How to Charge for Revisions as a Designer

How to Charge for Revisions as a Designer

Revisions are part of design work. But when do you charge for them, and when are they included?

This guide explains how to set revision policies, communicate them clearly, and charge fairly for revisions without damaging client relationships.

📖 Part of our pricing guide series: Revision policies are part of pricing strategy. For complete pricing guidance, see How to Price Design Work.

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The Revision Problem

The Challenge

Clients expect:

• Unlimited revisions
• Free revisions
• Quick turnaround
• Perfect results

You need:

• Fair compensation for your time
• Reasonable revision limits
• Protection from scope creep
• Clear boundaries

Balance is key. Too many free revisions = you work for free. Too strict = damaged relationships.

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Types of Revisions

Minor Revisions (Usually Free)

Examples:

• Color adjustments
• Small text changes
• Minor spacing tweaks
• Font size changes
• Small positioning adjustments

These are:

• Quick (under 15 minutes)
• Expected
• Part of the process
• Usually included in base price

Include 2-3 rounds of minor revisions in base price.

Major Revisions (Usually Charge)

Examples:

• Complete redesign
• New concepts
• Significant layout changes
• Adding new elements
• Changing direction entirely

These are:

• Time-consuming (hours of work)
• Beyond original scope
• Significant changes
• Should be charged

Charge hourly or flat fee for major revisions.

Scope Creep (Always Charge)

Examples:

• Adding new pages/screens
• New features not in original scope
• Additional deliverables
• Changing project direction
• "While you're at it" requests

These are:

• New work, not revisions
• Beyond original agreement
• Should be separate invoice

Always charge for scope creep.

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Setting Revision Policies

Policy 1: Included Revisions

Standard approach:

• Include 2-3 rounds of minor revisions in base price
• Specify what's included (minor changes only)
• Set clear limits

Example:

Revision Policy:
- 2 rounds of minor revisions included
- Minor revisions: color, text, spacing, small adjustments
- Major revisions charged at $100/hour
- New concepts or complete redesigns charged separately

Clear and fair.

Policy 2: Hourly for All Revisions

Alternative approach:

• Charge hourly for all revisions
• No included revisions
• Client pays for all changes

Example:

Revision Policy:
- All revisions charged at $100/hour
- Minimum 1 hour per revision round
- Estimated time provided before starting

Simple but can feel strict.

Policy 3: Revision Packages

Package approach:

• Offer revision packages
• Client buys revision rounds upfront
• Unused rounds don't expire (or do, specify)

Example:

Revision Packages:
- 2 rounds: Included in base price
- 5 rounds: +$200
- 10 rounds: +$400

Gives client options.

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How to Communicate Revision Policies

In Your Proposal/Contract

Include clearly:

Revision Policy:
- 2 rounds of minor revisions included in base price
- Minor revisions: color adjustments, text changes, spacing tweaks, small positioning
- Major revisions (complete redesign, new concepts, significant changes) charged at $100/hour
- Scope changes (new pages, features, deliverables) charged separately
- Revision requests must be consolidated (all changes in one round)

Set expectations upfront.

In Your Invoice

Include note:

Note: This invoice includes 2 rounds of minor revisions. 
Additional revisions or major changes will be invoiced separately.

Remind client of policy.

When Client Requests Revisions

Acknowledge and clarify:

I can make those changes. Based on our revision policy, this falls under [minor/major/scope change]. 

[If minor and within limit]: I'll include this in the included revisions.

[If major or beyond limit]: This is a major revision, so it will be charged at $100/hour. Estimated time: [X] hours. Should I proceed?

Communicate before doing work.

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When to Charge for Revisions

Charge If:

✅ Major revision — Complete redesign, new concepts, significant changes
✅ Beyond included rounds — More than 2-3 included rounds
✅ Scope creep — New work, not revisions
✅ Changing direction — Client wants different approach
✅ Rush work — Expedited revisions (charge rush fee)
✅ Excessive revisions — Client keeps changing mind

Charge fairly, but charge when appropriate.

Don't Charge If:

❌ Minor revision within limit — Small changes, within included rounds
❌ Your mistake — Error on your part
❌ Unclear brief — You misunderstood requirements (first time)
❌ Expected revisions — Normal part of design process

Be fair. Don't charge for your mistakes or normal process.

