How to deal with difficult or unreasonable clients - Crunch - Image of client discussion
Picture of crunch software on mobile

Professional Bio Templates & Examples

Create a compelling professional narrative for a proper, attention-grabbing introduction.
Website bios
Speaker intros
Professional Profile

As a freelancer, working for a difficult client can feel like going three sets against Serena Williams. You think you’re serving aces but each shot is sent right back at you. You’re run ragged and making returns gets harder and harder. Before you know it you’re battered, exhausted, and suddenly realising you’re not enjoying this at all.

Unreasonable clients are, unfortunately, something that all freelancers will encounter at some point. When you’re used to dealing with clients who are rays of purest sunshine, the rain delays caused by a troublesome client can become all the more frustrating. So how do you deal with unreasonable demands and bad behaviour from your client?

“I know this isn’t in the brief, but I want a lot of changes, right now”

If you’re a super savvy freelancer, you’ll have drawn up a contract between yourself and the client that clearly lays out the scope of the work. A contract is your security, and offers protection from unreasonable client requests – a good contract will cover you for any unreasonable requests that come your way.

If you work in the creative sector you may have revision rounds written into your contract to stop picky clients monopolising your time with endless tweaking. For example, the client gets three chances to revise your original work, but anything above that comes with a price tag. Boundaries need to be set. If the client is asking too much, don’t be afraid to refer back to your contract or quote for the extra work.

Need extra help putting a contract together? Check out our article “Protect yourself with these contract samples“.

“I’m not going to pay you”

A client withholding payment is understandably frustrating. Not only does that leave you out of pocket but also can affect your credit control and cash flow.

A client can decide to withhold payment for a multitude of reasons: they’re unhappy with the finished work, they don’t have the money to pay you, or they’re just not nice people. Make sure the client knows that withholding payment isn’t okay and that you’ll take action.

It’s worth utilising our free late payment letter templates to show them you mean business. There are also some other simple steps you can take – outlined in our credit control guide – that can help when you’ve created a bespoke invoice template, sent it to your client and received no payment.

“Can I just pick your brain about…”

When you start a new relationship with a client they’ll be sure to ask you some questions. But do they just want to pick your brains and see if you’re the right fit, or are they trying to take you for a ride? Do they seem genuinely interested in your work, or are they testing you to see how much they can get out of you for no payment?

How much you give clients for free is always a personal choice. Many freelancers always refuse speculative work in principle, whereas some might agree if the contract is particularly lucrative or they have nothing else on.

Again, state your position up front. If you decide to go for it, be clear this isn’t a permanent arrangement.

Awkward client basics

Be polite

While a client making unreasonable requests might make you want to go all Marcos Baghdatis, it’s imperative you keep your cool.

Leave their request until you’ve had a chance to calm down and reflect – whether this takes twenty minutes or twenty hours. Of course, deadlines are important but it’s worth taking the time to respond in a manner that will strengthen your professional relationship rather than destroy it.

People hire freelancers because of their skill-set and expertise, not as a dogsbody. If a client is going against your professional opinion, you have a right to explain why you think they’re wrong. If they don’t respect this, the options are simple: grin and bear it, or fire them.

Be straightforward

When a client makes a request that is unreasonable, ensure that your subsequent communication is clear and concise. Received a daft demand via e-mail? Why not pick up the phone or meet face to face. This will not only let the client see that you’re taking their (possibly ludicrous) request seriously, but also allow for a more honest conversation.

It’s a lot easier to bash out an antagonised response via email than be the bigger person and thrash something out over a meeting. Communicating with clients is really important in getting to the bottom of their concern.

Be free

If your client is truly abysmal to work with – get rid, life is too short!

Yes, they may be paying lucratively for your services (or, even worse, paying you very badly – in which case, why are you sticking with them?) but are they really worth the hassle?

