Comments on: How to Spot and Avoid Cheapskate Clients

By: Joshua

Joshua — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:35:14 +0000

excellent advice on how to avoid the hassle. It’s the old 20/80 rule. Where 20% of clients represent 80% of revenue, another 20% can represente 80% of wasted time, hassles, stress and so forth.

By: N. Howard

N. Howard — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:42:40 +0000

Thank you very much for this reality check. Due to the economic times, sometimes we as practitioners may feel like we have turn the other cheek on our traditional business practices for the sake of gaining clients. But in the end.. it is not worth it. I was just in a situation where I designed a proposal, brought on additonal staff, etc., and when it was time for the client to sign the contract and pay the upfront amount…he was no where to be found!

By: J. Geibel APR, LEED AP

J. Geibel APR, LEED AP — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:47:51 +0000

All very accurate. Many public relations practitioners would benefit from sales training, especially the part on qualifying clients. I found the Solution Selling methodology to be very helpful over the years.

Once you get two or three of the”bad client” signs mentioned above – time to move on to the next prospect. Remember, you don’t want to work twice for the same money – once to do the work, and then again to collect the fees.

If you have a good sales program underway, then you can “walk” from undesirable prospects – let your competition handle them.

By: Ranbir Sahota

Ranbir Sahota — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:21:04 +0000

Great post Amanda.
It’s often better to spend time servicing your existing clients better than chasing timewasters, but I agree that the recession is making agencies and consultants nervous. However your how to spot a cc will be as true in a recession as they are in boom time!

By: Sibelle

Sibelle — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:14:01 +0000

Too true and spot on Amanda.

By: admin

admin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:27:13 +0000

OMG, Aerial! Your thoughts are so on. I was just talking to another publicist the other day about your point re: retaining bad clients to our own detriment. I think it’s a mixture of fear (we are in a recession, after all) and lack of confidence that we will find something better. Stay tuned, as I have a few more posts along these lines that will address the consultant’s fears as it relates to pricing, etc.

By: Aerial M. Ellis

Aerial M. Ellis — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:48:10 +0000

Great post Amanda!

These are a few definite warning sings that entrepreneurs and consultants should be aware of immediately. I believe, in many cases, potential clients throw red flags in the proposal phase and even possibly during the initial discussion of their need for services. Could it be that because we’re so focused on retaining the client that some of these instincts of spotting them aren’t acted upon? Or perhaps we make ourselves to available to a potential client and could apply a little more selectivity in determining whether they would be a best fit?

The frustration of dealing with a cheapskate or delinquent client effects productivity, damages relationships and can possibly put you in a strain. Meanwhile, the client seems oblivious to the fire they’ve started.

By: marsha kelly

marsha kelly — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:51:30 +0000

I would add another warning sign–when you start talking about terms, and they use the words “potential.” Usually that is code for “we don’t have money now, but after you make us famous, we will have lots of money and you could get a lot then if you work for free now.” If they talk “potential,” run like hell.