Have you ever had to turn down a client?

EliteWriter Level 1

June 8, 2016, 9:27 am

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As a freelancer, do you sometimes come to the conclusion that it is better to turn down a client and lose money, than having to deal with him? This may be a difficult decision especially for a freelancer who is starting out. But there have some cases when I had to do this because

The client was asking far too many questions and making unrealistic demands.
The client kept badgering me for a lower price even though I stated that I could not go any lower,
The client was behaving in a fishy way, such as not providing information and instructions required for me to complete the order.

What about you?

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angie828

Yes I have had to turn down a client before. They asked me to write for them at a very cheap price. When I was first starting out being a freelancer, I had agreed to this price just to get my name out there and get some work. I also wanted to build up my portfolio. But after a few years, I started doing well and just could not justify keeping this client unless they agreed to pay more, which they would not budge on. They lost a writer over it, which really saddened me at first. But my talents are now spent on other projects.

10 years ago

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ajlancer

Hi Thanks for asking very realistic question for all freelancers. This question very much concern with me. Over years and years I have got too many clients who asking too much question and making very unrealistic demand which not going on with my service. In that start time of my freelance career I tried to fill buyer demand always even though unrealistic. But at the moment I am handling situation very smartly and politely. And I just said them see my service description and I wrote everything perfectly there. And some are really badgering for lower price and annoying me which really I unable to lower. But sometimes I make discount for return buyer.

Thanks by Ajlancer

10 years ago

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TommyCarey

When I turn down clients it's mainly because I already have one in the same niche. I won't work with two clients from the same niche unless they want different services. If one wants SEO and the other want Web Design, then it's ok.

Conflicting Clients:
I don't take on two niche related clients for an SEO campaign because it will basically be putting them against each other. If they find out that I'm doing the same work for both of them then it could blow up in my face and I lose both of them that month

When a client is interested in signing up I always ask for their domain name and what type of service they are interested in. By looking at their domain name I can figure out their niche and if I already have a client in that niche I have to turn them down.

Instant Red Flags:
Another reason I have turned down a client is because they seem shady right off the start. What do I mean by this? I will get the initial contact from them and it will contain some red flag questions like "Can you get me ranked for Pepsi and Coca-Cola keywords for $10?" or another question is when someone will already want a discount from the beginning. Now I understand that not everyone will be able to afford the $500+ price tag of my services so I usually try to work with them. I'll offer them a slight discount and if they can't afford that I'll ask them what their budget is (never ask someones budget right in the beginning, you'll lose clients that way). I'll try to work with their budget but I'll inform them prior to moving forward that we won't be able to do the same amount of work that we'd do for the $500+ package. Normally they're understanding, but you'll get a few who want you to do a $10,000 package for $20 and then they'll file a chargeback as soon as you send them a report

10 years ago

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hitmeasap

I've turned down hundreds of clients! -And I'm proud over myself because of that. However, it's never easy doing it, and it wasn't an easy choice for me neither, but I did it and I'll keep doing it further on too. The main reason I turn down clients is because they are expecting "the world" for nickels and dimes, and that just won't happen. Not when you do business with me. I usually offer my services for cheap costs, but it's still not as cheap as many others would provide the "same thing" for. That being said, I don't provide only a service when I do business. I provide my full support, the service, high quality and I make sure the clients always understand that they can come back at any time they want. And I'll be here for them, answering questions and whatever they need. No matter the reason, the questions or concern. As I do this, I can't allow myself to provide services for nickels and dimes and I can definitely not offer clients that expects "the world" large discounts.

Best Regards,
hitmeasap

10 years ago

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Barida

Yeah, I had turned down a client that tried to use some tricks in the course of doing work for him down. The issue then was that I did some works for him and was expecting my payment at that particular time, but it happened that he could not pay and still ask me to continue work for him with the hope of paying in the future which I declined.

9 years ago

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Corzhens

When the client is asking for an impossible discount that means he is not a client but an opportunist. Too much haggling can wear you down especially when you are in an offline store. A client that haggles too much is like playing a chess game with you. That’s why my defense is to give the lowest price at one, take it or leave but stop haggling because it is not good business to give in to impossible demands.

8 years ago

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