Think about the additional hours you spend working with a bad client. Not just in terms of answering emails, adapting or changing work – but the emotional time. Spending hours feeling angry or annoyed or stressed is damaging to your health. Wouldn’t your time be better spent working with a supportive client?

Speak to an accounting expert

If you're unsure what level of support you need, our friendly team are on hand to help you pick the right package for you.
Self Assessment tax returns done for you, from just £200 £125+VAT
Take the stress out of Sole Trader Accounting, with our simple online software, so you can look after your accounts anytime, anywhere.
Share this post
Ross Bramble
Content Executive
Updated on
August 11, 2020

Knowledge Hubs

Take control of your accounts, today

Crunch’s effective software package includes being able to talk to an expert client manager and a Chartered Certified Accountant. You can count on Crunch to make you productive and profitable.

Save your seat! Live e-commerce webinar

Register and soak in the wisdom from top industry leader! June 27, 2024 1:30 PM
Dive into e-commerce basics
Expert industry insights
Practical tips and savvy tricks
Pro Tip
Work out the tax you owe in seconds

Discover your true take-home pay with our self-employed tax calculator – see exactly what you’ll keep after tax, National Insurance, and expenses.

Pro Tip
Want to know how much National Insurance you owe?

Find out exactly what you owe on your income in seconds with our free National Insurance calculator.

Pro Tip
Want to know how much mileage you can claim for?

Our free mileage allowance calculator can help you see in seconds what you could get back.

Pro Tip
Want to work out your income tax?

Find out what Income Tax and National Insurance you owe on your earnings with our free tax calculator.

Pro Tip
Want to work out what your Capital Gains Tax bill?

Our free Capital Gains Tax calculator shows what tax you owe on any property, stocks or gifts.

Pro Tip
Want to know how much dividend tax you owe?

Find out exactly what you owe on your investments in seconds with our free dividend tax calculator.

Pro Tip
Want to see what we're currently working on?

Our public roadmap shows what we're working on and what's coming next. You can even vote on what features we work on next!

Pro Tip
Your ultimate guide to stress-free taxes

Tackling taxes can be tough! Get our "Ultimate tax guide for the self-employed" now to make it easier.

Pro Tip
Claim your FREE ecommerce guide today

Curious how great accounting can boost your e-commerce business? Download our guide to discover 8 key ways!

Pro Tip
Unlock the secrets of Ltd company expenses

Don't miss out on potential tax savings - get access to our 'Limited Company Expense' guide today!

Pro Tip
Want to make sure you don't miss any tips?

Sign up to our newsletter for expert insights, tax news and other essential updates that will keep your business thriving. Subscribe now!

Pro Tip
Ready to save big on Ecommerce accounting?

Crush your current accounting and software fees by up to 60%. Put us to the test and watch your savings soar!

Pro Tip
Looking for a dedicated accountant?

Our Enterprise packages offer tailored support for you and your business. You can focus on your business, we'll crunch the numbers.

Pro Tip
Boost your business finances with our Ltd Company packages!

Award-winning software with support from expert accountants

Pro Tip
Take the stress out of Sole Trader Accounting

Real-time insights, expert support—stay on top of your finances with ease.

Pro Tip
Get £75 off your Self Assessment

Get your tax return sorted by experts for only £125+VAT!

Pro Tip
Using cloud-based accountancy software to manage your finances gives any small business a big advantage!

At Crunch we provide affordable cutting-edge, easy-to-use software with real human support from expert chartered accountants. That’s probably why 81% of our clients would recommend Crunch.

Pro Tip
Want access to real expert accountants?

All our accounting packages include free access to Chartered Certified Accountants, so you can make confident business decisions without worrying about extra costs racking up.

Pro Tip
Get £75 off your Tax Return!

Crunch’s Self Assessment service provides an expert accountant to complete, check, and file your Self Assessment for you for just £125 +VAT.

Pro Tip
Did you know - We have a free plan that is great for sole traders and limited companies?

Why not see for yourself? It’s simple and easy to use and 100% free.