Dealing with your First Angry Client

Posted by Daniel Wambugu on Jul 17, 2010 in Freelance | View Comments

At one point in your freelance writing career, a client is bound to get angry with you. Not always the case, but it happens!

It can be quite stressing, at first. But, as long as you handle the situation professionally to the satisfaction of your client. Then, everything will be perfectly okay. Clients are very important to any freelance writing business, including yours. So, go out of your way to keep them!

If it makes you feel any better, people make mistakes. Even the most experienced freelance writers did. Therefore, make the most out of this experience. Above all, learn from your mistakes to avoid further repetitions in the future.

Here are 3 useful tips to help you deal with an angry client professionally:

1. Identify the problem

Understand where your client is coming from. Is the claim justified? If so, then politely admit that you made a mistake and apologize. Together with your client, go over the details and make sure you get it this time. As a freelance writer, you do not want to make the same mistake twice. It questions your professionalism

2. Offer a solution

Whether it’s a rewrite or just minor amendments, coming up with a solution goes a long way to reassure your client. Do not be tempted to charge your client for this work. Unless, it’s perfectly clear to both of you that, you are not to blame. In which case, you can charge a reasonable fee, but not too much. Most clients will appreciate it when you bear the cost. It brings you out as a reasonable person, thus building your goodwill with clients.

3. Do the work, without any delays

Avoid further inconveniences that might make the situation worse. If possible, start work immediately. But, incase you have other commitments. Then ask for an extension of time and make sure to do a good job within the time given.

Dealing with an angry client can be a rather unpleasant experience. Especially if you’ve never had such an experience. Nevertheless, it’s also an opportunity for you to learn.

So, make sure you do exactly that!

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  • Anthony Kilonzo

    Thanks, helped a lot. Cant seem to find your contacts.

  • Anthony Kilonzo

    Thanks, helped a lot. Cant seem to find your contacts.

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