Freelance Red Flags: How to Deal With a Difficult Client
There are a lot of benefits to freelance work, such as having a flexible schedule and the ability to work remotely. However, there are also some drawbacks, and these include dealing with difficult clients. And while most clients you work with will be professional and have reasonable expectations, you may occasionally find yourself having to handle a more challenging partner. When you’re in that situation, it can be difficult to know what steps to take.
Keep reading for some tips on how to recognize the red flags indicating a particularly difficult client and how to cope with that situation.
What Is a Red Flag?
Red flags are warning signs or indicators that suggest a person, situation, or relationship may be problematic, unreliable, or prone to conflict. They serve as cues to proceed with caution or reassess the situation before moving forward.
In freelancing, watching out for red flags helps you identify potentially difficult or untrustworthy clients. They are the opposite of “green flags,” which signal positive working relationships.
Red flags include clients communicating poorly, repeatedly questioning your rates, downplaying your expertise, making unreasonable demands, or resisting signing contracts. Recognizing these red flags early on can prevent misunderstandings, protect your business, and ensure smoother client experiences.
5 Freelance Red Flags
Let’s take a closer look at five red flags for freelance clients.
1. They Don’t Communicate Well
Client communication is one of the most important areas for a freelancer to pay attention to, especially since freelance work is typically done remotely. The client’s expectations should be completely clear to you from the beginning so that you’re not caught off guard by any last-minute demands.
It’s also a red flag if a client takes an excessive amount of time responding to simple clarifying questions, as it makes your job harder when you don’t know how to proceed. Delayed or vague communication can disrupt your workflow and leave you guessing about project requirements. Inconsistent communication often indicates disorganization or a lack of commitment, both of which can lead to frustrating misunderstandings.
Top tip: Look for clients who communicate clearly and consistently from the start. If they’re responsive and proactive in answering questions, it’s a good sign they’ll be easy to work with throughout the project.
2. They Downplay Your Skills
Another warning sign is when a client downplays your professional skills or implies that they could do the work themselves if they had the time. There may be several reasons why a client does this (such as to avoid paying a fair rate or as justification for criticism), but it’s always uncalled for and disrespectful.
Clients who don’t appreciate your expertise are more likely to question your decisions and attempt to micromanage your work. Over time, this can erode your confidence and lead to unnecessary frustration.
Top tip: Trust your expertise and don’t be afraid to stand firm when clients undermine your skills. Professional clients understand that they hired you for your knowledge and experience – they won’t belittle your contributions.
3. They Constantly Question Your Rates
During your first interaction with a client, they may question your stated rates, and it’s up to you whether you choose to negotiate. However, if they continue to question your rates after the initial negotiation, it can be a red flag that they will be difficult to work with or, even worse, try to avoid paying you.
Relentlessly pushing for discounts or trying to negotiate lower fees partway through a project is a sign that the client doesn’t value your work or respect your agreed-upon terms. In extreme cases, this can escalate into disputes over invoices or even nonpayment.
Top tip: Be clear and confident about your rates from the beginning, and make sure they are outlined in a contract. If a client continues to haggle or push back, it’s a strong signal that they may not be a good fit.
4. They Have Unreasonable Expectations
Another red flag that a client may be difficult is when they make unreasonable demands of your time. If a client asks for far more work than what was originally agreed upon or insists on extremely tight deadlines, then they should expect you to raise your rates accordingly. If they’re not willing to discuss that option, then this job and this client may not be right for you.
Top tip: Always set clear expectations for deliverables and deadlines in your contract. If a client pushes for more without also offering fair compensation, don’t be afraid to stand your ground. Good clients understand that added work means added cost.
5. They Avoid Signing a Contract
A big warning sign that a client will be difficult is when they try to get out of signing a contract. If they don’t want to put anything in writing, it’s a red flag that they might try to change the terms of your agreement or avoid paying you for your work.
Contracts protect all parties involved by clearly outlining expectations, payment terms, and project deliverables. If a client resists this basic formality, it may indicate they are not fully committed to the terms you’ve agreed upon.
Top tip: Always insist on a signed contract before starting work. If a client won’t sign, it’s worth asking why. A reliable client won’t hesitate to formalize your agreement.
How to Manage a Difficult Client
For freelancers, especially those who are new to this way of working, it’s never an easy decision to terminate a relationship with a client. However, if you’ve politely expressed your concerns and gotten nowhere, it may be time to consider stopping work with them.
When to End the Relationship
It’s important to recognize when a client relationship has become more stressful than it’s worth. Common signs include repeated boundary violations, continued late payments, or disrespectful communication despite your efforts to address these issues. Trust your instincts – if you consistently feel uneasy about a client, it may be time to move on.
How to End the Relationship Professionally
If you decide to part ways with a client, be prepared for pushback or to answer questions about why. Make it clear that you will no longer be working with them and be honest about your reasons. This is often easier to accomplish over email since you can list all your concerns without interruption.
When writing your message, follow this advice:
- Be direct but courteous: Clearly state that you are ending the professional relationship.
- Provide a reason: Briefly explain why you are making this decision without getting overly emotional or accusatory.
- Offer a transition: If possible, suggest a way to wrap up ongoing tasks or recommend another freelancer who might be a better fit.
- Keep it professional: Avoid blaming the client directly or making negative remarks. A calm, composed tone helps maintain your reputation.
If you’re unsure how to frame this kind of conversation, here’s a professional and well-structured example email you can adapt:
Subject: Ending Our Professional Relationship
Hi [Client’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. After careful consideration, I have decided to end our professional relationship, effective [Last Working Date]. This decision was not made lightly, and I genuinely appreciate the opportunities we’ve had to work together.
The primary reason for this decision is [briefly mention the reason, e.g., ongoing communication challenges, frequent scope changes, or misalignment of project expectations]. Despite our efforts to address these issues, I believe that moving forward separately is the best course of action for both of us.
To ensure a smooth transition, I am happy to complete any pending tasks by [Final Deadline], and I can also provide documentation or handover notes if needed. Additionally, if you would like recommendations for other freelancers who may be a good fit for your needs, I would be happy to share some contacts.
Thank you again for the opportunity to work with you. I wish you the very best in your future projects.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number, if applicable]
How to Set Boundaries for Future Clients
After ending a problematic client relationship, take some time to reflect on what went wrong. Consider updating your contract template to include clearer boundaries or more detailed communication guidelines. By learning from difficult experiences, you’ll be better equipped to spot red flags early and avoid similar situations in the future.
Building a reliable client base means prioritizing your well-being and professional standards. Walking away from a problematic client may feel challenging at first, but it ultimately allows you to focus on positive, long-term collaborations.
Build a Successful Freelance Career
Are you interested in building a successful freelance career? At Knowadays, we offer a range of comprehensive courses designed to equip you with the skills you need to thrive as a freelancer. Whether you want to specialize in proofreading, editing, or writing, our expert-led courses provide the knowledge and practical experience necessary to succeed.
Ready to take the first step? Request some free lessons, and discover how Knowadays can help you build a rewarding freelance career with confidence.
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