So you have just accepted a new client. Everything seems alright until the first time the client has to honour their end of the deal. That is where payment delays start, expectations start to change, and communication doesn’t seem to work well. 

A lot of remote independent contractors have gone through this, at least once or a few times in their career. Thing is, there are a lot of good clients out there. However, there are also bad ones, who are difficult to spot in the beginning. 

That is why it is important to have certain red flags at the back of your mind. Once a client starts exhibiting these in the beginning of the project, you can advise yourself on the next steps. What are these red flags? We will discuss them in the post below:

1. Client keeps changing project scope

Sometimes, you start a project on a good note. But as it progresses, the client comes with new tasks, new requirements, and probably doesn’t add anything in terms of budget or deadline. This is a big red flag.

If a client is unsure about the project’s scope or frequently changes directions, it can lead to extra unpaid work and frustration. Before agreeing to a contract, ask detailed questions about the scope, deliverables, and deadlines. Make sure everything is written down.

2. Unclear or delayed payment terms

The component of a contract that is usually mostly delayed by a client is usually payment. Some delay, and others don’t even give you a timeline of when payment is to be made. 

You get to a scenario where the client promises to pay “once the project is done,” but weeks pass, and you haven’t received a single cent.

How do you spot these red flags?

Usually, clients who avoid discussing payment terms upfront or offer vague promises would mostly prove difficult in the later part of the contract. 

  • To avoid these, you should always agree on a payment structure before starting work. 
  • Ideally, ask for an upfront deposit or milestone payments. 
  • If a client resists this, they may not be reliable with payments.

3. Poor communication and unreachable clients

There’s this unspoken rule in remote work that says ‘always over communicate’. This shows the importance of communication to your work. However, not all clients adhere to this, and sometimes, you should spot these types of clients in the early part of the project if you want to avoid bigger issues later. 

It happens in many ways, but generally, you may have a situation where a client takes days to answer your urgent questions. While it generally delays work, it can also lead to frustration on your side, which affects the work you deliver. 

What do you do in this situation? 

  • Before signing a contract, observe how they communicate during the hiring process. 
  • If they take too long to reply or give confusing answers, it might be a sign of trouble ahead.

4. Client disrespecting your time or not respecting boundaries

You know, some clients see remote work as you being available 24/7. And this is definitely a problem. Just because you are working remotely doesn’t mean you are available at all times. 

And it’s not right for a client to treat you as a full-time employee when you are not getting the benefits. 

To deal with this, you need to set clear boundaries from the start. Define your working hours and response time. If a client doesn’t respect them early on, it’s likely to get worse later.

5. Unrealistic expectations and low pay offers

The client wants high-quality work, tight deadlines, and unlimited revisions—but offers to pay very little.

Some clients undervalue remote contractors and expect them to work for low rates or exposure. 

If a client pressures you to lower your rates significantly or expects excessive work for little pay, they don’t respect your skills. Know your worth, and don’t be afraid to walk away from bad offers.

6. Negative reviews or a bad reputation

You search online and find multiple freelancers complaining about the client’s behavior. This is a difficult one to notice or get, especially if your client is not on any platform as a known client, but just as an individual. 

Research potential clients before accepting a job, especially if they are on places like Upwork or Freelancer. Also, you can check their LinkedIn profiles and see if you can guage some trustworthiness in them.  

If you notice multiple complaints about unpaid work or bad treatment, it’s a strong sign to stay away.

Handling Problematic Clients as an Independent Contractor

Conclusion

As a remote independent contractor, your time and skills are valuable. Not every client will be a good fit, and that’s okay. 

The key is to recognize the warning signs before getting trapped in a bad situation. Look for clear project scopes, fair payment terms, good communication, and respectful clients. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

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