additional work declined if you don't hear back within 48 hours.

Don't let it linger for weeks. I've had clients come back 3 months later expecting me to drop everything for their "small changes" at the same price. Setting a clear deadline upfront prevents that.

Slight counterpoint here - I know everyone's saying stand firm, but I've found that sometimes doing a small amount of additional work (like 1-2 hours max) as "goodwill" can actually lead to more business.

The key is being strategic about it. I'll do small goodwill tweaks for clients who pay on time and are pleasant to work with. For clients who've been difficult or are already trying to stiff me? Hard no, change order required.

OP's situation was clearly the latter though. Glad it worked out.

Just want to say thank you for this thread! I'm dealing with somethign similar right now and the itemized breakdown approach is exactly what I needed. Client sent me a list of 14 "quick tweaks" that would have taken me 25+ hours. Sent them a proper quote and suddenly only 3 of them are actually important lol