There’s a light hearted way to look at letting a client go because it is one of those “heavy” moments that can take it all out of you.
“Dear Client, It’s Not Me, It’s Definitely You: Here are 5 Reasons We Might Just Have to Let You Go”
We’re going to cut straight to it—breaking up is hard to do, especially in the world of client services. But sometimes, things just reach a point where we, the ever-patient creative agency, are left with no choice. Let’s dive into the five client types who push us to that limit. Brace yourselves—it’s about to get personal.
1. The Eternal Reviser
You definitely know the type, the client who thinks they’re being “helpful” by wanting one more tweak. Except “one more tweak” is never the end. They’re the remixers of the business world, and while creativity thrives on iteration, endless revision requests could drive a monk to madness.
I can even set the scene… you, dear client, wanted the logo in blue. We gave you blue. Then you wanted turquoise. Now you’re thinking “maybe more aquamarine?” Then, how about just the right Pantone hue to match your first pet’s eyes? By the time you’ve cycled through the entire visible spectrum, we’re running on fumes, trying to remember what “finished” ever looked like.
If we reach our 27th revision and you’re still waffling, we’re going to assume this isn’t working out. So, dear client, if you’re reading this and thinking “Is this me?” Yes, yes, it probably is and your pet’s eyes.
2. The “Could You Do It Cheaper?” Enthusiast
Look, we’re all about value. But there’s something soul-crushing about hearing, “Could you do it for half the price? And can you throw in some bonus work, for fun?” This is business, not a Melville thrift store.
Imagine your doctor asks for R500 for a procedure, and you counter with R150 and ask them to “throw in” an X-ray. We aren’t saying our industry is as life-and-death as medicine, but your brand’s future is serious business! There’s a limit to our goodwill, and every time we have to dig deep into the *Could You Do It Cheaper* bag, we’re one step closer to heading for the door.
The bottom line is, if you want to pay peanuts, prepare for the monkeys. You wouldn’t want your logo designed in Microsoft Paint, would you?
3. The Micro-Manager with a Mega-Microscope
When you hire a creative agency, you’re bringing on a partner. Someone to bring fresh ideas and insights to the table, right? Wrong, according to the micro-managing client.
This client hovers. They nitpick. They watch us like a hawk circling a field mouse. They want constant updates on every single shade, typeface, or angle we touch. Instead of creating, we’re left defending every decision, like trying to explain to a toddler why their 500th round of “But why?” questions won’t change bedtime.
Trust me, if we can’t breathe, we can’t create. Micro-managing not only kills the vibe, but it also drains our enthusiasm until we’re looking at a contract termination like it’s the golden ticket to freedom.
4. The Ghoster
Oh, the client who mysteriously vanishes! One day they’re approving budgets and timelines, and the next, we’re sending emails into the void like a lost ship’s SOS. We’re left wondering if they’ve gone off the grid to join a Himalayan commune.
We get it—sometimes emergencies pop up. But when this becomes a habit, the project doesn’t progress. We’re stuck, unable to move forward, backward, or even sideways. And it’s not just inconvenient; it disrupts other projects and schedules, costing us time and money.
If you’re thinking of disappearing like a stage magician at random intervals, we’d much rather wish you well on your journey—and wave goodbye.
5. The “Ideas Borrower”
We all know this one. They love our concepts, feedback, and creative direction. They just don’t want to pay for it. Instead, they treat our presentations as an all-you-can-eat buffet, loading up on inspiration and leaving without so much as a thank you. Then, one day, you see your ideas on their social media, dressed up with someone else’s credit.
When our creative juice is taken without proper acknowledgment—or payment—well, that’s just plagiarism with extra steps. And we can’t work with clients who treat us like free vending machines of innovation. Creativity isn’t a bottomless resource; it’s work, talent, and (yes!) something we deserve compensation for.
It’s Not Just Business—It’s Boundaries
At the end of the day, we want to build relationships with clients who value what we bring to the table and collaborate in a way that brings out the best in both of us. Working with clients should feel like teamwork, not like we’re navigating a minefield.
If you’ve read this far and thought, “Oof, that sounds like me,” take heart! We’re all capable of a little self-improvement. So, let’s all take a step back, grab a coffee, and reflect. And maybe, just maybe, we can save ourselves from a messy breakup.
