Let's be honest — freelancing is always client-based work, and it can be a great experience with some clients, but it can also be an absolute nightmare with others. 

Before learning what the red flags are, it's important to remember that not every difficult client is bad, and not every small thing you dislike about them is a red flag. Sometimes, clients may not fully understand how your process works or what to expect from it. This may be due to their lack of experience with similar tasks. Let's face it — a client is not an expert in your field, which is why they come to you. It’s not their responsibility to know every aspect of your job; it’s yours. That being said, let's take a look at the top red flags to watch out for and decide when it's worth educating a client and when it's time to run away as fast as you can.

Red flag 1: Always pushy on prices

Let’s start with the basics. Yes, negotiating rates and asking for explanations is a part of the process, as it's quite natural for clients to want to get the best deal possible. However, there is a limit to everything. If they push hard on the price or ask for a significant discount, it's a huge red flag. It's a sign of disrespect for your expertise and the quality of work that you do. 

There is a solution to this problem for clients who are truly interested in working with you and understand your value but have a tight budget. You could offer to lower your price, but back up your decision with solid reasoning. For example, you could consider removing certain aspects from the scope of the project, breaking it down into smaller phases, or extending the deadline. This way, you're not giving a discount for nothing, you’re adjusting your services to the budget of the client, and your value remains intact. 

See this video from a professional sales training program that teaches how to handle clients who ask for discounts and what to say in response to these requests.

There are clients who, after weeks of negotiation, may eventually reluctantly accept your pricing. Be careful with them, too. If it's significantly out of their budget, they will expect you to work hard for every dollar they spend and to prove that it was worth it for them. If a client's expectations don't align with their budget, it's better to identify this early on rather than getting stuck in a project that will leave everyone frustrated and unsatisfied. 

Red flag 2: Hard to reach or slow to reply

Clear and timely communication is the key to successful client relationships. And it's not just unpleasant to have a client who ghosts you or takes a long time to reply — it can be deadly to the success of a project. According to the Project Management Institute, poor communication is a contributing factor in 56% of failed projects. Any project is a collaborative effort, and the client is an integral part of it. If the client doesn't get involved or provide necessary feedback on time, it can be a real challenge. 

Another aspect of the issue is when the client's communication becomes too excessive and goes beyond the expected boundaries. If they expect you to be available 24/7, respond instantly, or if they want to monitor every step of your work, this is a clear red flag. Not only does this mean that they do not respect your boundaries and work-life balance, but it can also lead to serious health problems. According to a study published in 2024 by Oxford Academic, people who both worked long hours and used work-related devices outside of work hours showed the highest levels of anxiety symptoms.

Neither situation is pleasant, to say the least. However, here are some ways to work with them: 

• Clearly state your working hours and let a client know that if they contact you outside those hours, you will respond the following day.
• Do not share your personal phone number. All business communication should be conducted via your business phone number or email.
• Schedule regular check-ins with the client, especially if you need their feedback. Make sure they understand that missing these check-ins may result in an extension to the project deadline.
• Set a clear deadline for their final feedback. For example, if you're writing an article for a client, let them know that the time for revisions is one week. After that time, the article will be considered finished, and any revisions sent after it will require additional payment.

When it comes to communication, I pay close attention to clients who struggle to articulate what they want. That uncertainty can go in two directions: either they say yes to everything (which often signals they’re not really invested in quality), or they keep nitpicking endlessly and may even reject the project later, despite approving early sketches or moodboards. Two other red flags are extremes in communication: ghosting — which can leave you with unpaid work and no closure — or constant pressure to be available 24/7, which quickly becomes draining. Both are signs that the collaboration might not be healthy in the long run.

{{Agnieszka Olearczyk}}

Red flag 3: Asking for free test work

Never work for free — we hear this motto time and time again, but free work still happens alarmingly often, under the guise of test samples or quick favours for future exposure. According to the BBC, 43% of self-employed workers have done unpaid work, and this figure rises to 86% in the creative sectors. 

