When to FIRE a client?

[A Step Above Productions]

I have a new client (sort of new I shot once for them two years ago) they are the biggest pain in the a$$ I have ever had. I am shooting a weekly real estate web show for them. Very simple show… live to tape basic editing with a few CG’s here and there.

The problem is as soon as I finish and they approve something they call and want a change… then I change it and the phone rings again. I charge them for every change then they complain how they have a small budget. I explain to them that once the video is approved any further changes will cost them money.

The money is decent and the work is easy and it is a long-term project. I just can’t decide if it is worth it.

This is an older couple that of course think they know it all – and they don’t.

I have talked to them several times… explained to them how I work and how the business works – and they just don’t seem to get it… then promise me with more and more work (all BS I think) which I’ll believe when I see it.

This project is not something I am partially proud of and would never show it to potential clients.

What would you do?

[Baltimore Shooter]

I would have a contract that spells out exactly how many changes and/or how many hours of changes come with the cost of the production. Another idea would be to have them sign off on the production (sign a release and fax it to you). In that release, have a clause that states any changes made to that production from that point forward will be charged at the appropriate rate.

Warren

[Sean-1966]

As long as they pay for every alteration stick with it. It's the pain in the a$$ clients that don't pay for everything that I would flush. They're the ones I end up with. Count your blessings.

[Necktie Boy]

As long as they pay, and don't stress you out, I would continue doing the work. I think we have all come across a client that drives us a little crazy, but they do pay. You didn't say how oftenyou do the work, but if it's once a month or so, I would continue doing it till I can't handle it. I know that I would not bring him into the editing session. Sounds that he would drive me crazy.

[Max Girth]

I would have a contract that spells out exactly how many changes and/or how many hours of changes come with the cost of the production.

I have that in every job I do for a large record label, and on 50% of the jobs they go over. Usually the limit is two revisions, and if they want more, then it's an overage. Or at least that's the way it's supposed to be.

Now I could certainly enforce the contract and say no more, but then I have to be ready to kiss the client bye-bye. Which I'm about ready to do.

So yes, a contract with specs gives you a solid framework from which to bitch, it still comes down to "do you want the work or not?"

[2 Hungry Dogs]

A weekly job is hard to turn down. If it's profitable then it's valuable to keep. Don't fire them, raise your prices. Add a pain in the a$$ charge to your invoice. You can either tell them that's what it is or call it something else. They will either go away on their own, or you will be making more money for the same job.

[Nino]

Welcome to B-roll Joel

[A Step Above Productions]

My feeling was correct – They didn’t wan to pay what they owed me before I put their video on line so they are no longer clients, and their video is sitting on my shelf - and I am still waitng for my money.