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Photo by Keira Burton
Let’s face it: as much as we’d like to believe every client relationship is a match made in heaven, sometimes, it’s more like a rocky romance that’s just not meant to be. Oftentimes, businesses ask themselves what causes companies like themselves to lose customers, but sometimes, it might be the other way around.
What is it that a customer is doing to lose the dedication of the business? Honestly, knowing when to walk away from a bad client can save you stress, time, and even money. Yes, bad clients can be draining, emotionally and physically, too. So, here are some telltale signs that it’s time to part ways with that less-than-stellar client.
Consistently Late Payments or No Payments at All
If there’s one surefire way to know it’s time to bid adieu to a client, it’s the constant struggle for payments. What business hasn’t experienced this yet? Who hasn’t been there, chasing after overdue invoices like a relentless game of tag? Whether it’s endless excuses or outright ghosting, not getting paid on time – or worse, not getting paid at all – is a huge red flag.
You don’t want to resort to hiring a debt collection agency, but they’re asking for it by not respecting you and the time and services that you’ve provided. Your time and expertise are valuable, and any client who doesn’t respect that isn’t worth the hassle; no amount of money (or lack thereof) is worth it either).
So, with that all said, financial instability caused by such clients can affect your cash flow and, ultimately, your business. It’s perfectly okay to cut ties and focus on clients who value your work and pay up promptly. Seriously, it’s fine!
Unreasonable Demands and Expectations
Then there are the clients who think you’re available 24/7 and can turn water into wine. These clients expect immediate responses to late-night emails, demand revisions beyond the scope of the project, and often have no understanding of boundaries.
It’s so ridiculous how they treat you, right? If a client continually pushes you to the brink with unrealistic demands, it’s time to reconsider the relationship. Your well-being and sanity come first, and working with someone who doesn’t respect your time and efforts isn’t worth the sacrifice.
There’s a Major Lack of Respect
As you might have guessed, respect is the cornerstone of any healthy business relationship. When a client continuously belittles your work, disregards your professional advice, or communicates condescendingly, it’s a glaring sign that the relationship is toxic. You run a business, and your goal was to get away from toxic work culture and toxic bosses, but this client runs in acting like they own the place?
A good client values your expertise and treats you as a partner, not just a service provider. If you’re dealing with a client who consistently undermines your work or treats you poorly, it’s time to seriously think about whether it’s worth continuing. You deserve good clients, and yes, they’re out there, waiting for you.
