# Keep a customer's trust when a job runs over time or budget

> It turns 'it's going to cost more' into a clear two-option message the customer can answer with one word.

Describe what you found, the extra time and the new cost. You get a short, honest message that explains the change in plain words and asks for the customer's OK before you carry on.

- Page: https://thesolocreators.com/prompts/explain-a-job-overrun-to-the-customer/
- Category: Wow your clients
- Made for: Small business owners
- Works in: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini
- Time: About 3 minutes
- Effort: Just copy and paste

## The prompt

Fill in the parts in [square brackets], or leave them and the AI will ask you for them.

```text
I'm a [YOUR TRADE, e.g. electrician] on a job for a homeowner. The job has changed and I need to tell them before I continue.

Original quote and timing: [ORIGINAL QUOTE, e.g. $1,200, done Friday]
What I found: [WHAT YOU FOUND, e.g. old wiring behind the panel]
New estimate: [NEW COST AND TIME, e.g. extra $450, done Monday]

Write a message I can text or email that:
- Starts with the news, not a long lead-in
- Explains what I found and why it matters, with no jargon
- Shows the old and new price and timing side by side
- Gives two clear options, for example go ahead now, or finish the original job and quote the rest separately
- Asks them to reply with a simple yes or the option number
- Stays calm and honest, under 130 words

Then give me short answers to the three questions they're most likely to ask.
```

## Step by step

1. Note what you found, the extra time and the new price.
2. Paste the details into the prompt.
3. Check the numbers in the message match your notes.
4. Send it and wait for their OK before you continue.

## What you'll get

A clear change message with old and new numbers, two options to pick from and ready answers to likely questions.

## Good to know

**Which AI tools does this work in?** It works in ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. On this page, ChatGPT and Claude open with your prompt already typed in. No paid plan is noted for this one.

**How long does it take?** About 3 minutes. It's rated "Just copy and paste". There are 4 steps, listed above.

**What do I need before I start?** Just your details for 4 blanks: your trade, original quote, what you found and new cost and time. You can skip any, and your AI will ask for them.

**What will I get back?** A clear change message with old and new numbers, two options to pick from and ready answers to likely questions.

Idea spotted on the web, shared by Lilach Bullock: https://www.lilachbullock.com/chatgpt-prompts-for-plumbers-and-electricians/. The prompt is The Solo Creators' own version.

## Go further

Ready-made skills in the Solo Creators AI Studio (https://thesolocreators.com/studio/) that fit this: Website Audit (An evidence-cited, branded audit of any site, ready to hand a client); Slide Deck Designer (A blog post or an idea into a beautiful, on-brand deck. No Canva, no Gamma, no designer).

From AI Use Cases and Prompts by The Solo Creators: https://thesolocreators.com/prompts/. Free to use; please link back to the page when you share it.