Say no to doing free extra work - in a nice way
Turn down a client's free ask in a warm, brief reply that keeps them paying.
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ChatGPTClaudeGemini
Prompt Locked
Example result
Hi Danielle, Happy to help — this one sits outside our monthly retainer, which covers the two blog posts and social scheduling. I can write the extra landing-page copy as a one-off for £180, or we could bump the retainer…
What this prompt does
- Drafts a warm, brief no that keeps them paying
- Grounds the reason in your arrangement, not excuses
- Names the paid path with a real number
- Preps a one-line reply for the repeat ask
Why it works
A short no reads as business, not rejection. The paid path keeps the door open.
Tips for this prompt
- Paste their exact words — vague asks get vague replies
- Pick one intent (decline, once, or fold) before running
- Quote the paid path with a real number
- Send the short version — padding reads as guilt
- Save the one-line reply for the repeat ask
How to use the prompt
- Paste the prompt into Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini
- Paste or describe the client's free ask
- State what they actually pay for
- Choose your intent — decline, do once, or fold in
- Run it and send the short reply
- Save the one-line version for next time
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