budget_update_email
Write an email to inform a client that your project estimate was too low, presenting the original and updated cost, a brief honest reason, and asking how they would like to proceed.
Instructions
Write the email informing a client that the project will cost more than originally estimated — due to unforeseen technical complexity, third-party cost increases, or scope that proved harder than anticipated. This is distinct from scope_change_email (client requested extra work) and budget_proposal (client said your quote was too high): this is the honest update when your own estimate turns out to be off, and you need to raise the number before proceeding. Structure: clear statement of original vs. updated figure, a brief honest reason (one sentence — not an essay), and a question asking how they'd like to proceed before you go further. Tone: direct and professional, not grovelling or defensive. Most freelancers either absorb the cost silently or surprise clients with a higher invoice — this is the professional middle path that respects the client's budget and your rate. Does not count against your monthly draft limit.
Input Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| client_name | Yes | Client's first name or full name | |
| project_name | No | Name of the project | |
| original_estimate | Yes | The original cost estimate (e.g. '$2,500' or '20 hours') | |
| updated_cost | Yes | The revised cost or estimate (e.g. '$3,200' or '28 hours') | |
| reason | No | Brief explanation for the increase — e.g. 'the integration required a custom solution we didn't anticipate', 'the third-party API pricing changed'. One sentence max. | |
| approval_needed | No | Whether to ask for client approval before proceeding (default true — always recommended) | |
| your_name | No | Your name for the sign-off |