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How to Charge for Revisions

Option 1: Hourly Rate

Best for: Uncertain scope, variable time

How:

• Charge your hourly rate
• Track time spent
• Invoice for actual time

Example:

Major Revision Work:
- Complete homepage redesign: 4 hours @ $100/hour = $400

Fair and transparent.

Option 2: Flat Fee

Best for: Known scope, fixed price

How:

• Agree on flat fee for revision
• Client knows cost upfront
• You know what you're getting

Example:

Additional Revision Round: $200
Includes: One round of revisions, up to 5 changes

Simple and clear.

Option 3: Per Change

Best for: Simple, countable changes

How:

• Charge per change/item
• Client pays for what they request
• Clear pricing

Example:

Additional Revisions:
- $50 per change/item
- 3 changes requested = $150

Works for simple projects.

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Revision Best Practices

1. Set Limits Upfront

In proposal/contract:

• Specify included revisions
• Define what's minor vs major
• Set clear boundaries

Prevents disputes later.

2. Consolidate Revisions

Require:

• All changes in one round
• No piecemeal revisions
• Complete feedback at once

Saves time and prevents endless rounds.

3. Define "Revision" Clearly

Specify:

• Minor: Small adjustments, color, text, spacing
• Major: Complete redesign, new concepts, significant changes
• Scope change: New work, not revisions

Clear definitions prevent confusion.

4. Get Approval Before Major Work

Before starting major revisions:

• Explain it's a major revision
• Provide estimate
• Get approval to proceed

Prevents surprises on invoice.

5. Document Everything

Keep records of:

• Revision requests
• Time spent
• What was changed
• Client approvals

Documentation protects you.

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Handling Difficult Situations

Client Wants Unlimited Revisions

Response:

I understand you want to get it perfect. However, unlimited revisions aren't sustainable for me. 

I include 2 rounds of minor revisions in the base price, which covers most needs. Additional revisions are charged at [rate] to ensure I can give each project the attention it deserves.

Would you like to purchase a revision package, or should we proceed with the included revisions?

Be firm but professional.

Client Says "It Should Be Included"

Response:

I understand your perspective. However, this [major revision/scope change] goes beyond the included minor revisions we agreed on. 

The included revisions cover small adjustments like color and text changes. This is a [major revision/scope change], which requires significant additional work.

I'm happy to do it, but it needs to be charged separately. Would you like me to provide an estimate?

Stand firm on policy.

Client Keeps Changing Mind

Response:

I notice we're on revision round [X], and the direction keeps changing. To move forward efficiently, I need consolidated feedback and a clear direction.

Can we schedule a call to align on the final direction? Once we agree, I'll make the changes. Additional rounds after this will be charged at [rate].

Set boundaries, get alignment.

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Revision Policy Examples

Example 1: Standard Policy

Revision Policy:
- 2 rounds of minor revisions included
- Minor revisions: color, text, spacing, small adjustments
- Major revisions: $100/hour
- Scope changes: Separate invoice
- Revisions must be consolidated

Most common approach.

Example 2: Strict Policy

Revision Policy:
- 1 round of minor revisions included
- All additional revisions: $100/hour
- Minimum 1 hour per revision round

Stricter, but clear.

Example 3: Flexible Policy

Revision Policy:
- 3 rounds of revisions included (minor or major)
- Additional rounds: $150 flat fee per round
- Scope changes: Separate invoice

More flexible, but still has limits.

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FAQs

How many revisions should I include?

Standard: 2-3 rounds of minor revisions. Adjust based on project size and your comfort level.

What's the difference between minor and major revisions?

Minor: Small adjustments (color, text, spacing). Major: Complete redesign, new concepts, significant changes.

Should I charge for revisions if it's my mistake?

No. Don't charge for your mistakes. But do charge for client-requested changes beyond included rounds.

How do I prevent endless revisions?

Set limits:

• Include 2-3 rounds
• Require consolidated feedback
• Charge for additional rounds
• Get approval before major work

Clear limits prevent problems.

What if client wants changes not in original scope?

Charge separately. Scope changes are new work, not revisions. Invoice separately.

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