The Standout Firm For

Insurance, Malpractice
And Business Litigation

In California

What are some warnings of a problem client?

On Behalf of | Sep 12, 2020 | Business Litigation

Being selective about which clients you take is good for your business. Working with problem clients will result in many headaches, such as constant changes to the project, muddled directives, and a reluctance to remit money owed when it is due.

While the above is certainly annoying, working with problem clients can also increase your chance of being involved in business litigation, which is something no business owner wants. Here are some of the common signs of a problem client. Being able to recognize these signs allows you to make the best decisions for your business.

The client has a reputation for being difficult

Be wary if the first words out of your client’s mouth are criticisms of your competitors. While it can be heartening to gain new clients after a competing business slips up, it is also possible that the client was the one to blame for the difficulty. This is even more likely if the new client criticizes several of your competitors, as it is unlikely they all provided shoddy service.

The client claims the work will be easy to perform

While projects can vary in terms of difficulty, any claims of work being “easy” upfront could lead to payment problems down the line. What a client considers easy might not be to you and your team, and disputes about the difficulty involved during the project can also involve disputes about money. If the job is perceived to be less challenging, the client might also question your rates regarding the project.

The client considers himself an expert in your field

People hire professionals to ensure work is performed accurately and efficiently. While feedback from clients is important to guide a project, claims of expertise in your line of work is a huge indicator of potential problems. So-called expert clients are more likely to question your approach, which can lead to pointless debates and lost time. They are also more likely to be dissatisfied with the finished product, regardless of its quality.