How to Use Fast Action Deliverables Without Losing Control

When I first introduced the idea of Fast Action Deliverables (FADs)—a quick teaser you create after a discovery call—my clients loved the idea but immediately asked some smart questions.

Here are the most common concerns, answered plainly so you feel confident using FADs to turn curiosity into commitment—without losing control, clarity, or cash.

One of the biggest hesitations creatives have with offering Fast Action Deliverables (FADs)—a small, strategic teaser of your work—is the fear of clients responding with confusion, revision requests, or unrealistic expectations.

Here's how to avoid exactly that:

1. Don't Set Expectations for Free Work

Never promise a free deliverable on your discovery call.
Why? Because this creates an expectation rather than delight.
Instead, surprise your client by briefly going beyond what's expected. This positions you as proactive and generous, rather than obligated.

2. Clearly Define the Purpose of Your Teaser

The purpose of a Fast Action Deliverable (FAD) isn’t to showcase the final product—it's to showcase your strategic thinking and your clear understanding of the client's vision.

Explain clearly in the proposal call:

"Based on our conversation, I created this quick visual (or concept, or mood board) to give you a feel for our approach. It's not meant to be final—just a quick preview of how closely we're already aligned with your vision."

2. Frame it as Validation, not Completion

Make it explicitly clear that the teaser isn't meant to be the final product—it's simply a tangible way to verify your alignment with their vision.

If the client gets too detailed, remind them:

"Great points! Those are exactly the types of details we'll refine during the full project. This initial preview was simply to confirm we're on the same page. Does this align with your vision at a high level?"

3. Stay in Control of the Conversation

The reason clients may introduce new elements or get overly detailed is because they feel responsible for figuring out exactly what's needed. Your role is to relieve them of this burden.

Establish your role clearly:

"Based on everything we discussed, here's what we believe is best for you. We've already accounted for the essentials you've described. If there are new things you'd like to explore, we can either add them to the scope clearly—or we can park them for later."

4. Clearly Define When (and Why) You'll Say No

To avoid overwhelm or confusion, clearly communicate upfront (ideally on the initial discovery call) the boundaries of what your team handles best, and what types of projects aren't a fit.

For example:

"We specialize in thoughtful, minimalist design. If a project begins shifting toward something highly experimental or outside our core expertise, we'll let you know immediately and even help refer you to someone better suited."

This sets up clear, safe boundaries—making saying 'no' easy and understandable rather than surprising or awkward.

Here's the Bottom Line:

Offering Fast Action Deliverables isn’t about doing extra free work; it’s about demonstrating alignment, creating excitement, and confirming you're the best person to solve their problem.

When done right, this approach not only prevents confusion—it also positions you as a confident expert, builds deeper trust, and creates more committed clients eager to get started.