onboarding
· 25 scenarios · P-005
The Client Onboarding Playbook
Start every project with expectations, boundaries, and payment terms locked in from day one. The unsigned contract, the deposit pushback, the rushed start — handled before they become patterns.
clarify
align
assert
defend
exit
one-time purchase · lifetime updates · works in any browser
The contract's ready, the start date is set, and now they want to start without the deposit. What they're really asking is whether your terms are negotiable.
Hi Sarah,
Glad we're ready to go. The 50% deposit reserves your start date of June 15 — once it's in, I'll send the kickoff agenda the same day. The invoice is attached; the date holds as soon as it clears…
how it works
Four steps. One send-ready email.
step 01
Diagnose
Answer four quick questions about what the client said and where the project stands. The playbook routes you to your exact scenario.
step 02
Get the strategy
See the real risk under the surface, the strategy mode the situation calls for, and how firm your tone can safely go.
step 03
Build your draft
Pick an approach, drop in the client’s name and project details, and the playbook assembles the email around them.
step 04
Copy and send
Take the finished email, a reusable template, or an AI prompt tuned to the scenario — whichever fits how you work.
what's inside
25 scenarios across the whole client relationship
From the first red flag in a prospect’s email to the kick-off that sets the standard — every early conversation, scripted.
Unsigned contracts, deposit pushback, mismatched budgets — the deals that need terms before a start date.
Rushed starts, missing decision-makers, and the alignment call that prevents month-two chaos.
Spotting the difficult client in week one — and correcting course while it's still cheap to.
Locking scope, revision limits, and payment terms in writing from day one.
Working hours, channels, response times — the standard you set now is the one you live with.
every scenario includes
Not advice.
A complete response kit.
A client who resists the deposit isn't objecting to the amount — they're testing whether your terms are real. Fold here and every later boundary starts from behind.
also included
More than scenarios
the guide
19-chapter boundary guide
The thinking behind the scripts — how boundaries work, why clients test them, and how to hold them long-term. Read it cover to cover or jump from any scenario.
browse mode
Every scenario, one index
Skip the diagnosis when you already know your situation — browse all 25 scenarios by category and jump straight to the script.
the format
One file, works anywhere
A single HTML file that runs in any browser — laptop, tablet, phone. No account, no installs, works offline. Yours forever.
the complete bundle
Onboarding is one of five conversations.
Boundaries, scope creep, late payments, and rate raises each have their own playbook. Get all five — 122 scenarios — plus 50% off any ClearBound AI subscription.
$79
$161
faq
Before you decide.
What exactly do I download?
A single interactive HTML file plus a quick-start README. Open the file in any browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox — on any device. No account, no installs, and it works offline.
How do you set expectations with a new client?
Set expectations before the work begins, in writing. Confirm the scope, deliverables, timeline, payment terms, and how you communicate—including your working hours and response times—so nothing is left to assumption. A short kickoff message or onboarding email that restates these points gives you something to point back to if a client drifts later. The Client Onboarding Playbook provides 25 scenarios and word-for-word scripts for setting clear expectations from day one.
What should a freelancer client onboarding checklist include?
A strong onboarding checklist locks in the essentials before work starts: a signed contract or agreement, clearly defined scope and deliverables, payment terms and deposit, timeline and key deadlines, communication channels and response times, and a named point of contact. Confirming these up front prevents scope creep, late payments, and boundary problems later. The Client Onboarding Playbook gives you 25 scenarios and ready-to-send scripts to set every one of these expectations.
Is this a course or a PDF?
Neither. It’s an interactive tool: you answer a few questions about your situation, it routes you to the right scenario, and it builds the email around your details. There’s nothing to read cover-to-cover unless you want to — the 19-chapter guide is there when you do.
What if my situation isn't one of the 25 scenarios?
Every scenario is built on the five strategy modes, so the scripts adapt to variations of each situation. And every scenario includes a tuned AI prompt — run it with your specifics to generate a version for your exact case.
Do I get updates?
Yes — lifetime updates are included. When new scenarios or improvements ship, you get the new file at no extra cost.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes — 14 days, no questions asked. If the playbook doesn’t help you handle your next hard conversation, reply to your receipt and you’ll get a full refund.
The easiest boundary is the one set on day one.
25 scenarios. Terms locked before the work starts.