The Mark of the Beast - Clients from Hell

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From the "Clientsfromhell" website...

The best way to avoid a lot of complaints that come with freelancing is to screen clients. However, not every client from hell has a pair of horns sticking out of their forehead. Here are some signs that you may be making a deal with the devil:

Ambiguous expectations: A client is employing you because they lack the skillset or resources to complete a project themselves. However, the client should have a clear idea of what they're after. Failing that, they should be eager to help you help them figure it out. Clients who fail this test have project scopes balloon overnight, or they react with anger and confusion when their idea of what they wanted doesn't match the freelancer's blind attempts to give it to them.

Unappreciative: A client's expectations may not be explicitly tied to the project itself; they may expect behaviour, time, or discounts for no other reason other than they think they deserve it. Unfortunately, giving these clients what they want only reinforces their belief that the freelancer lives to work for them. The best way to avoid these clients is for freelancers to be upfront about how they work and how they expect the client to work. The client's reaction to this news will tell the freelancer a lot.

Disrespectful: Disrespect is tied to the client not seeing a freelancer as an equal. The best relationships are based around working with a client, not for them. Clients that fail to pay on time, refuse to communicate, or blow off appointments and/or suggestions without justification are clients who lack a professional respect vital for a good working relationship.

Devaluing hard work: Nobody is thrilled to spend money if they don't have to, but if a client devalues your work and efforts in an attempt to lower their bottom line, it's a point of concern. The freelancer-client relationship should be a mutually beneficial one. Clients should feel they are getting a value out of their freelancers, and freelancers should feel valued by their clients. Things like a paid deposit and a contract should make both the freelancer and the client feel safer; the pair have entered a bond that explicitly states expectations and responsibilities.

Here are some additional tips to avoid a client from hell before you sell them your soul:
1. Research the client and their past projects
2. Discuss all aspects of a project before committing to it
3. Be honest and clear; expect the same treatment
4. After a few correspondences, evaluate the client's communication skills; are they telling you everything, and are they concise about it? Do they respect work hours and reasonable turnaround time? Are they addressing your questions and concerns?
5. Trust your gut and don't enter into a relationship that makes you feel uncomfortable.



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Donovan448's avatar
Yep...good advice.