₦airaland Forum

3 Types Of Clients To Avoid As A Freelaner: By Amechi Okoli

Freelancing has become a major source of livelihood for many youths in and outside Nigeria. However, just like having a regular job, it comes with its own challenges. One of which is securing the right client. So, if you're a writer, graphics designer, web developer, and the likes, here are 3 types of clients you need to avoid to ensure you have a smooth freelancing journey. Please note that if you're not competent, credible, and lack a provable track record, this post is NOT for you.

Here we go!

1. Clients Who Think They Are Doing You A Favor

Every freelancer wants clients. In fact, the more clients you have, the more money in your bank account. But look, in as much as the client is giving you money, keep it at the back of your mind that the money they pay is in exchange for the services and value you are giving them. And guess what? The value you provide actually lasts longer than the money they pay you. Therefore, do not under any circumstance allow a client believe they are doing you favors by hiring you. Because once they do, they will talk down on you, demean you, and even under-price you like roadside tomatoes.

2. Clients Who Pay Cheaply

Speaking of under-pricing, avoid clients who will beat the price of a 100k job down to 20k. From years of experience writing content for my clients in and outside Nigeria, I can tell you for free that low-paying clients are problematic, never satisfied, and don't even value their own projects, let alone your services. If they understood the power behind the services you are rendering to them, they would be willing to pay the right price. This doesn't mean you should charge exorbitantly. Be fair with your pricing and get the best possible reward for your services.

3. Clients Who Aren't Willing To Pay Advances

Here's where it gets tricky. Many clients are afraid of paying upfront because they don't trust you. And you are afraid of doing a job without an upfront because you don't trust the client. This is where your track record comes into play. It is up to you to prove to them that you are credible and trustworthy. Build your portfolio, show them what you've been up to on your social media platforms, show them all the good jobs you've done in the past, and use client testimonials to prove your authenticity and credibility. Once you do, then your advance will appear in your bank account. It might not be 100%, but at least something to get you going until the job is completed. Now, if a client refuses to give you an advance after proving all these to them, I advise you forget it and move on to the next one. Because the truth is, clients who value their projects and see the potential in it will not mind parting with some money to get the ball rolling.

Once again, you must be credible, trustworthy, and competent with a proven track record to get the right client. Deliver your best and enjoy your rewards.

Hope this has been helpful.

IG: @amechi_the_writer

I so much love your point 1

There's this client I met here on nairaland. He was seeking for ghostwriter. I contacted him and wrote some 5k words for him. He paid me 8k..after a while, he contacted me if I could write in some structured style..I replied him with "yes bro". He was like " he wants his dealings with me to be very professional and that I should regard him as sir"..
I lol and told him, that he is a clown. Even the people we have written for who have paid us over 300k for complete books no dey cap careless. I told him clearly I won't take that from him..he is not rendering me a favour. I offer services and he pays for my services. I told him that what I said is without fear or favour. Ever since then, he didn't contact me again!.

I no go call cow bros because I wan chop am!

The third type is the toughest for me. Some clients seem to think you fabricate those testimonials and still expect you to work without paying upfront. I used to cave in when I was hungry for gigs, but nowadays if you push me for work without upfront payment, you'll get a polite "okay" and that's it – I'm done.

Blueace247:
I so much love your point 1

There's this client I met here on nairaland. He was seeking for ghostwriter. I contacted him and wrote some 5k words for him. He paid me 8k..after a while, he contacted me if I could write in some structured style..I replied him with "yes bro". He was like " he wants his dealings with me to be very professional and that I should regard him as sir"..
I lol and told him, that he is a clown. Even the people we have written for who have paid us over 300k for complete books no dey cap careless. I told him clearly I won't take that from him..he is not rendering me a favour. I offer services and he pays for my services. I told him that what I said is without fear or favour. Ever since then, he didn't contact me again!.

I no go call cow bros because I wan chop am!

He is very unserious, what effrontery? Calling him sir, even if he's your boss, calling sir would be willfully not by force.

And the problem with Nigerian client is they don't pay well. Someone once gave me a gig of 40k per month and I have to upload 20 posts per day everyday. I kuku decline it.

