The way that works best in my opinion is to over communicate and lock them in on a decision. Once that happens things like requirements/scope changes cannot happen as you already established this in writing and it will be binding.
For instance for any work outside of the scope, you politely inform them of the service of work that they agreed to and that any other work outside of that will cost them money because it takes up your time. These are standard and should be outlined before you do a thing with/for anyone.
The clients importance will determine if you adhere to what I posted above. If they are toxic as you defined, when you have those initial conversations and contract negotiations they will be put off by the rigidity and not want to work with you :).
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The way that works best in my opinion is to over communicate and lock them in on a decision. Once that happens things like requirements/scope changes cannot happen as you already established this in writing and it will be binding.
For instance for any work outside of the scope, you politely inform them of the service of work that they agreed to and that any other work outside of that will cost them money because it takes up your time. These are standard and should be outlined before you do a thing with/for anyone.
The clients importance will determine if you adhere to what I posted above. If they are toxic as you defined, when you have those initial conversations and contract negotiations they will be put off by the rigidity and not want to work with you :).