Every tradie has that one client. You know the one. The “I found it cheaper online” guy. The “Can you just throw this in for free?” lady. The “I’ll pay you when I get paid” bloke.
Dealing with difficult clients is part of the job, but how you handle them can make all the difference between a minor headache and a full-blown nightmare. The goal? Keep your cool, keep your sanity, and—most importantly—keep your cash flow intact.
Here’s how to handle those tricky customers like a pro (and maybe even have a laugh while you do it).
1. The Know-It-All Client ("I watched a YouTube video on this…")
These clients believe they know more than you do because they spent 15 minutes watching a DIY tutorial by some bloke named Gary.
How to handle it:
- Acknowledge their extensive research with a polite nod.
- Gently explain that while YouTube is great, it won’t save them when things go south.
- Use real-world examples of DIY disasters you’ve had to fix.
What NOT to do: Roll your eyes and say, “Sure, have a go, mate. I charge double for fixing DIY mistakes.” (Tempting, but risky.)
💡 Pro Tip: Offer them a choice—"I can do it the right way, or I can do it the cheap way, but I can’t do both."
2. The Haggler ("What’s your best price, mate?")
This client treats your quote like a flea market bargain. They want you to match an imaginary competitor's price and “throw in a little extra.”
How to handle it:
- Stand firm on your pricing—explain that your rates reflect quality, experience, and proper materials.
- Remind them that cheap work usually ends up costing more in the long run.
What NOT to do: Say, “Sure, I’ll knock $200 off—just for you,” while silently crying inside.
💡 Pro Tip: If they keep pushing, tell them, “I can do cheap, fast, or good—pick two.”
3. The Last-Minute Client ("I need this done tomorrow!")
They’ve known about their leaky roof, dodgy wiring, or broken fence for six months, but somehow it’s now your emergency.
How to handle it:
- Explain that you have other jobs booked but will do your best to squeeze them in (for an emergency fee).
- Be realistic about timelines—miracles are for Sundays.
- If they insist, ask, “Would you rather it be rushed or done properly?”
What NOT to do: Work late into the night for free because you feel bad.
💡 Pro Tip: Add an urgency surcharge to last-minute jobs. If they really need it, they’ll pay. If not, they’ll suddenly find patience.
4. The Late Payer ("I’ll transfer it next week… promise!")
This client suddenly disappears when the invoice arrives. Their WiFi is down, their bank app isn’t working, or they just changed banks.
How to handle it:
- Have clear payment terms before starting the job.
- Charge a deposit upfront—50% now, 50% on completion, or 25% installments for longer jobs.
- Set up automatic reminders for overdue invoices.
What NOT to do: Keep chasing them for months with polite emails titled "Just following up :)" while they enjoy their new deck.
💡 Pro Tip: Make payments super easy—bank transfer, mobile payment, carrier pigeon—whatever works.
5. The Micromanager ("Can you just…?")
This client stands over your shoulder, offering helpful suggestions while you work.
How to handle it:
- Politely set boundaries—explain that too many interruptions slow down the job.
- Reassure them that you’ve got it covered, just like you have with every other client.
What NOT to do: Let them stress you out to the point where you start making mistakes.
💡 Pro Tip: Remind them the working space is considered a worksite and for their safety they must remain out of the space.
6. The "Just One More Thing" Client
They agreed to the quote, but now they want "just one more thing" added for free. Suddenly, a simple job turns into a full-blown renovation.
How to handle it:
- Be clear from the start—any extras come at an extra cost.
- Keep change requests in writing so they don’t "forget" what they asked for. Use your Tradie Diary 'client communication' space and ask them to initial it.
- Politely but firmly say, “I’d love to help, but that wasn’t in the original scope.”
What NOT to do: Keep saying yes until you realise you’ve just done a whole extra day’s work for nothing.
💡 Pro Tip: If they really push, respond with, “Of course! I’ll just update the invoice.”
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Cool, Keep Your Boundaries
Difficult clients are inevitable, but you don’t have to let them ruin your day (or your business). By setting clear expectations, standing by your pricing, and keeping a sense of humour, you’ll handle them like a pro—without losing your sanity.
And if all else fails… just remember, you can always fire a bad client.
Got a funny client story? Share it in the comments—we could all use a laugh! 😆
