As a freelancer, you will come across various types of clients in your career. These clients can range from those who are kind and considerate to others who may be challenging and difficult to work with. It's important to be aware of the different types of clients you may encounter so you can be better prepared to handle each situation.

This article aims to highlight some of the common types of clients you may meet in your freelance journey. If you are just starting out as a freelancer, it may take some time to encounter all these types, but having an understanding of them beforehand can help you be better prepared.

1. The Cheap Lowballer: A Challenging Client for Freelancers

As a freelancer, it's not uncommon to come across clients who try to haggle for a lower price. One such type of client is the "Cheap Lowballer." This client is characterized by constantly asking for discounts and mentioning their limited budget as a reason for their price negotiation.

Moreover, this type of client may also attempt to undermine your services by suggesting that your prices are too high for the type of work you offer. This behavior can be challenging and disheartening for a freelancer who strives to deliver quality work.

However, it's essential to remember that working with the cheap lowballer may only hold you back in your freelance career. Unless there are no other options or pressing financial obligations, it's recommended to avoid this type of client.

In conclusion, the cheap lowballer is a client that freelancers should approach with caution. While their budget constraints may seem appealing, their behavior and tendency to devalue your work can be detrimental to your freelance journey.

2. The Revisionist: Navigating Endless Revisions

As a freelancer, it's not uncommon to encounter clients who believe they know everything better and act as if they are superior to you. One such type of client is known as the "Revisionist." This client is notorious for requesting endless revisions and dragging projects beyond their original deadline.

The revisionist often tries to add extra work disguised as revisions. For instance, what started as a project to design an Instagram post can suddenly turn into designing posts for Facebook and Twitter, along with writing copy for an entire campaign.

To handle this type of client effectively, it's essential to set clear parameters from the start. Setting a price for revisions and letting the client know about it beforehand can help avoid any misunderstandings.

A good practice is to offer one or two revisions for free, but charge extra for any additional revisions. This approach ensures that the freelancer is fairly compensated for their time and effort and that the client is aware of the costs involved in making changes.

In conclusion, the revisionist or scope creep is a common challenge that freelancers face. By setting clear boundaries and expectations, it's possible to navigate this type of client and still deliver a quality project within the desired timeframe.

3. The Inexperienced Client

The inexperienced client is someone who is new to the field, whether they have just started a business or are exploring a new industry. They may not have a clear understanding of what they need for their project, and they are usually in the process of gathering information and prices from experts.

In most cases, these clients won't proceed beyond the initial conversation or project proposal stage. A good indicator of this type of client is if they initiate the conversation with a price inquiry.

It's important to be cautious when dealing with inexperienced clients. Avoid disclosing too much information about your processes, and be wary of requests for free samples or demos. These may be signs that the client is not yet committed to the project and is still exploring their options.

4. The Intermediary

When working with a client through a job board or freelance marketplace, you may not have direct communication with them.

In these cases, the client will typically have designated staff or representatives to handle all interactions with freelancers. These individuals act as intermediaries between you and the client.

It's important to keep this in mind when negotiating prices, project scope, and deadlines with the intermediary. They may have limited power to offer favorable terms as they are following the client's set guidelines.

If you encounter challenges with this type of client, you can consider politely asking them to connect you directly with the client. This will make it easier to discuss important details.

5. The Ideal Client: The Perfect Match

The ideal client is the perfect match for your freelance career. They will set your career on an upward trajectory and provide ample opportunities for growth and development.

This client has experience and knowledge in the field, so they understand what they are looking for. They are easy to communicate with and allow you the space to do your work in the way you think is best.

The ideal client will appreciate your skills, offer long-term projects, refer you to other clients, and even offer to pay you more than your asking price. This type of client is rare, but they do exist.

Keep in mind that the ideal client is not always easy to find, but when you do, they can be a valuable asset to your freelance career.

In conclusion, as a freelance professional, you will encounter a diverse range of clients throughout your career. Some will be challenging, while others will provide a positive experience. The key is to understand the different types of clients and approach each one accordingly. Don't let a bad experience with one client bring you down. Instead, keep pushing forward until you find your ideal client. It may take some time and effort, but it's worth it in the end.