When I’m not writing for MLC, I run a small service-based business creating custom designs. It can be very gratifying and for the most part I enjoy working with my clients helping them get their vision in tangible form. I have managed to find a few that I have a great working relationship with and that have become regular and repeat customers. But once in a while I encounter one or two that I consider ‘difficult’ or problem clients.
What makes a difficult client? I can only base it on my experiences and there are many. But here are the most common:
1. Someone that tells me there is something wrong with my product but will not articulate the details of the problem/s. This makes it very difficult for me to fix.
2. Someone that tries to tell me how to do my job. Why hire me if you can do it better than me?
3. Someone that does not read contracts before signing or who is not interested in the details of the agreement until something happens they did not anticipate. I try and outline how I work to the client before any papers are drawn up, I have a ‘what to expect from me and what you (the client) are expected to do’ document just to make sure they know the details of the agreement, and finally a contract where all of this is again drawn out. But some clients don’t seem to want to think about this stuff before giving a me a down-payment.
4. Someone that tries and get more from me and my service without wanting to pay extra.
5. And of course, someone that will not pay or does not pay on time.
Sadly, most difficult clients have all of the above characteristics. And they complain to no end. I have a theory that it has nothing to do with the quality of my work; they have other issues and take it out on me because they think a cheque paid to my name entitles them to do so.
I have spent too many hours trying to make ‘difficult’ clients happy and realized they cost me rather than make me money. So many unpaid and unbillable hours are wasted on them and still they are unsatisfied. I have learned my lesson, I now have a better screening process and choose my clients very carefully. For the occasional one that slips through, I ‘fire’ them. These people are simply not worth my time and effort.
Do you have clients that resemble the ones described here? Do yourself a favour and let them go. They cost you money rather than make you money and can make your work life miserable. Instead, invest your time to find good clients because these clients will help you keep loving what you do and even make the many issues of running a business worthwhile.
Looking for more tips to save some cash? Then be sure to visit the Saving Tips section of this website. Or how about reading on how money affects our relationships? Read the Money and Relationships section. See the Alternative Investments section if you want to see what else we consider good investments.
