How to Handle Scope Creep

Have you ever had a client where the cleaning starts taking longer? Why would this happen!? I call it Scope Creep, where the scope of your agreed-upon work creeps over time. Here are a few examples:

• Adding a new, wonderful, hairy pet (or two)
• Adding more people like a new baby, in-laws, or their boomerang adult kids (who make a mess) 
• Adding an addition or remodeling causing construction dust and additional rooms
• Adding extra things to clean
• Entertaining more guests, more frequently

All of these factors can and will happen over time as you serve families. I strongly recommend charging people by-the-job as it allows you to get faster while maintaining excellence and make more. However, it can hurt you when lifestyle changes and scope creep, creeps in. You will make less and hurt your business. 

"I told you, Ken! You should charge by-the-hour like I do and you'll never have this problem." I agree with you. If you charge hourly, you will not lose money when you have to clean longer. However, you will NEVER gain money or incentive to clean faster!

My ISO Model has a strategy for 3 things pertaining to price:

1. Get the highest-paying clients possible for your area with by-the-job pricing
2. Build trust and get faster at every house to make more per hour.
3. Prevent Scope Creep from taking you the wrong direction