{"id":4023,"date":"2024-04-17T12:39:37","date_gmt":"2024-04-17T12:39:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/?p=4023"},"modified":"2024-04-28T15:18:41","modified_gmt":"2024-04-28T15:18:41","slug":"how-to-deal-with-difficult-freelance-clients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-difficult-freelance-clients\/","title":{"rendered":"How to deal with difficult freelance clients \u2013 7 strategies for thriving client relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_79_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-difficult-freelance-clients\/#Bumpy_road_ahead_How_to_spot_a_difficult_client\" >Bumpy road ahead! How to spot a difficult client<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-difficult-freelance-clients\/#7_methods_for_dealing_with_difficult_freelance_clients\" >7 methods for dealing with difficult freelance clients<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><b>Today, we\u2019re focusing on dealing with difficult freelance clients. You\u2019ll know how to recognize a difficult client from the start. We\u2019ll illustrate the problems and possible solutions to redirect your collaboration in a more cooperative, friendly, and rewarding way. And if it\u2019s a lost case \u2013 we\u2019ll give you a smooth goodbye message to end your difficult client relationship on good terms.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bumpy_road_ahead_How_to_spot_a_difficult_client\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bumpy road ahead! How to spot a difficult client<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The easiest method of dealing with difficult clients? Avoid difficult clients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of wasting your time and energy alleviating conflicts, try to recognize client patterns and behaviors that may lead to them. Here are common signs that should draw your attention and make you think twice about your collaboration with the client \u2013 it might turn out to be a difficult one:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Late payments <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 clients who don\u2019t pay invoices on time and delay the transaction even though they have accepted your payment conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Unresponsiveness <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 clients who are hard to reach and don\u2019t get back to you, disrupting your workflow and stressing you out.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rude remarks <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 clients who state their criticism impolitely and use personal insults or aggressive wording.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Mismatched expectations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 clients who demand far more than the project scope described in your initial agreement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Indecisiveness <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 clients who have trouble defining what they need you to do and demand never-ending adjustments as a result.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Micromanaging<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 clients who overcontrol what you do to push your mutual project forward, constantly demand updates, and question all your moves.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t hesitate to address any of these problems \u2013 many clients are still learning how to collaborate effectively with freelancers. They make mistakes and may need someone to point them out. If their behavior doesn\u2019t change after you ask for it, rethink if it\u2019s worth continuing the project with a troublemaker.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_methods_for_dealing_with_difficult_freelance_clients\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7 methods for dealing with difficult freelance clients<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We all constantly hear our full-timer friends groaning about their jobs but not really wanting to quit them. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I love what I do, but the company\u2019s conduct is driving me nuts<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s normal, and it also happens in our freelance landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like a \u201ctraditional\u201d employee might enjoy their tasks and struggle with an obstinate boss, <\/span><b>you might encounter a difficult client who micromanages, has unrealistic deadlines, procrastinates with paying, or doesn\u2019t value your expertise<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But before you ditch a project you honestly like, check our tips on how to deal with difficult freelance clients:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>1. Nip misunderstandings in the bud: run a proper client onboarding<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A well-defined onboarding is the foundation of a positive working relationship with your client. If you set clear expectations and boundaries at the beginning, you\u2019ll have much less to discuss later. <\/span><b>Thanks to the onboarding, you can identify potential red flags, like unclear project goals or unrealistic timelines, and address them upfront<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the onboarding process, freelancers and their clients should agree upon:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">project deliverables and deadlines,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">communication channels and frequency,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">payment terms,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">required materials and client\u2019s input.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With this direct and highly organized approach, you\u2019ll learn how to deal with difficult freelance clients, but that\u2019s not the only advantage. <\/span><b>Through a well-defined onboarding flow, you can showcase your professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine interest in their project<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Simply put \u2013 you\u2019ll make a good impression on your client.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you start the onboarding early enough, you might recognize signs of future trouble. If you spot a few red flags in a potential client, it can be better to turn around and look for a new freelance job elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need a comprehensive onboarding to-do list? Here it goes \u2013 use our free <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/client-onboarding-checklist-download-pdf\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">client onboarding checklist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for freelancers to make it smooth and effective.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-eu1.hubspot.com\/web-interactives\/public\/v1\/track\/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJzWsUMcUSSovKHm8nRa2OAMk%2FSB3UHu0JJ5rkGISexGwVk6MYSbhzlROZEAbRuYMUsbNATKHa1rnywJNGMVPRk6PHK7IpF8YIhs4%2B4UMMD3ahBS7Z%2Fr4TCcolfUZdFeltzoU%2FB2q7%2Btpw840sYzKvQJEQXoUkEi7OwuPp0Gc%2F7ehLCNg%3D%3D&amp;webInteractiveContentId=101153333995&amp;portalId=27198211\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"height: 100%; width: 100%; object-fit: fill;\" src=\"https:\/\/hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/cta\/default\/27198211\/interactive-101153333995.png\" alt=\"download free client onboarding checklist\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>2. Secure your work and money: use a freelance contract<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s crucial to protect your freelance business financially and legally. Don\u2019t accept anything on faith when it comes to your work. Instead, <\/span><b>sign a well-drafted freelance contract that outlines the scope of work, deadlines, and payment terms, leaving no room for misunderstandings<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. When you end up dealing with difficult clients, you can always refer to it as you both accepted it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can you support your client relationship with a contract but with no operational effort? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/secure-payment\/employer-choose\/?boxid=beda2058-50d6-44c0-891a-775e18db3d0a\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sign a secure contract<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> using a platform for freelancers such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Useme<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This way, everything will happen online, and you\u2019ll have your payment and work protected by a third party. It\u2019s always easier to deal with difficult clients having a contract.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check more tips on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/completed-guide-when-working-with-foreign-clients,250\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contracts with foreign clients<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>3. Prioritize your boundaries: be assertive<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We know that telling you to set clear boundaries might seem too obvious and general, but it well describes the approach we advise you to take: <\/span><b>to handle difficult clients, you have to master assertiveness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to get your challenging clients used to your work conditions, set boundaries and don\u2019t cross them anytime they ask you to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">work more than the initial project scope you both agreed upon;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tighten project timelines;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">postpone paying the invoice;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">be responsive outside your working hours;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">make more corrections to the completed work than originally agreed upon.