Blueace247:
I so much love your point 1

There's this client I met here on nairaland. He was seeking for ghostwriter. I contacted him and wrote some 5k words for him. He paid me 8k..after a while, he contacted me if I could write in some structured style..I replied him with "yes bro". He was like " he wants his dealings with me to be very professional and that I should regard him as sir"..
I lol and told him, that he is a clown. Even the people we have written for who have paid us over 300k for complete books no dey cap careless. I told him clearly I won't take that from him..he is not rendering me a favour. I offer services and he pays for my services. I told him that what I said is without fear or favour. Ever since then, he didn't contact me again!.

I no go call cow bros because I wan chop am!

Lol. For real? The guy's a joker. But I won't lie sha, I call all my clients sir/ma, just for courtesy sake. But there's absolutely nothing wrong with calling them bro, boss, chief, etc. That actually shows you've warmed up to them. And to think he pays peanuts makes it even worse. Kudos to you bro.

SpencerForbes:
The third type is the toughest for me. Some clients seem to think you fabricate those testimonials and still expect you to work without paying upfront. I used to cave in when I was hungry for gigs, but nowadays if you push me for work without upfront payment, you'll get a polite "okay" and that's it – I'm done.

I feel you. Some clients do think testimonials are fake. That's why it's a great idea to have strong social media pages that clearly show you're a legit writer. Visit my Instagram page @amechi_the_writer to see what I'm talking about (and please follow). Once clients see my page, they're convinced that I'm legit.

Hardeybohwarley:
He is very unserious, what effrontery? Calling him sir, even if he's your boss, calling sir would be willfully not by force.

And the problem with Nigerian client is they don't pay well. Someone once gave me a gig of 40k per month and I have to upload 20 posts per day everyday. I kuku decline it.

WHAAAAAT? 20 posts per day everyday for 40k a month? That's nothing short of wickedness!

All the 3 points you listed here are well known characteristics of Nigerian clients. Avoid them as a freelancer and you'll enjoy your freelance career.

No.3 is so on point. for me i like collecting full payment not just advance. some people after the work is done to pay balance na wahala .u will be the one begging them to come and collect their job

And all Apcheat people

amechispeaks:
3 Types Of Clients To Avoid As A Freelaner: By Amechi Okoli

Freelancing has become a major source of livelihood for many youths in and outside Nigeria. However, just like having a regular job, it comes with its own challenges. One of which is securing the right client. So, if you're a writer, graphics designer, web developer, and the likes, here are 3 types of clients you need to avoid to ensure you have a smooth freelancing journey. Please note that if you're not competent, credible, and lack a provable track record, this post is NOT for you.

Here we go!

1. Clients Who Think They Are Doing You A Favor

Every freelancer wants clients. In fact, the more clients you have, the more money in your bank account. But look, in as much as the client is giving you money, keep it at the back of your mind that the money they pay is in exchange for the services and value you are giving them. And guess what? The value you provide actually lasts longer than the money they pay you. Therefore, do not under any circumstance allow a client believe they are doing you favors by hiring you. Because once they do, they will talk down on you, demean you, and even under-price you like roadside tomatoes.

2. Clients Who Pay Cheaply

Speaking of under-pricing, avoid clients who will beat the price of a 100k job down to 20k. From years of experience writing content for my clients in and outside Nigeria, I can tell you for free that low-paying clients are problematic, never satisfied, and don't even value their own projects, let alone your services. If they understood the power behind the services you are rendering to them, they would be willing to pay the right price. This doesn't mean you should charge exorbitantly. Be fair with your pricing and get the best possible reward for your services.

3. Clients Who Aren't Willing To Pay Advances

Here's where it gets tricky. Many clients are afraid of paying upfront because they don't trust you. And you are afraid of doing a job without an upfront because you don't trust the client. This is where your track record comes into play. It is up to you to prove to them that you are credible and trustworthy. Build your portfolio, show them what you've been up to on your social media platforms, show them all the good jobs you've done in the past, and use client testimonials to prove your authenticity and credibility. Once you do, then your advance will appear in your bank account. It might not be 100%, but at least something to get you going until the job is completed. Now, if a client refuses to give you an advance after proving all these to them, I advise you forget it and move on to the next one. Because the truth is, clients who value their projects and see the potential in it will not mind parting with some money to get the ball rolling.

