Category: Dealing with People

As an artist, when doing freelance work, dealing with unreasonable customers can be one of the most challenging aspects of your job. While it’s natural to feel frustrated or upset when faced with these types of clients, it’s important to remember that there are ways to manage the situation and come to a mutually beneficial resolution. In this blog post, we’ll explore why unreasonable customers exist and provide you with a step-by-step guide for dealing with them.

Why Do Unreasonable Customers Exist?

There are a few common reasons why customers might act in an unreasonable manner:

1. Fairness and Professionalism: Sometimes, customers feel that they are not being treated fairly or professionally by you or your business. They may feel like their needs and concerns are not being taken into account.
2. Self-Centered Thinking: Some customers have a self-centered approach to business dealings, focusing solely on their own benefits and disregarding the professional process you have in place.
3. Unfulfilled Desires: Sometimes, customers may not be able to get what they want, even if they know that they are in the wrong. They may still try to push for what they want in order to see what they can get out of the situation.

What To Do When Dealing with Unreasonable Customers

1. Listen First: The first step in dealing with unreasonable customers is to let them talk. Try to understand where they are coming from and what motivated their unreasonable request. Show that you are listening by repeating back to them what you have heard in your own words.
2. Show Empathy: Next, show the customer that you are on their side by expressing empathy. Explain their motivation in your own words until they agree with your explanation.
3. Put Yourself in Their Shoes: Try to see the situation from the customer’s perspective by putting yourself in their shoes. Make a few compliments about the customer, showing them that you understand and appreciate their point of view.
4. Establish Your Position: Once you have listened and shown empathy, it’s important to establish your position. Make it clear to the customer what you can and cannot do to meet their needs.
5. Negotiate Humanly: Finally, negotiate with the customer as humanly as possible. Focus on finding a solution that works for both parties, rather than simply trying to win the argument.
6. Dealing with unreasonable customers can be a challenging aspect of freelancing, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your professionalism and your ability to find mutually beneficial solutions. By following the steps outlined above, you can manage these situations effectively and come to a resolution that works for both you and the customer.