Last Updated on May 9, 2021 by Ludiah
It is the dream of everyone to have long-term freelance clients and a good working relationship. However, most clients dump their freelancers without giving reasons. Maybe you have been in this situation before. But have you ever considered why it happened? In case you haven’t, then here are the possible reasons freelance clients leave.
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Missed deadlines
Many freelancers receive orders earlier but postpone them until they get caught up with time. Don’t try this! If you are assigned work a week or two days earlier, and you deliver late or give lame excuses. Then be sure that the client, will with no doubt, dump you for another freelancer. It is better to finish earlier than to postpone work and end up missing the deadline. To avoid this you should learn methods of balancing your busy days.
Poor communication
This is another big mistake that could result in your clients leaving. Failure to communicate with
your customer about the current situation may cost you a lot. If you cannot deliver due to illness
or some emergencies, talk earlier enough for him to adjust any changes. Some clients are so strict that if you make any communication blunder, they leave you for another freelancer.
But walk in your client’s path. Would you have a freelancer who doesn’t communicate until you ask?
No! Put yourself in your client’s shoes and understand that better communication with clients is very essential.
Must read:
- How to avoid freelance scammers
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- Freelance books you should read
Unexpected work quality
When your client first meets you, he expects to get the best and
not the other way round. As a freelancer, you are supposed to deliver exactly what you promised. Clients get disappointed when you deliver incomplete or low work quality. So, ask yourself, would you work with someone who provides shoddy work? I bet you wouldn’t want! High-quality work is key to retaining clients.
A sudden change in price
Sometimes the clients may impose new guidelines that may result in extra work. This does not necessarily mean you will as well hike your charges suddenly. The sudden change on your side may cost you a long-term client. Both you, therefore, need to be clear with each other when it comes to price. Negotiate reasonably for an increment if there is a need. This is so as to avoid misunderstandings when work is underway.
It is your obligation as a freelancer to request a price adjustment depending on the new guidelines or facts.
The client is laying off some freelancers
Freelancers do not cause every situation. Sometimes even clients face hard times. You may be one of them if your project was not as essential as others or it was just a surplus. The client may be cutting back freelancers to reduce costs.
The client doesn’t need freelancers again
Freelancers are usually a good option for small businesses. If the firm grows, the company might want to hire someone to work in the office where he can monitor the work. This might be because the services of a freelancer seem insufficient. However, you can keep this client diversifying your skills.
The client stopped working
Every person has that time in life when he stops doing some things and so is, your freelance client. If the client stops working, it means you have brought more benefits to him, and your efforts are not in vain. “]Apart from achieving success, your client might be having a health issue that can no longer allow him to work. And if this happens, it means you have lost your source of income.
Bottom line
All in all, there are several reasons freelance clients are leaving you. While a freelancer causes some situations, creating healthy relationships with clients is very crucial. A healthy relationship is only built on trust. Demonstrate a high degree of honesty and deliver quality work if you are to retain freelance clients.