Once again, you must be credible, trustworthy, and competent with a proven track record to get the right client. Deliver your best and enjoy your rewards.

Hope this has been helpful.

IG: @amechi_the_writer

I resonate with you 100 percent.

amechispeaks:
3 Types Of Clients To Avoid As A Freelaner: By Amechi Okoli

Freelancing has become a major source of livelihood for many youths in and outside Nigeria. However, just like having a regular job, it comes with its own challenges. One of which is securing the right client. So, if you're a writer, graphics designer, web developer, and the likes, here are 3 types of clients you need to avoid to ensure you have a smooth freelancing journey. Please note that if you're not competent, credible, and lack a provable track record, this post is NOT for you.

Here we go!

1. Clients Who Think They Are Doing You A Favor

Every freelancer wants clients. In fact, the more clients you have, the more money in your bank account. But look, in as much as the client is giving you money, keep it at the back of your mind that the money they pay is in exchange for the services and value you are giving them. And guess what? The value you provide actually lasts longer than the money they pay you. Therefore, do not under any circumstance allow a client believe they are doing you favors by hiring you. Because once they do, they will talk down on you, demean you, and even under-price you like roadside tomatoes.

2. Clients Who Pay Cheaply

Speaking of under-pricing, avoid clients who will beat the price of a 100k job down to 20k. From years of experience writing content for my clients in and outside Nigeria, I can tell you for free that low-paying clients are problematic, never satisfied, and don't even value their own projects, let alone your services. If they understood the power behind the services you are rendering to them, they would be willing to pay the right price. This doesn't mean you should charge exorbitantly. Be fair with your pricing and get the best possible reward for your services.

3. Clients Who Aren't Willing To Pay Advances

Here's where it gets tricky. Many clients are afraid of paying upfront because they don't trust you. And you are afraid of doing a job without an upfront because you don't trust the client. This is where your track record comes into play. It is up to you to prove to them that you are credible and trustworthy. Build your portfolio, show them what you've been up to on your social media platforms, show them all the good jobs you've done in the past, and use client testimonials to prove your authenticity and credibility. Once you do, then your advance will appear in your bank account. It might not be 100%, but at least something to get you going until the job is completed. Now, if a client refuses to give you an advance after proving all these to them, I advise you forget it and move on to the next one. Because the truth is, clients who value their projects and see the potential in it will not mind parting with some money to get the ball rolling.

Once again, you must be credible, trustworthy, and competent with a proven track record to get the right client. Deliver your best and enjoy your rewards.

Hope this has been helpful.

IG: @amechi_the_writer

No 1 and 2, very important.
No 3 depends, there are big organisations especially international NGOs that don't pay shishi until their work is done or you have delivered the first part. These organisations pay very well, they won't stress you but they don't care about your policy, it's either you are in or you are out. Some of the consultancies I did, I spent over 2mill before my first payment. But the payment is over the roof

Hardeybohwarley:
He is very unserious, what effrontery? Calling him sir, even if he's your boss, calling sir would be willfully not by force.

And the problem with Nigerian client is they don't pay well. Someone once gave me a gig of 40k per month and I have to upload 20 posts per day everyday. I kuku decline it.

About 65 - 66 Naira per post?

Jeez

Please who know site or app I can get a freelance job. Help a brother am currently using freelancer app but the task is much

Also be careful of some Chinese, Moroccan and especially Indian clients.

Finish the job and later, the usual excuse is that they have issues with their PayPal account. Na to escalate and drag them before they pay. After that, I cease to work for them. Cheap and wicked people

very intereting.

To kick start your journey in freelancing. Check these free and affordable courses

https://springlight.ng/academy

That number 1 "Clients who think they are doing you a favour" are the absolute worst to do business with!

YourGFsnatcher:
No 1 and 2, very important.
No 3 depends, there are big organisations especially international NGOs that don't pay shishi until their work is done or you have delivered the first part. These organisations pay very well, they won't stress you but they don't care about your policy, it's either you are in or you are out. Some of the consultancies I did, I spent over 2mill before my first payment. But the payment is over the roof

Large organizations, especially international NGOs or consultancies, often have strict payment policies.
It is always stated in the simple agreement or basic contract you agree to, and it is legally binding, so you have absolutely nothing to lose as long as you are up to the task.

