Use this the moment a client asks for something outside the agreed scope. Get it signed before you start the extra work. A change order in writing is how “one small tweak” stops turning into free labor.
CHANGE ORDER
Project: [NAME] Original agreement / SOW dated: [DATE] Change order number: [001] Date: [DATE] Between [CLIENT NAME] (“Client”) and [YOUR NAME / BUSINESS NAME] (“Provider”).
1. Requested change. [DESCRIBE WHAT THE CLIENT ASKED FOR — in plain, specific terms. “Add an online store with 20 products”, not “more stuff”.]
2. Reason. [WHY THE CHANGE — new requirement, changed direction, added deliverable. Optional but useful for the record.]
3. Impact on scope. [WHAT THIS ADDS OR REMOVES from the original deliverables.]
4. Impact on timeline. Original delivery date: [DATE] Revised delivery date: [DATE] [NOTE ANY KNOCK-ON EFFECTS on other milestones.]
5. Impact on price. Additional cost: [$AMOUNT] ([fixed / at your hourly rate of $X for an estimated Y hours]). Payment terms for this change: [e.g. billed on the next invoice / due before work begins]. Revised project total: [$AMOUNT]
6. Terms. All other terms of the original agreement remain in effect. Work on this change begins only after both parties sign below.
Signed:
Client: ______________________ Date: __________
Provider: ______________________ Date: __________
This template is a starting point, not legal advice.