11 Warning Signs That You Need to Part Ways with Problematic Clients

When it comes to freelancing, it’s not just about how many clients you have. The real key to success lies in the quality of those clients. Some clients are a breeze to work with, while others can make you question why you ever chose this path.

Every now and then, you’ll come across a client from hell. Sometimes the warning signs are clear from the start, but other times you only realize the truth when you’re knee-deep in a project and feeling the burn.

Let’s face it, as a freelancer, you’re bound to encounter one of these clients as you navigate the freelancing world. If possible, avoid them like the plague. But if avoidance isn’t an option, don’t worry, there are ways to handle the situation and minimize further damage.

So keep your eyes wide open and be on the lookout for clients who exhibit the following red flags:

Dealing with Tricky Clients

As I continue my journey in the world of freelancing, I’ve come across a specific type of client that can be quite puzzling. Let’s dive into the ways to navigate these challenging situations.

1. Unclear about their needs

We’ve all had clients who aren’t sure about what they want. When they mention “a new look,” it’s unclear whether they’re referring to the logo, the entire website, or just the web copy. To eliminate any ambiguity, I have found that asking the right questions can quickly clarify the project’s scope.

By maintaining a set of standard questions, I’m able to cut through the confusion and address the underlying issues before beginning any work.

But every once in a while, there’s a client who struggles to explain their needs, even after I’ve asked all the important questions. It’s frustrating when they don’t agree with my assessment. For instance, they might need a complete rebranding, but all they insist on is a new logo.

Be cautious with these clients because they’re unlikely to ever be satisfied. What’s even worse is when they return claiming my work is flawed. They can’t articulate what they wanted in the first place, but somehow they’re convinced my work isn’t what they had in mind.

2. Goes through freelancers rapidly

When it comes to taking on freelance projects, it’s important to do your due diligence and gather information about the client before accepting the offer. One way to do this is by reaching out to other freelancers in forums or your personal network to see if they have any experience working with the client. Hearing their perspective can give you valuable insight into what it’s like to work with the client. If you discover that the client has a problematic track record, it’s best to decline the offer.

3. Wants the ‘Best’ rate

Be cautious when a client asks for your “best” rate, as it often means they’re looking for the lowest price possible. It can be tempting to lower your rates to accommodate their request, but this can be detrimental to both your self-worth and your future earning potential. Remember that your rates are a reflection of the quality of work you provide.

It’s important not to undervalue your services. If you give in to their request for a low rate now, they will expect the same low rates for future projects. Stick to your rates and don’t compromise your value.

4. Thinks their nephew can do it better

We’ve all probably heard this one before. It might be a dig at your prices or your ability to understand their jargon and read their minds. When their expectations aren’t met, tempers can flare and they might come up with strange excuses for why they didn’t like your work. One of the most common excuses is that one of their talented designer nephews could have done a better job.

Here’s the thing though, if their niece or nephew actually could do it better, they wouldn’t need to hire you in the first place. But hey, if they don’t like your work, they’re more than welcome to get their own family members to do it for them (and for free).

Just make sure to remind them that since they’re rejecting your work, they can’t use it because you still own the copyright.

5. Doesn’t want to sign a contract

If you refuse to sign the contract, you might encounter issues later in the project. The situation, where the client refuses to agree in writing, seems problematic. If they say something like “we trust you and you can trust us too,” let them know that signing the contract is essential to avoid confusion and extra work in the future.

To make it crystal clear, it’s okay to negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract. However, if the customer refuses to sign or delays the signing, it’s a red flag. Even if they promise to sign it, it’s better to wait until you receive a copy of the signed contract before starting the project.

Here are eight essential contract clauses that freelancers should include:

1. Scope of Work: Clearly define the tasks and deliverables.

2. Payment Terms: Specify the payment schedule and methods.

3. Intellectual Property: Clarify who owns the rights to the work.

4. Confidentiality: Protect sensitive information from being disclosed.

5. Termination: Outline the conditions for terminating the contract.

6. Dispute Resolution: Define the process for resolving conflicts.

7. Indemnification: Determine who bears responsibility for legal claims.

8. Governing Law: Specify the jurisdiction in which the contract is enforceable.

Having a contract in place ensures that both parties understand their obligations and protects you in case of any disputes or misunderstandings. Don’t work without one. Make sure to communicate consistently and promptly with your clients to maintain a healthy working relationship.

One week later and I’m still waiting. Just when I thought I’d never hear from them again, out of the blue, they finally reach out. And what do they want? Changes. And they need them done fast because, you know, they have a deadline to meet.

Can you believe it? I’m sure we’ve all had a client like that. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? So, I take matters into my own hands and decide to send them an email. I remind them that they haven’t sent me the information or feedback I requested on time. And guess what? I can’t meet their deadline anymore because of it. It’s only fair, right? By the way, while we’re on the subject…

7. Always wants rushed work

It’s a slippery slope. If you start rushing work for a client too often, they begin to expect it all the time. It becomes the norm. But here’s the thing – we need to have a conversation about this. I’m not going to keep pulling all-nighters just because they’re paying me more. It’s not worth the stress and exhaustion.

