The key to handling this type of situation is to address the client's request with clarity and empathy. You should communicate to the client that the additional services are not covered by the agreed budget and always offer alternatives, such as adjusting the budget or prioritizing certain services. Maintaining a professional attitude and transparency during the conversation is important for reaching an agreement.

When clients desire more features than the budget allows, I start by engaging in an open dialogue to understand their core needs and objectives. It’s important to explain the budget constraints clearly and how each additional feature impacts costs and timelines. Together, we can prioritize features, distinguishing between must-haves and nice-to-haves. I propose alternatives that achieve similar goals within the budget, like phased development or simpler solutions. By maintaining transparent communication and involving the client in decision-making, we can ensure they feel valued. Finally, I document all discussions to keep everyone aligned as we move forward, fostering trust and collaboration.

Once I explained to one of my clients that asking for too many features will develop confusion among the end users. The demand for the existing product might fall. Gradual inclusion of features in future is safe where utility is the concern.

You need to immediately identify the customer's problem to be solved and make them talk a lot about it. At this point you propose your solution with an appropriate budget profile, not too little not too high ticket. The customer will say how much budget they will have or in what spending range they want to be. At this point you will make a proposal aimed at that budget keeping the focus on the problem to be solved.