**Source:** https://heykiku.com/glossary/scope-creep

# Scope Creep

Scope creep is one of the **most common profitability killers** for agencies. It rarely starts with a dramatic demand. Instead, it's a series of small requests. "Can we just add one more page?" "Could you tweak this one thing?" "I know it wasn't in the scope, but..."

Each request seems reasonable in isolation. Saying no feels petty. So you say yes. And yes again. Before you know it, you've delivered far more than you quoted for. **Your margins have evaporated**. Your team is frustrated. And the client has learned that your scope is negotiable.

The root cause of scope creep is often **a knowledge gap**—either yours or the client's. "I didn't know that wasn't included." "I thought revisions were unlimited." "We assumed you'd handle that." Clear documentation prevents these assumptions from becoming expensive misunderstandings.

Preventing scope creep starts before the project begins. Clear [SOWs](https://heykiku.com/glossary/statement-of-work) with explicit inclusions and exclusions. Defined [revision rounds](https://heykiku.com/glossary/revision-round). [Change order](https://heykiku.com/glossary/change-order) processes that everyone understands. But the documentation only works if it's **accessible—to your team and to clients**—when questions arise.

## Related terms

- [Statement of Work (SOW)](https://heykiku.com/glossary/statement-of-work)
- [Revision Round](https://heykiku.com/glossary/revision-round)
- [Retainer](https://heykiku.com/glossary/retainer)
- [Deliverable](https://heykiku.com/glossary/deliverable)
- [Change Order](https://heykiku.com/glossary/change-order)