The worst client isn't the one who says "No." The worst client is the one who says "Yes," takes your hard work, consumes your time, and then disappears when the invoice arrives.
Veterans freelancers develop a "sixth sense" for these people. If you are new to the game, here is a cheat sheet. If you hear any of these phrases, proceed with extreme caution—or run.
1. "This should be a really quick job for a pro like you."
Translation: "I have no idea how much work this takes, but I've already decided I don't want to pay much for it."
Clients who minimize the work before you start will devalue the work after you finish. They will dispute your hours.
2. "We have lots of future work if this goes well."
Translation: "Please do this first job for free/cheap."
This is the "carrot on a stick" trick. Never price a job based on potential future work. Price the job in front of you. 99% of the time, the "future work" never appears.
3. "I've fired 3 other designers before you."
Translation: "I am impossible to please, and you are next."
If everyone else is the problem, the client is the problem. Do not think you are the "special one" who can fix them. You aren't.
4. "Can we skip the contract? We're a small family business."
Translation: "I want to keep the scope flexible so I can ask for unlimited revisions."
Contracts protect both sides. A client who refuses to sign one (or agree to a formal quote) is planning to abuse the relationship.
5. "I need this done yesterday."
Translation: "I am disorganized, and I am going to make that your emergency."
Rush jobs are fine, but they come with a "Rush Fee." If they want speed but complain about the price, walk away.
6. "I'm not sure what I want, but I'll know it when I see it."
Translation: "I am going to make you do 50 revisions."
This is Design Hell. Never start work without a clear brief or a strict limit on revisions in your quote.
7. "Can you send the source files before payment?"
Translation: "I'm stealing this."
Never, ever hand over the final high-res assets or source code until the final invoice is paid. Once they have the files, you have zero leverage.
How to Protect Yourself
The best defense is a strong offense. Never start work without a deposit. Use our Quotation Generator to send a formal proposal that explicitly requires 50% upfront.
If they balk at the deposit, they were never going to pay the final bill anyway. You just dodged a bullet.