I feel for you if you’ve sat through meetings like that with a potential client. One of those would be more than enough for me. To be honest, we won’t even set up an extended meeting until we’re sufficiently convinced we like the way they talk.

Bailing on a meeting with an existing client is more difficult. I agree with you – it’s best to limit the involvement. Better yet to avoid them altogether, “send [them] some other place.”

How about THAT client you hear for several hours talking at the meeting table in ear shot and you just wonder why your boss is even TRYING to get this one as a client because you already cringe by every 2nd idea this potential new client has? It’s the one you just KNOW that any effort to help and create something good will be hacked and slaughtered to pieces?

As a freelancer: when you think that you NEED the money the threshold will be so much higher than when things are going smooth and you’ll probably bite the bullet, though I have also reached the point of not being willing to charge ‘asshole taxes’ (LOVE the term) because no matter how much it would not be worth the pain, but to rather send the client some other place.

As an employee: the best thing is to not get emotionally involved in this specific site, just do clean and professional what is asked for without the slightest attempt of suggesting improvements or anything else in that direction.

Point taken about the troublemakers, best to pick your clients wisely than to take anything and everything on.

Regarding the company, started up a few months back but have been doing web design/sem/email marketing off and on for 5-6 years. Took the plunge after finishing up grad school (which closely relates to your other post about the shift in talent away from the monolithic agencies of years past).

Anyhow, keep up the good work. I enjoy your point of view.

Thanks for the comment Judd. Is your company (trif3cta) new, or have you been at it for a while?

“Asshole taxes” made me spit my coffee out laughing.

So true about the “recommendation test” – nothing like the client who you tell yourself you are going to ask for double next time and hope they turn you down.

Too many good people out there to work with than to waste time with these types. Easier said than done during a the slow months. :)