The same protection cannot always be guaranteed with regular clients directly.

That is why some freelancers even after securing a direct client, prefer to use platforms like Upwork as intermediaries to handle payments and reduce risk

I take full payments before commencement, no questions!!! My clients are mostly through referrals, so if you can't trust me enough after being referred by your own acquaintances then no business!!! Most times when the work is done and delivered without upfront/down payment they discredit the work when deep down they actually know you did a good job just to evade payments.

I am available for graphic design and video editing gigs

Kobicove:
That number 1 "Clients who think they are doing you a favour" are the absolute worst to do business with!

To me, it is even better if the client just thinks they are doing me a favor, as long as they pay, than dealing with someone who sees me as a source of cheap labour.

Thank God those days are gone. When dealing directly, if you can't agree to the contract I send via Google Form, you can kindly walk.

All of the above are bad markets

honsule:
No.3 is so on point. for me i like collecting full payment not just advance. some people after the work is done to pay balance na wahala .u will be the one begging them to come and collect their job

This is the best for freelancers whose work may be exposed in ways that let a client use it without paying even before the final file is handed over.
Writers and UI/UX guys can suffer from this.

As for me, I always take at least 50% upfront. And if they refuse to pay the balance after I am done, well, let's see how they plan to deploy the code without it.

1. Indians
2. Indians
3. More indians

Over 7 years of freelancing experience here, all I can say is, avoid Indians, Pakistanis, and Nigerians who reside in Nigeria or have moved abroad after living for many years in Nigeria.

In all my years on this journey, I have worked with over 200 clients, among whom are just two Nigerians who were born and live abroad. One owns an African-focused music chart company, and the second owns one of Nigeria's biggest entertainment YouTube channels; they both pay well, but if you reach me and say you are a Nigerian from Nigeria, I won't have high hopes for that gig.

In my early years, I worked with an English client who came into Nigeria for a startup. We were meant to shoot an ad, after giving a quote, before the payment came through, it was war. From one issue or another, i should have known then, but didn't care, so i requested for 30% upfront, big mistake!

I ended up spending personl funds to complete the shoot as i assumed they were using 3 models, not knowing the startup was using almost all staffs in their company as models, my make up artists charged me extra for every person they brought, i paid from my pocket cos i thought i was gonna get my full payment, work was completed, i sent a watermarked draft for correcttions, by then, the guy had traveled back to the UK, he requested for changes and i made them, he now asked me to send raw files of the shoot, i refused, and said it was my property and he will need to pay extra to get it. Anyways, after i sent him the second draft (watermarked) with the updated changes, he said it was perfect, oya pay me na, problem.

He began telling me stories of how the startup was waiting for funding from their partners, bla bla bla, and i should be patient, it took 3 months, no update, so i got angry and called their manager whom i worked with on the shoot, the man said he has left the company since o, i called their logistics manager, the man said he left last week, i contactd the white guy, he was still asking me to be patient. One day, i decided to check out their socials, and to my shock, they had posted the watermarked draft I sent him weeks back, my head wan burst, i reached out to the guy ASAP and told him to take it down. He was dragging, I told him i was going to sue, that was when i knew Nigeria is a useless country, the company was not even registered in Nigeria, yet they had a big office in a giant building inside Lekki, i went there and company was empty, the seurity said they have moved, i called the Logistics manager again and he just said let him not lie to me again, the company has folded up, startup that wasnt even up to 6 months in the country yet, they had bilboards and ads online everywhere. They contacted me when I was on holiday back in Jos, I cut short my holiday for that shoot.

I confronted the white guy again, and this time, I threatened to report him to immigration as I had all the proof. That was when he took down the video, but to date, I never received my payment. Since then, i learnt my lesson. If you see my new invoice with the terms and conditions that follow, if you no get mind, you no go work with me, and i don't care, I have to protect myself. In fact, to date, after every job, I update my terms on the invoice to cover any challenge I faced or possibly would have faced while doing the project, and if you can't pay 70% upfront, pack your things and go.

