How to Keep a Difficult Freelancing Client Under Control
If you’ve gone through a checklist and decide to take on a difficult Freelancing client anyway, there are a few easy things you can do to minimize potential problems during the project:
• Get a signed contract that spells out exactly what you are going to provide and what you require of the client.
• Let the client know how you handle new items they want to add to the project that weren’t included in the initial scope.
• Spell out your payment terms clearly. Include up front and end-of-project payments, who owns the files upon project completion, and how you accept payment.
• Create a timeline outlining deliverable and payment dates to keep the project on track.
• Let the client know up front what your business hours are, especially if you and the client are in different time zones.
• If you only take work requests in writing or via email, denote that in the contract.
• Get a partial payment before beginning work so the client has some skin in the game.
Taking a little time up front to evaluate the client and make a list of pros and cons can save you hours of work and headaches down the road….hours that can be used to find better clients that enhance rather than hinder your business.
Thank you to the guys at freelancefolder.com – check them out for loads of freelancer and contractor tips.
