Den LennieField Guides

Field Guides / Pricing

The Revisions Field Guide

Revisions blow out when the client doesn't know which round they're on. Put the rounds in the quote, define what a round is, price the third one before the first one starts, and then say where they are at every delivery. The three emails below do the saying for you.

Before the job starts

  1. Put the number in the quote. "Two rounds of revisions included."
  2. Define a round in the same place. One round is one list of changes, sent together. Going back to an earlier version counts as a new round.
  3. State the price of a third round before the first one starts. A day rate or a fixed fee per round. If the price only comes up in week six, it feels like a penalty, even when it's fair.
  4. Separate mistakes from changes. If you made a mistake (missing audio, a spelling error), you fix it at no cost and it doesn't count as a round.
  5. Ask who will give feedback. The person who signs the quote often isn't the person who sends the notes. Make sure the people giving notes see the scope too.

During the edit

Email 1: first cut review

Hi [Name],

Thanks for your patience while we put the first cut of [project name] together. You can watch it here: [review link]

We think it's looking great. We've left a few notes on the review link where we'd like your guidance on some editorial decisions.

The next step is for you to watch and review the video, and send any changes by end of business [day and date, e.g. Friday 19 May].

Please keep in mind that two rounds of revisions are included in your package. The only exception is if a mistake has been made on our side, for example the audio is missing or there's a spelling error. Those are fixed at no cost.

It helps to share this cut with anyone else who needs to have input now, so all the changes come through together.

Please reply to this email once all of your changes are locked in. We'll start on the changes when we receive your reply.

If you'd like to talk any of the feedback through, you can book a time here: [booking link]

We look forward to hearing what you think.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

Email 2: second round, the final revision round

Hi [Name],

Thanks for your notes. The updated edit is ready to watch here: [review link]

The next step is for you to watch and review the video, and send any changes by end of business [day and date].

Please keep in mind this is your final revision round for this project. I'd highly recommend showing everyone who needs to have input now, so we can make all of the changes within the budget we quoted.

The only exception is if a mistake has been made on our side, for example the audio is missing or there's a spelling error.

Please reply to this email once all of your changes are locked in. We'll start on the changes when we receive your reply.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

Email 3: when the client asks for more changes after round two

Hi [Name],

Thanks for sending these through.

The two revision rounds included in your package are now complete, so before we start, I'd like to give you the choice.

Option 1: we make these changes as an additional round for [price]. We can have it back to you by [date].

Option 2: we lock the edit as it is and deliver your final files by [date].

If any of your notes cover a mistake on our side, for example missing audio or a spelling error, we'll fix those at no cost whichever option you choose.

Just reply with the option that suits, and we'll get going.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

The rule of thumb

Never invoice for a round the client didn't know they were buying. Ask first and give them the choice. Then the extra round is something they agreed to, and the invoice is no surprise.

The thinking behind the rounds themselves: How many revision rounds to include, and how to charge for extra ones.