Comments on: Do You Hate Your Customers?

By: phonecards

phonecards — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:24:49 +0000

We’re living in times where we want to take every new client that comes along. But is it worth the sacrifice when you find you’re avoiding working on the client’s projects? In this case, you might find you spent the same amount of time and energy helping two wonderful clients as opposed to one difficult one.

By: Why Your Worst Clients Should Still Get Your Best Service | Red Button Reviews

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:36:20 +0000

[...] Consistency. Integrity. Quality Control. First impressions. Customer service. [...]

By: thenumber

thenumber — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:55:54 +0000

Some good points. I think a lot of us take our clients for granted from time to time. This kind of common sense reminder serves us all well.

By: dpihosting

dpihosting — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:22:57 +0000

Great points- I have to print and display for daily view.

By: Johnny

Johnny — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:27:04 +0000

You have to have the mentality where you are thankful for having the business of your clients, then treat them accordingly. If it gets to a point where you committ any one of the “sins” its time to take a vacation.

By: .Freelancedom* » Blog Archive » Link Love: January 16

.Freelancedom* » Blog Archive » Link Love: January 16 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:29:58 +0000

[...] Freelance Folder’s Do You Hate Your Customers? [...]

By: Meryl K. Evans

Meryl K. Evans — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:31:58 +0000

Thanks, Laura. Actually, I’ve “let go” of a client even after working with him for a long time. It was ongoing, not a project-based assignment. But for projects — I agree it’s best to see it to the end.

I did give a referral to the prospective client.

By: Laura Spencer

Laura Spencer — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:02:03 +0000

Hi Meryl!

Great comment!

I certainly agree that you should check out each prospective customer thoroughly. You should definitely turn down any customers that make you feel uncomfortable. That’s good business sense. If at all possible (and sometimes it’s not really possible), I think it’s a good idea to refer such customers to another freelancer.

However, once you’ve accepted work then I believe that’s when your customer service ethic needs to kick in – EVEN if the customer turns out to be more than you bargained for. (You can always turn them down next time.)

By: Meryl K. Evans

Meryl K. Evans — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:01:53 +0000

I just had to turn down working with a new client. After a few email exchanges, I didn’t have a good feeling. Turns out my gut was right. I contacted the person who referred the client to me. My contact confirmed my thoughts were true.

Yes, we’re living in times where we want to take every new client that comes along. But is it worth the sacrifice when you find you’re avoiding working on the client’s projects? In this case, you might find you spent the same amount of time and energy helping two wonderful clients as opposed to one difficult one.

By: ArcherTC

ArcherTC — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:35:11 +0000

I was just last night talking with a friend about the hosting company with whom he does business and why he is soon going to dump them. Reasons: poor support, delayed response, and incomplete contact information. Good customer service is fundamental!