Seven Tips to Avoid Being The Client from Hell

Freelancers often pick and choose the projects they want to work on. Some freelancers tend to pick and choose their clients, too. If you had the choice to avoid the client from hell, wouldn’t you?But wait – are you that difficult client? Are you sabotaging your own relationships with providers?

A difficult client typically abuses revision policies, requesting multiple changes to projects. He or she may not provide enough information to complete the work to satisfaction and then label the provider as being substandard. Guidelines might be ambiguous or vague. Some clients want “extras” beyond the original agreement done for free and get insulted when providers ask for compensation. Other clients are condescending, snappy, rude, or demanding. They often lack respect for providers and their skills or talent.

If you want to avoid the label of “client from hell”, here are some tips:

• Listen to your professional provider. When your writer, artist, or technical advisor takes the time to advise you, listen to the person. That’s what you’re paying for. Professionals know what they can and can’t do, and they understand the limitations involved.
• Be clear from the start what you need in your project. Detail your requirements. The little things count immensely towards a perfect result.
• Remember providers aren’t mind readers. Don’t make providers guess or assume they know what angle or take you want on your project. Present a crystal clear image of what you want, even if you believe the provider should already know.
• Put it in writing. If you and the provider carry out IM, PM or telephone conversations (in other words, any communication other than email), summarize the points of those discussions. Write them in an email so you both have a clear reference and written record.
• Ask questions. Make sure you get the answers. At the same time, allow your provider to ask questions, too. Give clear answers that are helpful.
• Be respectful. Treat your provider as you would want to be treated. It sounds cliché, I know. Avoid condescension, arrogance, or ordering about. Providers work with you, not for you.
• Lastly, be polite. Don’t insult a provider’s integrity, skills, or abilities. Don’t be snappy, either. There is no need for that. If something isn’t working, just politely so and keep personal attacks or subtle messages out of the communication.

Of course, there are providers from hell, too, with their own set of determining factors. We’re not saying that all pros are professionals.

 

When a bad situation does occur, whether it be because of a client from hell or a bad choice of providers, there are ways to deal effectively with the issue. A good start is to handle flaming emails properly and to avoid writing them.

 

So let’s hear it: Have you ever dealt with a client or a provider from hell? How did you resolve the situation? Any advice to share? Let us know! We want to hear what you have to say!

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