Shopify scope approval process
Back-and-forth usually comes from ambiguity:
- unclear deliverables
- unclear exclusions
- unclear responsibilities
A consistent structure reduces cycles. When each scope follows the same format, reviewers know exactly where to look and what to challenge. The result is fewer revision rounds and faster sign-off.
Who this is for
- Agencies whose scopes go through two or more rounds of client review. If your team spends more time revising scopes than delivering work, the problem is usually structural, not strategic.
- Teams where scope sign-off is a bottleneck. When approvals stall, projects stall. A repeatable approval flow keeps timelines on track and stops scoping from eating into delivery capacity.
A simple approval flow
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Collect inputs (scope variables) Start by gathering the decisions that shape the scope: project type, integrations, catalogue size, markets, and timeline. Collecting these upfront means the first draft is based on real constraints, not assumptions.
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Assemble the scope (first draft) Use the collected inputs to assemble a structured scope rather than writing from scratch. A rules-based first draft ensures nothing is missed and every section reflects the actual project requirements.
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Review internally (consistency + exclusions) Before the client sees anything, check that the scope is internally consistent. Confirm that exclusions match the deliverables, that hours align with the selected variables, and that assumptions are stated plainly.
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Client review focused on decisions (inputs) When the scope is well-structured, client review shifts from "is this complete?" to "are these choices correct?" That is a faster, more productive conversation for both sides.
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Lock scope + change request rules Once approved, lock the scope and define what triggers a change request. This protects both the agency and the client from scope creep after sign-off.
Where RuleDox helps
- Consistent first drafts. RuleDox assembles scopes inside Google Docs using rules tied to your inputs, so the first draft is structured and complete — not cobbled together from old projects.
- Review focused on choices, not formatting. Because sections, exclusions, and hours are driven by rules, internal and client review is about validating decisions rather than catching missing content.
- Repeatable across the team. Any team member can generate a scope that follows your approval flow, without relying on a senior colleague to check every detail from memory.