Characteristics of a Bad Client :(
Posted by John on November 4, 2008
In the course of our work, we’ve come across many a bad client, here’s some interesting facts about them:
- “Get it up quick” attitude, wants to shortcut the project scoping and planning process, wants a website up for the sake of having a website.
- Has not given thought to the business objectives of the website, what the content should be and how it should be organised (e.g. no sitemap)
- Describes the web design objectives in a vague descriptive manner like “clean and fun, better than my competitors”, without knowing what the content should be.
- Small budget, big expectations, unrealistic timeline e.g. “I want a website that is an amalgamation of Ebay and Amazon, to launch by next month, and my budget is $3000″
- Indecisive, changes mind frequently, requires constant changes to design and content without end because the client has not done initial planning or not sticking to the plan.
- Unable to make decisions or give approval. Not responsive, does not email or return phone call timely.
- Expects swift delivery on all requests but does not do the same in delivering content, providing feedbacks, sign-off and approval to the project manager.
- Does not make payment on time.
If all of the above sounds familiar and reminds you of someone, maybe your friend, not you, it’s not too late for your friend to repent :p You might want to refer this friend of yours to find out how to be a good client.
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