Dropping a longstanding client?

Simply explain to him in a calm slow voice that your business is changing, and especially with the down economy, that you have realized that you are not fully able to accomodate his business as you once could, and so that he can get the attention that he deserves, you would suggest another person or company to accomodate him. And then provide him with names and numbers, or tell him that you will have someone call him, or even setup an initial meeting with a new person for him if he would like. Tell him that you appreciate your business, but that due to the late payments as well as consumed time, that someone else would be better suitable for him to work with.

Just be straightforward and firm. He's the kind of person that will appreciate that. Say "I can't do business anymore with you, it was a pleasure, bye."

I'll be the first to admit I'm not all that great with relationships. I'd call him and arrange a meeting. At the meeting explain that you've found better paying clients, and he's just not offering enough to retain your services.

Let him think your negotiating for more money, and when he offers you more, tell him it's not enough. Tell him it was great working with him. Smile. Then cordially shake his hand and never look back.

~and I sympathize with you. I had to work for someone who insisted I was 'on call' 24 hours a day as a graphic designer/independant contractor for $5.00/hr. Then when I was out cold sleeping off a difficult assignment he blasted my 11 year old sister who picked up my phone to answer it calling her worse than a whore, and she was upset for several days.

Then he pretended to be all polite to me. I didn't find out what he said until weeks later.

I was pretty upset, myself. And that's how I ended the relationship. Also, you may find yourself deeply hurt and angry for a long time after. Avoid negatively bashing this person. You never know when you may need an extra reference.

Relationship is two way street and both need pay equal interest in developing it into a long standing one.

The way you described it is very polite. I have gone through the same type of ordeal, and you must be firm with the way you say it without making it unpleasant.

I don't know if you like using excuses--I personally don't, but if a situation is driving me up the wall, it is my last resort.

"Sir, Madam, I am sorry, but I am overwhelmed with taking too many projects on hand. This project in particular is very meticulous, and I have enjoyed working on it, however, I do not think it is possible for me to continue. If you have more projects in the future, when I have the time available, please do not hesitate to contact me again. Thank you"

Hope this helps!
-JAC-

Double your fee and tell him that he has become a special client taking up more of your time to justify it. He will either drop you or pay, but at least you will have the satisfaction of getting more out of him for being a pain in the butt

When I have clients that are more of a pain in the neck than the amount of income they provide, I increase the cost of doing business with me.

1 of 2 things will happen.

1. They'll pay you more to deal with their crap.

2. They'll say you're too expensive and look elsewhere.


This makes it their decision to leave and thus keeps your bridges in tact... or you end up making whatever you figure it's worth to keep them around.


I've been known to increase prices 3X and had clients stick around. And then I didn't mind as much working with them despite them being a pain... because they were paying 3X what other clients were.

I think your best route would be to tell the client that you're dropping him due to unforeseen changes in your work situation. Make sure you let them know that you appreciate the working relationship that you've had to this point, but personal and business issues make it impossible for you to continue your work relationship. You may also want to mention that he is only one of several clients you have had to drop.(That keeps it from being a personal issue, i.e. no bridges get burned!) I would also insinuate that I would get back in touch with him if the situation changes, without actually promising to do so! LOL Life is too short to be wasted on thee extremely unpleasant! Good luck.

Hi

I am sorry you are going through this. However the answer is very simple in this case. From the sounds of things he is very tight when it comes to paying you which makes things very easy.

All you need to do is email him saying due to demand you will be changing you accounting policy and fees for cash flow purposes. From this date (whatever date you please) fees will be (triple your fee) and payment will be required before initiation of work.

If it is the same thing you do for him every month then I would right exactly what is covered in this fee and all extra services will be chargeable per request before initiation of these services.

Chances are he is going to walk away at the new fees and policy without you having to say you don't want to work with him. However, if he does stay at least you know you will not have to chase him for payment, he can't try and get more work out of you for extra pay and you will be getting three times the amount of money for the same work. This will give you the option to then pass this work on to someone else and also take a cut if you can't stand it any longer.

If he starts trying it on cut and paste your policy for extra requests (or repeat it on the phone if this is how you communicate.)

However chances are he will probably walk away and try and find someone else to take advantage of. Either way it is a win win situation.

Good luck

Unfortunately you cannot control how he will react but you can ensure that you behave in a professional manner.

In my experience, the best way to proceed is to tell the client that the business relationship is not progressing in a manner that is suitable for either of you. Make sure that you have completed all open projects for them, but then be clear. You have other clients that need your focus right now.

What bridges would you be burning? Is he likely to provide referrals? Do you want to work for his friends?

Lots of variables here--is he local, what business are you in, can you say that you no longer do the type of work he wants? You only do project-based pricing, not month-to-month?

More, though: How did you get this far into the relationship and what signals did you miss going in? How much money would it take to put up with his treatment? (Really--could you suck it up for 4x? 10x? this is an imagination exercise more than reality.)

If the client is generally unpleasant it is difficult to suggest a way to require they change their behavior without being a little "rude" or so it may seem to the client at first.

You could tell them you have felt the working relationship has become too time consuming and has been unpleasant lately and that needs to change or they should begin searching for a new provider to replace your services in the next couple of weeks.

Depending on your business you may also choose to change your primary communication method to email with the client so that the unpleasantness does not translate or can be dealt with on your own time.

I suggest reading this article on how to end a business relationship:

http://www.evancarmichael.com/Business-Coach/155/Ready-Aim-Fire-How-to-Professionally-End-Your-Working-Relationship-with-a-Client.html