Common client characters and how to deal with them

From the Resene Trade blog

As one of the most important factors of your business, keeping clients happy is an integral 'must-do' for all painters and decorators. However nice you may be, sometimes, customers don’t always reciprocate. If you’re looking to improve client relations, it pays to understand the different types of people you’ll deal with.

Here are some of the more challenging clients you may encounter and how to best deal with them.

If you find yourself working with someone indecisive, there are a few things you can do. Ask them to write down or draw out their initial ideas. From here, don’t allow them to go off on a tangent as this will open up more doors and leave them no closer to a decision. Instead, help select one of their ideas and delve deeper.

For example, if they’re looking at an orange colour palette, find out if they prefer deeper shades such as Resene Daredevil or lighter, pastel variations like Resene Just Dance. With your main colour locked down, you can then work on finding complementary shades.

Encourage an indecisive client to stick with their gut feeling to avoid delays.

And make sure you have everything agreed in writing.

While passionate and knowledgeable clients are great, when they try taking over, that’s when tensions can appear. If you come across someone of this vein, you must first remain calm. Yes, they may push your buttons but you must remember why they sought you out – because you’re an expert in this field, not them.

When working out how to deal with a know-it-all, remember the three-D rule: Don’t discredit, discount or disagree. First, listen to their ideas and opinions. If you don’t think this is the best option, introduce your ideas in a subtle way. For example, “that’s a great idea, what if…” This shows that you have actively listened and you’re trying to make their vision even better.

Solve this problem by enforcing a strict payment plan from the get go. This should include a timeline in which you expect to get paid. Clients will then know what they are expected to pay and when and be able to plan for this. Another way to secure payment is to request an upfront deposit. This encourages clients to pay once the job is complete and gives you a little security should delays occur.

It pays to be strict with clients when expecting payments or else you may run into financial difficulty.

In order to prepare for an encounter with a client like this, there are a few things you can do:

• Set your project boundaries from the get go and ensure your client is aware of your capabilities.

• Formulate a client agreement which clearly outlines the scope of work, a termination clause and a reimbursement policy should the project change.

• Refer to the written and agreed project scope when your client begins making unreasonable demands. This holds them accountable to what they agreed from the start. Having precautions in place means you’re prepared for any eventuality and any absurd request!

And if all else fails, when you’re dealing with clients remember the golden rule – treat your clients how you yourself would like to be treated.

June 2019