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, you can allow some flexibility if your client\u2019s needs change during the project, but always feel confident communicating that something breaches the terms of this collaboration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>4. Own your value: set reasonable rates<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For solopreneurs, understanding how much they can charge for their service is crucial. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/pricing-101-how-to-set-your-freelance-rates\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calculating freelance rates<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> based on your experience, competence, and industry standards will give you a compelling set of arguments in case of money-related disputes with challenging clients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To do so, you\u2019ll need to investigate freelance rates in your niche and your competitors\u2019 offer. <\/span><b>Market awareness is key because it lets you define what you can expect, what services are in demand, and how much clients pay for them, depending on their quality<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, negotiation is always on the table when a client has a specific budget. However, you should always feel fairly compensated, especially if there&#8217;s a potential for a demanding client down the line.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>5. Nurture your mental health: don\u2019t focus on difficult clients<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, we have to learn how to deal with difficult freelance clients because we simply can\u2019t afford to lose them. Then, we have to make our best efforts not to let their unrealistic expectations and unreasonable demands go to our heads.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We won\u2019t give you psychological guidance because no one can replace a professional therapist, but we strongly advise you to foster work-life balance. To do so, you can try these methods:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Never take your client\u2019s comments personally<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Don\u2019t base your self-esteem on one client\u2019s expectations, especially if you do your best to deliver the job and ensure quality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Always remember that clients are people so they can make mistakes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so there\u2019s no guarantee that all client relationships will be pleasant and developing. Don\u2019t assume anything, and be aware that a challenging client can always come up.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Trust in open communication<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and look for solutions instead of pointing out problems. For example, if your client wants you to work more than initially, ask if they\u2019re willing to extend the deadline and pay more.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Make sure your job is not the only highlight of your life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Find fulfillment in other spheres, such as family, entertainment, sport, friends, hobbies, etc. When you feel disappointed with one \u201cfulfillment factor,\u201d e.g., a working relationship, you can find consolation in the remaining ones.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning the art of work-life balance is hard for most freelancers, so don\u2019t put too much pressure on yourself. Being your own boss but <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/freelancing-without-your-own-business-its-possible\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">without your own business<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and embracing flexibility can be both liberating and tricky, especially at the beginning. The more you deal with difficult clients, the more assertive and respectful of your own well-being you become.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>6. Enough is enough: terminate your collaboration<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We may show you how to deal with difficult freelance clients, but unfortunately, we can\u2019t guarantee our methods will change your experience and solve the problem.<\/span><b> If you feel that handling challenging clients is detrimental to your mental health, costs you too much time and energy, and disrupts your focus, consider ending this collaboration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are plenty of good clients out there, especially if you freelance with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Useme<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Here, you can invoice globally and securely with no formalities, so don\u2019t waste your time managing difficult clients endlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always remain professional and end client relationships politely. To get this out of the way smoothly, use our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/freelance-email-templates\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">freelance email template<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. All you need to do is fill in a few blanks, and your concise, assertive, and tactful goodbye message is ready to be sent. You can use our template not only when managing difficult clients but also when you need to limit your customer base because of a lack of time or interest in the project.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>7. Managing difficult clients \u2013 the power of empathy<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the end, we encourage you to look at your challenging client from a slightly different perspective.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of wondering how to fight unrealistic expectations, nitpicking, and miscommunication, show your client that you\u2019re genuinely interested in catering to their needs and that you find your contribution to their business rewarding. <\/span><b>Remain calm and confident of your skills and experience, showing your clients that you\u2019re the freelancer they can count on<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In other words \u2013 how do you deal with a difficult freelance client by understanding their point of view? You shouldn\u2019t treat every disagreement with your client as a red flag. <\/span><b>Listen to their concerns and try to find feasible solutions instead of pushing your terms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be critical of how you handle difficult clients because sometimes it\u2019s the freelancer\u2019s behavior that leads to clashes. Make sure you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are on the same page with your client from the get-go;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are transparent with your working terms, use open communication, and set clear expectations;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">remain professional and keep your emotions at bay, even when dealing with difficult clients;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">set clear boundaries to avoid misunderstandings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Successful freelancers overcome challenges \u2013 sometimes, this means going the extra mile and dealing with difficult clients along the way. However, always put your mental health first, and don\u2019t let anyone take your freelance independence and self-fulfillment away!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to secure your client relationships right from the start, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/users\/create-account\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">set up an account on Useme<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You don\u2019t expect them too often, but you know they might finally come up. You try to avoid them, but you know it\u2019s hard to spot them right from the start. Who are they? Let\u2019s talk about difficult freelance clients.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":4024,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[54,78,95,99],"class_list":["post-4023","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-freelancers","tag-freelance-tips","tag-freelance-life","tag-client-communication","tag-freelancer-tips"],"modified_by":"Marta","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4023","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4023"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4023\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4044,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4023\/revisions\/4044"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4024"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4023"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4023"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4023"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}