A solo data/research service provider struggles with prospective clients who request a free sample that essentially constitutes the entire job, and there is no clear way to limit sample scope without either scaring off legitimate clients or doing unpaid work.

Workarounds Described

• Sends a small partial sample instead (same quality, smaller scope)
• Some clients push for 'just a bit more' until the sample quietly becomes the deliverable

Implied Software Gaps

• A tool that automatically generates a limited, non-exploitable sample from a full deliverable
• A feature that rejects incremental scope expansion requests beyond a predefined sample threshold

SampleGuard

SampleGuard is a platform that helps solo service providers create, deliver, and track limited, watermarked samples of digital deliverables. It automates the sample process by generating controlled previews, enforcing scope limits, and collecting payments for paid trials, preventing scope creep and ensuring providers are not exploited.