Crazed Clients and How to Deal with Them - Freelancing Blues

While freelancing you are bound to come across an assortment of clients. Some of these are going to be nice, some not so and some will be just downright annoying. Here's a look at a few typical ones you might end up working for...

>> The Rush Package: This is the client who wants work done instantly. He wants it now, whether you like it or not. Impatient and restless, this client will have little regard for you or your concerns. He is only worried about his project and you better start working on it right away, delivering it within the next hour or else!

How to Deal: Generally the best way to deal with such a client is to ask for an extra amount of 'rush fee' which you can take in advance (or however it suits you). Unless you are getting a week on the project or a good amount of time asking for an extra fee is a better idea. You have to show the client that while his work is priority, you will also be cutting time on various other project of yours to get his done, so it's only fair to ask for that rush fee. Also this kind of helps calm the client down and who knows, you just might get a few breathing hours or days on the project.

>> The Perfectionists: This client wants top-notch work, the best ever work quality and everything utterly perfect. They will perhaps even make you re-check, double check and triple check your work before they are perfectly sure that you have done a nice job. Of course you are not getting paid for all the extra time you will be spending beating yourself up on their projects, and why should you... as they would say "It's your job!".

How to Deal: Make sure that you set your terms and conditions before taking up any project. Let the client know how you work, what you would and would not do as well. It's always better the play your cards right with this one and make a game plan before you start the project.

>> The Want it All: This guys would want it all. Apart from the work you are assigned he'd want you to take a look at this or a peek at that or do something about this and edit a bit of that. Mind you, he isn't going to pay you for all that extra work because well, he's short on budget. Of course he wouldn't mind getting 10 times as much work out of you for the cost of one.

How to Deal: Proceed with caution with this one. If you feel at any time that he is asking for more work just send him a quote. Simply make a list of services you offer and your price for it and send it to him in reply to his asking for more work. You need to put your foot down somewhere, you are not running a charity but of course if the work you are doing is for a good cause you might want to reconsider all of the above.

>> The Unsure: Normally clients don't know much about the working of what they hire you to do. Some might have a know-how but most are just counting you to offer advice and do a good job. They depend on you to make the right choices and establish a good ground for their project. However these guys are unpredictable and you need to be careful when dealing with them.

How to Deal: Since this guy can be extremely fussy you need to make him understand your boundaries and make sure he doesn't end up asking for a lot of revisions. Because chances are that he might. Be very sure about the things that you are doing and stand your ground as an expert at what you do best so that the client can feel relaxed too. If he isn't .... well tough luck!

>> The Laid-back: This client wants work, that's for sure, but he'll probably be too lazy to send in details on time. He'll message you about the new project he has, or something urgent that he wants and disappear when you ask for details or will not reply back when you ask him something in the middle of the project.

How to Deal: Best way to deal with this guy is to send him an email asking him what you need to know and make sure that you tell him that you cannot proceed until he replies. Or become as laid back as that client. Chances are that he'll be understanding enough or lazy enough to care ;)

So there you have it... crazy clients of this crazy freelancing world (where people expect you to work more for a meager pay). You're welcome to add to this list :)