Top 5 freelance client deal killers

top 5 deal killers

Last time, we discussed the top 5 qualities a freelance client is looking for, so this week, let’s take on the flip side: opinions on the top 5 freelance client deal killers; i.e., the dreaded “most frustrating qualities in a freelancer.” Here’s your top 5 from Freelance Forecast 2010:

  1. Unreliable/unavailable
  2. Didn’t follow assignment
  3. Quality of work
  4. Missed deadlines
  5. Surprise charges/overcharges

Any surprises? Let’s hope not.

To find some of the specific client hot buttons, Freelance Forecast also asked: “What is the ONE mistake or personal quality that would ruin a freelancer’s opportunity to work with you again?Most of the answers were derivative of the above list—unreliable, blown assignments, poor work. But some of the other responses were instructive: Bossiness…not open to new ideas…lying…deceptive behavior…plagiarism…surprising me in any way…stealing a client from me…unwillingness to make it right…backing out at the last minute after agreeing to do the job…treating me poorly because I work for a government agency…flaking…misrepresenting their ability.

It comes down to this: What was true of the positive freelancer qualities is even more true of the negative ones: Every single item is completely or almost completely under your control. It’s a lot of responsibility, but you’re just the person for the job!

Father’s Day note: I owe a lot to my dad for inspiring me into a life of self-employment, and “Father’s Day musing: Is entrepreneurship genetic?” captures a few of my thoughts as we head into what’s been a bittersweet holiday for the past decade.

Freelance-Zone contributor Jake Poinier is the founder/owner of Boomvang Creative Group and Dear Dr. Freelance.

One thought on “Top 5 freelance client deal killers”

  1. You know…I have to say that I see a LOT of writers guilty of “didn’t follow assignment”.

    I re-check the instructions/directions several times during an assignment to be sure I’m delivering the client’s version of what they want–and not mine.

    Great post.

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