I totally agree with the poster especially the No.1. Avoid such clients at all cost.

amechispeaks:
WHAAAAAT? 20 posts per day everyday for 40k a month? That's nothing short of wickedness!

I kuku reject it. It's an example of modern day slavery. Another job was translation job, you will translate a sentence orally and in written form fot 10 naira.

Only few Nigerians treat their workers right.

amechispeaks:
WHAAAAAT? 20 posts per day everyday for 40k a month? That's nothing short of wickedness!

wickedness pro max bro. That's the best appellation

You write too?
Asin apart from the two you listed below, you engage in writing?

Outthemudbyvoke:
I take full payments before commencement, no questions!!! My clients are mostly through referrals, so if you can't trust me enough after being referred by your own acquaintances then no business!!! Most times when the work is done and delivered without upfront/down payment they discredit the work when deep down they actually know you did a good job just to evade payments.

I am available for graphic design and video editing gigs

How do you make money from writing pls?
I can write sports articles very well.
Can you show me how i can cash out from writing?

amechispeaks:
3 Types Of Clients To Avoid As A Freelaner: By Amechi Okoli

Freelancing has become a major source of livelihood for many youths in and outside Nigeria. However, just like having a regular job, it comes with its own challenges. One of which is securing the right client. So, if you're a writer, graphics designer, web developer, and the likes, here are 3 types of clients you need to avoid to ensure you have a smooth freelancing journey. Please note that if you're not competent, credible, and lack a provable track record, this post is NOT for you.

Here we go!

1. Clients Who Think They Are Doing You A Favor

Every freelancer wants clients. In fact, the more clients you have, the more money in your bank account. But look, in as much as the client is giving you money, keep it at the back of your mind that the money they pay is in exchange for the services and value you are giving them. And guess what? The value you provide actually lasts longer than the money they pay you. Therefore, do not under any circumstance allow a client believe they are doing you favors by hiring you. Because once they do, they will talk down on you, demean you, and even under-price you like roadside tomatoes.

2. Clients Who Pay Cheaply

Speaking of under-pricing, avoid clients who will beat the price of a 100k job down to 20k. From years of experience writing content for my clients in and outside Nigeria, I can tell you for free that low-paying clients are problematic, never satisfied, and don't even value their own projects, let alone your services. If they understood the power behind the services you are rendering to them, they would be willing to pay the right price. This doesn't mean you should charge exorbitantly. Be fair with your pricing and get the best possible reward for your services.

3. Clients Who Aren't Willing To Pay Advances

Here's where it gets tricky. Many clients are afraid of paying upfront because they don't trust you. And you are afraid of doing a job without an upfront because you don't trust the client. This is where your track record comes into play. It is up to you to prove to them that you are credible and trustworthy. Build your portfolio, show them what you've been up to on your social media platforms, show them all the good jobs you've done in the past, and use client testimonials to prove your authenticity and credibility. Once you do, then your advance will appear in your bank account. It might not be 100%, but at least something to get you going until the job is completed. Now, if a client refuses to give you an advance after proving all these to them, I advise you forget it and move on to the next one. Because the truth is, clients who value their projects and see the potential in it will not mind parting with some money to get the ball rolling.

Once again, you must be credible, trustworthy, and competent with a proven track record to get the right client. Deliver your best and enjoy your rewards.

Hope this has been helpful.

IG: @amechi_the_writer

Hardeybohwarley:
I kuku reject it. It's an example of modern day slavery. Another job was translation job, you will translate a sentence orally and in written form fot 10 naira.

Only few Nigerians treat their workers right.

10 NAIRA ?. this is wickedness

honsule:
10 NAIRA ?. this is wickedness

I tell you, and some of the sentences are long and difficult to understand.

YourGFsnatcher:
No 1 and 2, very important.
No 3 depends, there are big organisations especially international NGOs that don't pay shishi until their work is done or you have delivered the first part. These organisations pay very well, they won't stress you but they don't care about your policy, it's either you are in or you are out. Some of the consultancies I did, I spent over 2mill before my first payment. But the payment is over the roof

You made a very good point here. Well noted.