“My client keeps asking for more without paying”
What could be going on
Boundaries: Fits if your limits haven't been stated or enforced.
Psychological entitlement: Fits if they believe they deserve more than they pay for.
Compliance techniques (foot in the door, door in the face, low-ball): Fits if they use small asks to get bigger concessions.
Reciprocity: Fits if past favours make you feel you owe them.
People-pleasing: Fits if you find it hard to disappoint anyone.
Machiavellianism: Fits if extra asks are timed to corner you, such as right before a deadline or payment.
Underearning: Fits if you often give work away and hesitate to price the extra. Check whether it happens with other clients too.
Money avoidance: Could be that raising money feels worse than doing the work free. Check how long your invoices sit unsent.
Questions to carry
- How did the client phrase it the last time they asked for more, and what did I say?
- What am I afraid of losing when I say yes without charging?
Also said as
- client wants free extra work
- scope creep from a client
- my customer takes advantage of me
- how do I say no to a client asking for more
- client expects extra work for free
- my customer keeps adding requests without paying more