When that client has more red flags than a ticker tape parade

Beware these freelance client đŸš© đŸš© đŸš©

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Diana Kelly Levey
March 16, 2025

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Freelance writer Hanna Mallette contributed this piece for BestFreelanceTips.com

Read the full article here.

Many freelancers I've talked to have admitted that when a client later showed them their true colors — aka RED flags — the freelancer already had a hunch that might happen.

Something in their guts said “This is off,” or “This person sounds demanding,” but they ignored that feeling and pursued the professional relationship.

Thenâ€ŠđŸ’© starts to hit the fan. (And the freelancer starts kicking themselves.)

To help you avoid this problem, I suggest you keep eyes, ears, and intuition open as you get to know a new possible client.

While you’re doing that, keep these freelance client red flags in mind so you don’t find yourself in a starring role in “Schitt’s Creek”

Here are some signs your client might be “difficult.”

Keep an eye out for these behaviors and language before you find yourself knee-deep in an unpaid, overworked nightmare.

1. They Expect You to Be Their 24/7 Concierge

It’s 10 PM. You’re in pajamas, winding down with Netflix and a glass of wine, and—ping!—your client wants a “quick edit.” If they’re treating you like an on-call employee, it's time for a firm boundary (or a polite farewell). Your time is your time. (How you handle that matters, too. In my onboarding document, I tell clients they can expect a response to an email within 24 to 48 hours on weekdays.)

2. Louis Vuitton Dreams and Expectations, Shein Budget

Ah, the classic: "We need a website, five blog posts, and a rebrand
 but we can only pay you in ‘exposure.’" Or, “How does $0.10 a word sound?” Nope. If they can afford a business, they can afford to pay you fairly.

3. The "Oh, One More Thing..." Client

Your contract says you’re creating blog posts. Now they want social media, email copy, and, oh, could you just throw in a full website content audit? (Gratis?) This is called scope creep, and it’s a big no. Let clients know that you’d be happy to work on those additional services (If you have the skills) and share your rates for the extra project work.

4. They’ve Never Worked With a Freelancer Before (and It Shows)

"Oh, you charge for revisions?" "Wait, I have to pay a deposit?" Some first-time clients need hand-holding, and that’s okay. But if they refuse to learn how freelancing works? On to the next one.

5. They Treat You Like an Employee (Without the Benefits)

If they expect you to be on Slack all day, attend every meeting (especially last minute ones), and train their team, they need to hire an actual employee. (Or, you know, pay you appropriately for the consulting role they want you to fill.)

 

Read the rest of the freelance client red flags you need to commit to memory on the blog.

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Diana

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