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If you work in advertising, you know what it's like when a bad client comes along. Thankfully, the staff of Coplex (formerly Ciplex) have been observing a variety of clients in their native habitats for some time now, and they've come up with a handy field guide on how to approach this temperamental species.

The guide identifies 15 specimens most agencies have likely come across, but it doesn't stop at just telling you what you already know about them. Special 'care and feeding' instructions are provided, making it easier to tame these savage beasts the next time you happen upon them in the wild. It's worth noting that the word 'no' is a fairly effective command, if in doubt.

Consult the Field Guide to the Wonderful World of Clients for yourself below, and be prepared the next time Mr. I Need This done Yesterday walks through your door.

More info: Coplex (h/t: DigitalSynopsis)

#1

Type Of Client

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rubybhatiads
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shameful Bored Panda! Exact same headline + feature image copied from this 2014 article by DigitalSynopsis: https://digitalsynopsis.com/advertising/how-to-handle-types-of-clients-guide/ At least provide a source link!

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#2

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Ildiko S.
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG this is so my ex-boss, only she put it like this: "I know exactly what I want!" - and changed it every 5 minutes, making me do the same job 5 times. Then when I quit after one of those cases, I've been told that she communicates clearly, I have a problem.... Well, all righty.

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#4

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Celeste Spaniel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These clients are the worst! We're not machines, we need breaks too!

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#6

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Liam Wescott
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you give people an inch, some of them will want a mile. And they will expect that mile, sometimes without even asking for it.

#7

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#9

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Michel M. Prins
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And important, just in case: Always, and then I mean ALWAYS get timelines and deadlines black on white (like a mail, text, etc.). They can't lie their way out of something they have written themselves. Because some of them will try, so be careful.

#10

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Chris Coulson
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think sometimes this is a failure on the designer's part, rather than the clients. If you can't convey what you want in a useful manner to the client, then that's your failing, maybe?

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#11

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Brandon Collinsworth
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also stick to the original quoted price unless the client agreed in writing to changes that could change the price. I am this client and there is nothing worse than being quoted a price and then the final price is more because of changes that I never agreed to or costs they didn't foresee.

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#12

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Linda Chan
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's also the opposite that I love too: Mr. I know exactly what I want. Sometimes like these 2 types the most.

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#13

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Tron Jahvolta
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, but it took ten years of experience to learn how to do it in 5 Minutes

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#14

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Michel M. Prins
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why I recommend artists / designers to show them some quick alternative iterations of said designs, to convince them. A lot of times it just better to show, in order to get them on your side, right away.

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#15

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Jose Divino
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree that this was a headache.. after one project and knowing how they work, I made sure I told them I will be speaking to ONE person among them and if they have comments on a work, they have to finalize it with that person. Otherwise, further delay will be on your project.

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