Change orders
How to price a freelance change order
Three plain ways to pick a number for extra work: fixed, hourly, or hybrid. Put the fee on the change order before you start.
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Short answer
How do I price a freelance change order?
Pick fixed fee when the new work is clear and bounded. Use hourly with a stated hour cap when it is fuzzy. Use hybrid when you need a ceiling plus overflow protection. Put the number on the change order with timeline impact, then wait for a written yes before you start.
Price the change before you start the work
Pause until the number and a written yes exist.
Pricing belongs on the change order. It should not show up as an awkward invoice surprise later.
Three ways to price it
Fixed fee. One number for a bounded ask. Best when the work is clear and short.
Hourly (or day rate times hours). Use this when the ask is fuzzy. State estimated hours, your rate, and that you will stop at a cap unless they approve more.
Hybrid. Fixed for a defined chunk, hourly for overflow. Or offer “phase two later” versus “do it now.”
A simple decision rule
If the deliverable is clear and you can estimate it quickly, lean fixed.
If it depends on unknowns, use hourly with a stated cap.
If the client wants a ceiling and you want protection, use hybrid or fixed with a clear out-of-scope line.
A personal minimum (optional)
Small asks still cost a context switch. A personal minimum is fine to name.
For example, bill at least one hour even when the tweak looks tiny.
One worked example
A client asks mid-project for “a few social resizes” that were not in the brief.
Example, fixed: €180 for three sizes from the approved brand board.
Example, hourly: about two hours at €90 per hour, capped at three hours unless they approve more.
Example, hybrid: €120 for the three sizes, then €90 per hour for any extra formats.
How to write the fee line
Use the full field list on how to write a change order.
Example fee lines: “Fixed fee €180.” Or “Estimated two hours at €90 per hour, capped at three hours.” Or “€120 fixed for three sizes; extra formats at €90 per hour.”
The blank template holds the form. The email page helps you send it.
If they push back on the number
Offer a smaller slice, a later phase, or more time instead of a rush. Do not collapse to free work.
Three calm options are enough. You do not need a long negotiation script.
Tools that help the math
ScopeGuard (€9) can multiply rate, hours, and a buffer, with a minimum floor.
The Email Pack (€5) helps when you already know the price and only need wording.
The free checklist helps you spot the ask first.
Related pages
Spot the ask, then write the change, price it here, send it, and log it.
If you want tools later
You do not need these to use the guide. One-time files.
Also: change-order email page · blank change-order template · Payhip store
FAQ
Should every change be fixed fee?
No. Use fixed when the work is clear. Use hourly with a cap when it is not.
Do I charge for the time to write the change order?
That is your policy. State it once, then stick to it.
Not legal advice. Match your contract and local rules. This is a process aid, not a lawyer.