‍Forbes has published the main reasons for this: the potential for future exposure, experience, or networking opportunities; the prestige of working with large companies; and the opportunity for future paid work. They also found that more than half (51%) of freelancers regretted it, saying that it was a negative experience and not worth the effort.

Free work, regardless of the reason, is always a red flag. It may lead to paid work, or it may not. It may bring you the promised exposure, or it may not. Therefore, it is always a risk. Here are some alternatives (and risk-free options) you could try: 

• Provide relevant portfolio pieces — a client who just wants to ensure that your skills and past work meet their requirements should be satisfied;
• Offer a paid trial period — if they insist on seeing custom work for their project to see if you’re a good fit – a small piece of blog content or a simple graphic design, for instance, – suggest starting with small tasks and a clearly defined scope with a fee.

I think everyone in a creative field has dealt with this at some point. Interestingly, it often comes from friends or family: “You draw? Could you make a portrait for my aunt?” In those cases, it’s hard to say no, but also impossible to charge fairly — usually it ends up being done “as a favor.” With clients, it’s usually about small unpaid extras: resizing files, sending alternate versions, or making “quick tweaks.” Each one seems minor, but they pull you out of your current work and add up to hours over time. That’s why I now factor in a buffer for revisions and small requests when estimating a project. It helps set realistic expectations and prevents frustration later.

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Red flag 4: Claiming they (or a friend) know your job better

A client who is knowledgeable about your area of expertise is not always a deal breaker. Some people can really bring experience and valuable insights to the table or help to make the communication process smoother by setting clear expectations. 

However, more often than not, such claims are a warning sign. It's one thing when a client says, "I used to be a content writer myself, and I know what a good copy looks like, which is why I hired you." But it's another thing when they say something like, "My sister is a copywriter, and she says that you're charging too much for this amount of work," or "She checked your copy and didn't like it." 

Luckily, I haven’t encountered this situation in my freelance work yet. In my professional roles, I have worked with in-house designers or clients’ own creative directors, and in those cases, the dynamic was more about teamwork — we collaborated closely rather than treating it as a simple client–vendor relationship. If it ever happened in freelancing that a client said, “I’ll ask my wife/friend what they think,” I’d probably laugh and wonder why they didn’t just give the project to that person in the first place. But jokes aside, I imagine the best approach would be to keep it light, stay professional, and gently guide the conversation back to the project goals and my expertise.

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You know what they say about opinions — everyone has them. But getting business advice from people who are not qualified is especially a red flag if this advice is offered after the work has already been done. Anyone who’s involved in the decision-making process should be part of the conversation from the start. The person who has been asked for their opinion without knowing what has been discussed or agreed upon can’t evaluate the outcome accurately. They don’t need to either, as it does not directly affect them, and therefore, they may feel free to express their opinion without considering the potential consequences. It is always better to deal directly with the decision-makers.

If you are faced with someone who challenges your methods, pushes timelines, or disrespects your process by covering it with their own expertise, it is best to run away quickly. Otherwise, you may end up dealing with micromanagement, endless and unreasonable feedback, or second-guessing everything you do. 

I don’t have one dramatic story to tell, but the most challenging project I recall was with a very “creative” client. We spent nearly two months on constant revisions, and some of her ideas even left my art lead speechless. That experience taught me that clients who consider themselves creative can be tricky — they often have a strong personal vision but lack the ability to execute it themselves. Is it a bad trait? Not necessarily — it shows they know what they want. But for the designer, it can become exhausting when every idea that doesn’t match what’s in their head gets rejected.

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Red flag 5: Saying, “This shouldn’t take long.”

At first glance, it might seem harmless or even helpful — a quick task that won't take much of your time. Right? Well, no. Not exactly. If you've been freelancing for a while, you might have noticed that phrases like "it's a quick job" or "shouldn't take more than 20 minutes" are red flags, as these tasks often turn out to take longer than expected. According to the Project Management Institute, 52% of projects experience scope creep or uncontrolled changes to the scope of the project. 

