Red Flags Flying: Bad Clients and How to Spot Them

A freelancer's life: you’ve applied for the project, filled out the forms & are waiting patiently for email confirmation that you’ve been chosen for the job. But days pass & no communication comes. Months later, the client lands in your inbox again, suddenly wanting to connect.

Timing is just one frustration freelancers are up against. The nature of the gig economy means availability is paramount. Response times should be close to immediate. But this client doesn’t respect your time. Should you shelve the red flag concerns & take the job regardless?

Prospecting as a freelancer is a like courting a new lover. Expectations are outlined, promises are made & everyone is on their best behaviour. Any partnership, in love or business, should be a two-way street.

As a freelancer, how can you learn to sort good clients from bad?

Good clients communicate openly. Information flows freely from the project manager.

Bad clients simply don’t respond.

Good clients are upfront. Deadlines, payment terms, contracts, expectations, they will outline each.

Bad clients obfuscate & have lots of excuses ready.

Good clients are not (usually) late. Whether waiting for transcripts, interviews, or for your pay cheque to clear, a good client will be on time (or at least be honest about why not)

Bad clients are reluctant. With workload, procedures or payment, they don’t share information.

Good clients accept feedback. If the project seems inapt, or time-wasting, accepting feedback gratefully is a sign of good leadership.

Bad clients are disorganised. They flit from job to job without due care or attention.

Good clients know their role & manage it competently.

Bad clients can’t make up or change their minds. Nobody on the team knows where they stand.

Good clients have solid, practical business plans with achievable deadlines & realistic, measurable expectations.

Bad clients want everything ‘now’ – even after a month of silence.   

Good clients make you feel listened to and understood.

Bad clients will undermine your opinion, second guess your work or expect endless revisions.

Good clients will recommend you, write a testimonial and stay in touch.

Bad clients only want to know you when they need you.

Don’t ever forget that your client is human too. They have a life, a family, and days that don’t go to plan. Sometimes your client is let down by their client. But repeated violations of good business practise should make you wonder if this behaviour is happenstance or habit.

When you feel ignored, undervalued or unsupported, it's time to ditch that client. Breaking up with a problem client makes room for a better, more suitable one that values your part in the project.

Freelancers might not be full time employees but we do deserve the same respect.