Comments on: Recognizing The Red Flag Client (Like a Bad Date)

By: Johnny

Johnny — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 14:13:11 +0000

Hi Kate,

I feel your pain. I have had my share of clients who had gotten the better part of me. The reality is that these types of clients have exactly what they want in mind and a price to match (which is usually lower than market value). Better to recognize them and let them go on their way because, in my experience, they will eventually get what they pay for only to return and eventually pay a fair price for quality work.

By: Kate

Kate — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 23:39:16 +0000

I wish I’d read this about a year ago. I walked blindly into a textiles-related job not long afterwards without much experience of doing the type of work the client was asking for and so gave a price that turned out to be about 25% of what I now know I should have quoted. I’ve tried again and again to explain what the creative process involves (ie. if one design takes 2 hours to produce, four items with that design on will take at least 8 hours) and ultimately was making so much of a loss that I’m having to close my business.

Unfortunately the client hasn’t grasped this, contacts me (after long delays) with e-mails/letters saying “your work is so good . . . but X detail on this design isn’t right” (even after they approved the final draft) and generally tries to get round me with flattering comments like, “You are such a good designer that we know you will do this for us”. (Well, actually, I won’t – they were informed a month in advance that I was ceasing to operate as a business and were given a firm deadline to submit last orders, which was three weeks ago.)

I just wish I had spotted the warning signs earlier.

By: Andrea @ Consultant Journal

Andrea @ Consultant Journal — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:13:28 +0000

This is a fabulous post. So many people feel like they have to bow to the pressure of a prospective client. But, if you start out bowing, you’re going to be doing it the entire time and you’ll never get to be in an equal position again. It’s better to fire the client before the trouble starts.

By: Johnny

Johnny — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:24:41 +0000

@Moz – I usually notice that these same types also need excessive hand holding. Definitely not worth the time!

By: Moz

Moz — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:18:13 +0000

When the tone of correspondence develops a personal edge, I flag the client as needing a bigger agency. My ideal clients always maintain a professional tone, no matter whether they’re expressing concerns or not.

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By: Resources - Tweets of the Week (6.28.10 - 7.2.10) | Think Design

Resources - Tweets of the Week (6.28.10 - 7.2.10) | Think Design — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:26:35 +0000

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By: Johnny

Johnny — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:02:49 +0000

Thanks for additions Jon! I know and really hate that “I have loads more work you” line too.

By: Jon Buscall

Jon Buscall — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:00:05 +0000

* clients that try to get you to work at a cheaper rate “because there’s loads more coming”
* clients that never respond promptly to your emails but expect you to be there 100% of the time whenever you want them
* clients who expect you to work after 19:00 and on Sat/Sun.
* clients who are looking to cut corners and want a fast turnaround and who will settle for “good enough”
Jon Buscall´s last blog ..Summer Blog Post Schedule

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Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:52:56 +0000

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