There is a possibility that a client may not fully understand how much time a task may take, and a polite discussion to hear their needs and reevaluate the scope of the project could help. However, if a client is persistent and tries to minimize the effort, time, or complexity of a task without truly understanding it, they are already diminishing the perceived value of the work and the price they will pay. In such cases, it is best to walk away from the situation. After all, if the task only takes 20 minutes, the client could easily complete it themselves, couldn’t they? 

Red flag 6: Refusing to pay anything upfront 

This may not always be a red flag, as many large or government organizations have a policy of paying after delivery. However, if we are talking about small businesses or individuals, this could be a sign of potential future problems. 47% of businesses in the EU reported experiencing problems due to outstanding invoices. 

Let's be honest — if a client refuses to pay the deposit, it's rarely about protecting their budget. Often, it's a sign that your boundaries are being tested or that they're not fully committed to the project. Yes, some clients may have had negative experiences with freelancers in the past, but it should not be your burden to carry. If you’re a graphic designer or a videographer, you can put a watermark on your work so that a client can’t use it unless you deliver source files to them. However, not all types of work are watermarkable. And anyway, even if they do not use your work and leave you without payment, you have still wasted time and energy that could have been invested in a real, paid project. 

Skipping an upfront payment isn’t a favour — it’s a gamble, and the safest way to protect yourself is to insist on a deposit before starting the project. Even a 15% upfront fee helps to confirm the client's commitment and protects your time and effort. You can agree to break down the project into milestones with strict deadlines for each stage to ensure the client's peace of mind. Also, have everything in writing — a contract that clearly states the scope of the project, deliveries for each stage, and payment terms and deadlines. 

For me, the biggest red flags around pricing and payment are quite straightforward. If a client refuses to sign a contract when you require one, that’s a clear warning sign. The same goes for unwillingness to pay a deposit — it often signals future issues with reliability. Another red flag is when clients push back on your pricing with comments like “That’s too expensive” or “Others do it cheaper.” In my experience, if something feels uncomfortable at the very beginning, it usually grows into a bigger problem later. It’s better to trust that instinct and approach such clients with caution.

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Red flag 7: Vague about goals and details

Clearly defined goals and expectations are crucial for the success of any project. Imagine you're in the middle of an assignment and the client informs you that you're not meeting their expectations, or changes the task and asks you to do something entirely different. For example, let's say you're a web designer creating a brand's website based on the agreed-upon minimalistic style and references. However, suddenly, the client informs you that they have changed their mind and want something more bold, fun, and colorful.  Feels off, doesn’t it? If you have to spend half your time working with a client as a mind reader, it's definitely a red flag. 

When none of the people involved in a process know what success looks like, it can become a long and frustrating walk through a minefield. If you hear phrases like "just make it pop" or "I know it's what I need when I see it," be cautious. Most often, they are signaling you not to work with this client. Here are some steps you can take to prevent this from happening:

• Force clarity from the start. Before you start working, make sure you and your client are on the same page and understand what needs to be done. Ask direct questions about KPIs, such as "What does success look like in terms of measurable goals?" or "What do you hope to achieve with this project for your business?" And get concrete answers. 
• Ask for references. Sometimes it's easier to demonstrate than to explain. Regardless of the field you work in, there are always excellent examples of work. Seek them out. Also, ask the client to elaborate on why these references are beneficial for them and their business. This will help you understand the goals and direction of the project. 
• Get everything in writing. Whether it's in the contract or through correspondence, make sure to clearly outline all agreed-upon goals and deliverables. Also, ensure that you receive a written confirmation from the client approving them. If the goals change during the process, that's okay, but they should be documented and possibly re-quoted. It will be much easier if you have proof of the original goals and the updated goals.

Clear expectations are absolutely crucial. I’ve worked with clients who “don’t really know what they want,” and that can go in two directions. Sometimes it’s great — you get a lot of creative freedom and can win them over with your own vision. But other times, it means extra hours of research, trial and error, and even starting over because what you delivered wasn’t what they had in mind after all. Often, clients don’t know what they want until they see it. That’s why I rely on a structured process: first moodboards, then sketches, and only after approval do I move on to final designs. This way, both sides stay aligned and surprises are minimized.