8. A Master of Delayed Payment

Don’t be fooled by a client who pays. The truth is, not all payers are created equal. Some are good, but others are just plain bad. Let me tell you about a type of client I like to call the “Master of Delayed Payment.”

Now, what makes a bad paymaster? Well, the first sign is when they consistently pay late. They have no respect for your time and don’t value the work you’ve put in. It’s frustrating, to say the least. Imagine waiting eagerly for your hard-earned money to arrive, only to be met with disappointment every time.

But it doesn’t end there. These bad paymasters have a knack for changing the payment schedule without warning. They may promise to pay you on a certain date, only to push it back repeatedly. It’s like a never-ending game of hide-and-seek, and believe me, it’s not fun to play.

And let’s not forget about those pesky installments. Instead of paying the full amount at once, they prefer to split it up into small, bite-sized pieces. It might sound convenient, but in reality, it’s a headache. You have bills to pay and expenses to cover, but thanks to their installment plan, you’re left waiting for a trickle of money.

Lastly, there are those clients who try to shortchange you. They agreed to a certain amount but mysteriously decide to pay you less. It’s like a slap in the face, an insult to your hard work and worth. You put in your best effort, only to be greeted with a smaller paycheck than expected.

So, what do you do if you come across a bad paymaster? First and foremost, protect yourself. Clearly establish your payment terms from the beginning, and make sure they are in writing. This way, you have proof of the agreed-upon terms in case any issues arise.

Secondly, set boundaries. Don’t be afraid to follow up if a payment is late or if the schedule changes unexpectedly. You have a right to be paid on time and according to your agreed-upon schedule. Stand firm and assertive, and don’t let them take advantage of you.

Lastly, if all else fails, know when to walk away. Sometimes, it’s best to cut your losses and move on to greener pastures. Don’t waste your time and energy on clients who don’t value your work or pay you what you deserve.

When it comes to clients, finding one who pays promptly or, better yet, pays in advance and remains loyal is key. Instead of sticking with this current client, take a moment to consider your options. In my experience, clients who start delaying payments or altering the agreed terms midway through a project are trouble waiting to happen.

9. Requests spec work

Spec work (short for speculative, not specifications) can be a freelancer designer’s worst nightmare. I’ve never quite understood why clients ask for it, but some do.

With spec work, you invest time and effort into creating something for the client without any guarantee of payment if they don’t like the final result. As you can imagine, this can introduce a significant element of risk into the equation.

In my opinion, I believe that clients should compensate freelancers for the sample work they request, regardless of whether they end up hiring them or not. This is because spec work takes up valuable time that could be spent on billable projects. It can be tempting to make exceptions, but in most cases, spec work is detrimental to your freelancing career.

Instead, I recommend showcasing your portfolio, which consists of the work you have completed for previous clients or projects you have taken on during your free time.

10. Offering future work in exchange for low payment

Have you ever received an email from a potential client who promises that they will provide you with more work in the future, but only if you agree to work for extremely low rates now? Or maybe they suggest that they will pay you more once their business or service becomes successful and they start earning a significant amount of money?

Listen up, because I’ve got some news for you: that scenario you’re dreaming of? It’s just not going to happen. Unless, of course, you happen to have an uncle who enjoys taking advantage of his own family members.

11. The Perpetual Dissatisfied

Let me paint you a picture: you pour your heart and soul into a project, giving it your all, and then you send it off to the client. But what happens? They send it back to you with a laundry list of major edits. So, you roll up your sleeves and make the changes, thinking you’ve nailed it this time. And what happens next? You guessed it – it’s sent right back to you once again, with more requested changes. And it keeps happening, over and over and over.

Unless you made some colossal mistake with the project, it’s safe to assume that when a client keeps sending your work back to you for revisions, they’re never going to be fully satisfied.

You know what really stops people from making changes? Charging for them. Seriously, once you’re finally done with a project and have better things to do, it’s time to let go of troublesome clients.

Saying goodbye to difficult clients

Avoiding clients who might cause problems in the future is a smart move. But here’s the thing: it’s not fair to judge potential clients too harshly. They’re not always the problem. Freelancers can be a tricky bunch too. Believe me, clients have their own red flags when it comes to working with freelancers.

No one likes to admit they’re wrong, so before you decide a client is impossible to work with, take a look at the whole situation, including yourself. Are you doing your best work? Are you being professional?

Many times, I’ve noticed that what may seem like trouble with a client is often just a small mistake on their part. The best thing to do in these situations is to have an open conversation with your client. Let them know about the issue you’re facing and see if they can fix it before deciding whether to continue working with them or find a different client.

Have you ever had a client similar to the ones I mentioned? How did you handle the situation?