📄 Contracts, Scope and the Word 'Extra'

Why a one-pager

Most disputes are memory disputes. A page that says what you'll do, by when, for how much, with what included, ends them before they start.

Scope creep

'Likkle change deh yah' costs you the most. The sentence: 'That's outside what we agreed — I can add it for X.' Clients respect the fence.

Revisions and changes

Two rounds included, written changes after. Keep the customer's approval in writing (a WhatsApp 'yes' counts).

Homework

Write your one-page agreement. Use it on the next job.

✅ Do this now — step by step

1. Write a one-page agreement: what's included, what's extra, when it's done, price, deposit, how changes and disputes are handled.
2. Use it on the next job — send it on WhatsApp and get a 'yes' in writing before starting.
3. Prepare the sentence for scope creep: 'That's outside what we agreed — I can add it for X.'
4. Include two revision rounds; anything after is a written change order.
5. Keep every agreement and approval message in the customer's chat thread.

⚠️ Mistakes to avoid

• Relying on 'we talked about it' — memory disputes are the #1 source of lost money.
• Saying yes to 'likkle change' for free — every free change trains the customer to expect more.
• A ten-page contract nobody reads — one page they actually read protects you better.

🇯🇲 How it plays out in Jamaica