How to Deal with Problem Clients

 We’ve recently decided to write an in-house blog instead of “borrowing” articles and sticking them onto our blogspot blog. For our first blog spot, I’ve decided to write about problem clients. I’m not saying that any of our clients are problem clients, but IF we ever did have problem client ;), this is our expert advice on how to deal with the situation.

Every designer knows the frustration of dealing with a client that either wants you to design a not so attractive design or either they tear apart your design and are just not satisfied with anything you give them. Most designers want to say, “Forget this,” cut their loses and move on to their next client. Unfortunately, the phrase, “The client is always right” is true, but even the most experienced designer should learn how to make the “client that isn’t actually right” understand why in a professional way.

1. Keep it cool – Don’t lose it: The first and the foremost thing that graphic designer need to make sure is to stay calm while handling client criticism. Graphic designers need to realize that clients are paying for their work and would demand the best possible result. Hence, when faced with design criticism, never lose your cool and stay focused on the project rather than disputes.

2. Talk less – Listen more: Every client wants to be heard. Whenever clients toss out criticism on designers, it is because they want their requirements to be perfectly heard. The best way to handle clients with fussy approach is to listen more and speak less. Hear out what your client wants to convey to you and then clarify your position.

3. Cut the jargons – Be simple and sweet: Graphic designers must always remember that their clients may not be graphic designers themselves. Hence it is useless using tough graphic design jargons with them. We may think that using terminologies and graphic design lingos may impress the clients, but it is not always the case. Many clients are layman when it comes to graphic designing and might not like hearing difficult terms such as “filtering”, “saturation”, “Rendering”. Always try to use simple words and try to make sure the client understands.

4. Less attitude -more aptitude: Often when graphic designers finish with a project, they feel a sense of pride in the completion. This develops an “I can’t be wrong” attitude within the graphic designer. After showing the design to the client, designers believe they cannot be erroneous and thus head out for a clash of words with the client. One must always remember when dealing with client criticism, that aptitude is more important than attitude. You can never battle criticism with a sore attitude. To persuade the client, aptitude is more useful than attitude.

5. Use your head, not heart: The golden principle of handling design criticism is not to take any reproach personally. Graphic designers must remember that the client relationship is a strictly professional one and taking things personally is not a healthy thing to do. When encountering cynicism, designers should use their head more than their hearts.

6. Avoid blame game: Playing blame games always lead to aggravating the matter. When a client points out a mistake, graphic designers should acknowledge it rather than blaming the clients for it. This in turn will ignite a blame game and intensify matters even more. So whatever you do, avoid the blame game.

I know it’s hard to keep your cool sometimes, but trust me, it will be worth your time. By keeping your cool, you still maintain a professional standard, class, and positive customer service. You want to make sure your client will recommend you to other. No designer can survive without our client referrals. So when the going get’s tough… just remember the above mentioned actions and you and your businesses will be in the clear for negative customer reviews.