Sources & Methodology

Every stat we cite publicly has a source URL, a confidence tier, and a note on how we used it. If a number isn't sourceable, it isn't on our pages.

Confidence tiers

★★★Primary survey data with published methodology and sample size (n≥100).
★★Published research with clear sample but broader scope or older data.
★ EstimateModel-derived or internal estimate. Disclosed as such on every surface where it appears.

★★★57% of agencies absorb $1,000–$5,000 of scope creep every month

n=273 agency owners/execs. Survey question: "How much scope creep do you absorb monthly without charging?"

★★★78% of agencies rarely or only sometimes bill for out-of-scope work

Same report, same sample. Question: frequency of billing for scope creep.

★★★30% of agencies absorb more than $5,000/month in scope creep

Upper tail of the $5K+ absorption bucket in the same dataset.

★★52% of projects experience scope creep at least once

Broad project-management survey; not agency-specific. Used as directional corroboration only.

★★27% average budget overrun on scope-creep-affected projects

PMI median overrun figure for projects that reported scope change. Used as the 0.27 multiplier in the calculator.

Constant	Source	Note
OVERRUN (0.27)	S5 (PMI)	Median budget overrun rate on scope-affected projects
60/40 split	S1 (Ignition)	~60% of scope costs appear as change orders; ~40% get absorbed then rebuilt into renewals
75% CC savings	Internal estimate	Based on tiered-model pricing vs. equivalent hourly billing. Not a guarantee — disclosed as estimate on every results card
Freq multipliers (0.15–0.75)	Model calibration	Derived from Ignition absorption frequency distribution; scaled to reflect low/medium/high/constant scope-creep patterns

• The 75% savings figure is labeled “★ Estimate” on every results card and this page. It is not a guarantee.
• We do not claim specific outcome metrics (revenue, traffic, leads) without a named client source and explicit client permission.
• “Unlimited” is never used on this site. Tier inclusions are defined in our service agreements.
• No fabricated testimonials or composite client personas. All quoted reviews are Google-verified.
• Campaign copy uses “typical” and “estimate” language — not “you will save” or “guaranteed.”

• Seeking a more recent PMI overrun figure (2024/2025 edition). Will update S4/S5 when available.
• Looking for agency-specific AI-cost-reduction data to replace model-calibrated multipliers.