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Original poster

Nightmare client - how would you end this

35 replies

Sianholby · 04/07/2024 11:36

So in a nutshell, I took on a new client about 3 months ago and they are a nightmare to work with. Another client recommended me so I thought, why not. For background I am a freelance Project Manager.
This new client micromanages like I’m a new starter, conference calls for everything despite me being in my industry and profession for over 25 years.
They are the least paying client but taking up most of my time, call after call, amendment after amendment, rewrite after rewrite, changing plans last minute and to top it off they are late payers - still haven’t been paid for a presentation I wrote for them in April and May.
My feeling is to dump them as they are draining my time and I’m starting to neglect my other long term clients as this company seems to think they are priority. Is it worth it, they never pay on time, the company are disorganised and overbearing.
What would you do - end the working relationship?

OP posts:
Bjorkdidit · 04/07/2024 12:11

SiobhanSharpe · 04/07/2024 12:03

If you dump them does that mean kiss goodbye to the money they owe you for the work you've already done for them?
If so, is it worth it to hang on and keep chasing them for the cash? (And then dump...)

Well providing the OP has sufficient evidence that they owe her money, then if they don't pay she can take them to the small claims court, so that's no reason to hang on to them until they pay.

In the mean time not answering the phone and being very slow to respond to emails might be worthwhile.

PurpleHiker · 04/07/2024 12:10

Say you can't take on any new projects from them until they pay for all previous work done. Then once they've paid up, either decline new work because your schedule is too busy, or provide a ridiculously high quote so they'll look elsewhere.

DarlingCoffee · 04/07/2024 12:06

Leave the bastard client

SiobhanSharpe · 04/07/2024 12:03

If you dump them does that mean kiss goodbye to the money they owe you for the work you've already done for them?
If so, is it worth it to hang on and keep chasing them for the cash? (And then dump...)

G123456789 · 04/07/2024 12:01

I'd be brutally honest. And put it in writing. Explain they are impacting other clients who pay more and that you don't wish to continue. Be professional but blunt, clear and concise.

Sadly, some clients believe that they are the only customer you have, that you think about their job 24/7 and they are vital to your business. You need to walk now before you effect your other work

MagpiePi · 04/07/2024 12:01

Have tried to put any boundaries in place eg. that you will only respond to them once a day, or whatever an appropriate time period is. If they don't comply then I would end it.
I hope you charge them extra for changes to the brief.

Hoppinggreen · 04/07/2024 11:59

Fellow Freelancer here.
I would have dumped them as soon as payment due didn't come, never mind the other stuff.
Do you need to give notice?
Whatever the case do it as professionally as possible, so just say you can't provide the service they need and then don't get into it with them

Brefugee · 04/07/2024 11:58

how do you charge them? for your time or a flat rate?
Work out what your time is worth, convert that into hours for how much you're charging them, then tell them all the calls are eating into your project time and it won't be finished if it carries on?

NeverEnoughPants · 04/07/2024 11:58

Yeah, definitely get rid. Free up some time for clients that really appreciate what you do - and are willing to pay you on time.

BMW6 · 04/07/2024 11:56

Absolutely end it before your business is impacted any further.

Be totally honest about WHY.

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