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Red flag 8: Complaining about previous contractors

When a potential client starts a conversation trash-talking every freelancer or contractor they've worked with in the past, that's definitely a red flag. If they position themselves as the victim of an industry filled with incompetent people, and every story ends with the contractor being portrayed as the villain who ruins everything, there is something wrong, and there is a good chance that the problem lies with the client themselves. 

According to psychologist Jennifer Freyd, a manipulative tactic known as DARVO (Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender) is often used by abusers to avoid taking responsibility for their actions and shift the blame onto others. If you enter into this client relationship, there is a chance that you will become their next "break-up" story, rather than someone who truly understands them and completes the job perfectly. Be respectful, but also be cautious. Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions, such as "What went wrong with your previous contractor?" or "Why do you think the project failed?" If their answers seem suspicious, it may be best to cut your losses and move on, rather than becoming another failure in the client's list of freelancers.

Red flag 9: Crossing the line or being rude

Nothing kills a professional relationship faster than a lack of respect. A client who doesn't treat you as an equal or uses condescending language is not someone you want to work with. According to the Harvard Business Review, 66% of workers who experienced disrespect reported a decline in their performance, and 12% left their jobs as a result. While this study focuses on full-time employment, freelancers are just as vulnerable, often having fewer legal protections. 

Let’s be clear — constructive criticism of your work can be helpful, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's an essential part of any client-oriented process. But when the conversation turns from "this doesn't feel like our brand or match the references we provided" to "you clearly don't know what you're doing and are incompetent," that's not feedback. That's a red flag. 

From the start, set clear boundaries and establish professional communication standards. If a client does not respect your boundaries, keep records of any emails or phone calls that you have with them. This will help protect you if things escalate and you need to terminate the project without any legal consequences. It's also a good idea to include a "respect clause" in your contract — a short paragraph that outlines expectations regarding communication. Here’s an example: 

“Both parties agree to maintain a respectful and professional tone in all communication related to this project, including but not limited to emails, phone calls, video conferences, and in-person meetings. This means providing feedback in a constructive and non-personal way, using courteous language that is free from derogatory comments, abuse, or threats. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the early termination of this agreement.”

Red flag 10: You just have a bad gut feeling

Last but certainly not least, if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Maybe it’s nothing concrete — just a subtle feeling that's hard to put into words. Trust that feeling. Studies show that intuition is a powerful decision-making tool in management, especially when honed through experience, and can lead to faster and sometimes more accurate decisions. As a freelancer, you have to be your own manager when it comes to working with clients and choosing projects for your business. It's important to use your intuition as a guide to make the best decisions for your success. So, if your inner radar is alerting you, even if you cannot fully justify it, it's okay to say "no" and walk away. It may be saving you from a project you’ll regret ever saying “yes” to. 

I can’t say I’ve ever seen a clear red flag and then chosen to ignore it — if something feels off, I usually avoid starting the collaboration altogether. Instead, I try to learn from past experiences and recognize those signals earlier the next time. Now, I sometimes notice red flags in professional settings where I’m not the one choosing or managing the client, only executing the work. In those cases, I already know what those warning signs might lead to, so I prepare myself mentally, stay professional, and focus on delivering my part. My advice for beginners would be: don’t be discouraged if you miss red flags at first. It’s part of the learning process. With each project, you get better at spotting them and setting boundaries.

{{Agnieszka Olearczyk}}

Conclusion

Bad clients can make your work more difficult, but the good news is that you can often identify red flags early on if you pay attention. Whether it's chronic scope creep, payment issues, poor communication, or disrespect for your expertise and pricing policy, each of these red flags indicates that your professional boundaries may be at risk. 

By being clear about your process and limits, asking direct questions, and trusting your gut, you can filter out clients before they become a problem. Remember — not every project is worth the paycheck. Sometimes, the best decision you can make is to walk away before the damage is done.