Grant Lankard's Blog
Blog #3 October 21st, 2016
Spotting a Problem Client
I'm sure you know the people I'm talking about... the people who you wish you could have erased from you memory "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"-style. After doing this for a few years, I feel that I can spot these people coming from a mile off.
- Their first question is about price.
Being cost conscious is one thing... but if they're asking about price before even telling you what they want this not only shows that they are overly price conscious but they don't understand basic procedure. - They try pitting you against other designers/illustrators/copywriters/etc.
"I know somebody who can do this for $100 cheaper" Well, there must be some reason why you're still in contact with me, so you either like my work or you're making up the other designer.
- You're going to be the 4th graphic designers/illustrators/copywriters/etc. to work on this project:
Why do people keep leaving the project? Is your potential client being unreasonable or perhaps refusing to pay? This statement is usually followed with... - Y'know, creative types are so hard to work with:
Maybe the problem isn't everybody else! - "We want you to do this for free:"
Obviously, this is a problem but you need to learn the code words as well: "Would you be willing to do an internship?" or "This will be really good publicity for you". Don't try arguing with them. If they think that it's reasonable to not pay you, you're never going to be able to a reasonable rate from them. - General Unproffesionalism
General Unprofessionalism: Examples: Basic misspellings or grammar errors in e-mails, showing up late or missing appointments, company website not working (unless, of course, that's what they're hiring you to fix), seeming disorganized or unprepared. I'm not saying that I can't let a few of these slide but when these start to pile up, it's time to jump ship. So what's the line in the sand? Ask yourself, would a credible client behave this way? If the answer is no, then you have a potential problem client.
Thanks, folks. I hope you found some of the advice on here helpful. If you have more suggestions, please send me an e-mail at gwlankard@gmail.com