How to Evaluate Freelance Clients and Avoid Bad Situations

Don’t get stuck in a stressful situation

Image created via Midjourney

I started freelancing because I was sick of corporate culture, especially toxic work environments. I wanted to be in control of who I worked with and how work got done.

Most of my clients have been lovely, but there have also been a few doozies. In some cases, I suspected the client would be difficult, but I needed the money. In other cases, I missed some red flags.

Based on my years of experience as a freelancer, plus a prior career as a tech executive, here are some things to consider as you evaluate potential clients.

1. Identify your needs and set clear deal-breakers

At a bare minimum, you need to meet your income goals — whatever those are. If you take work that’s far below what you want to earn, you’re setting yourself up for a cycle of low-paying work that’s hard to break.

You should establish an amount you’d like to earn per client or project, and the minimum amount you’d be willing to accept. Don’t go below that. If clients want you to accept a rate that’s far below what you normally charge, the client won’t respect your work.