As an entrepreneur, we are always on the receiving end of complaints, dissatisfaction and criticism. There is always that one person who has taken an oath to never get satisfied no matter how hard you try to meet his requirements. They often boast you by saying “I am a very demanding client”.
The whole purpose of writing this article is that – entrepreneurs like you and me can rant and complain about the customers who make our evenings lot less fun.
And contrary to the popular belief, customers need not be right all the time!
The following types of customers are ranked in order of annoyance factor:
6) The Freeloader or “the leecher”
These kind of customers send you an email asking you to explain the ABCs of every single service or solution you are providing to them. Their questions are often off the mark that it cannot be answered unless they know the basics.
They somehow feel that you “owe” them an answer. They sometimes also want to “partner” with you but have nothing to offer in the partnership.
Solution: Ignore them.
5) The All Caps Guy
MANY OF MY CUSTOMERS DON’T UNDERSTAND THAT WRITING THOSE EMAIL REPLIES IN ALL CAPS IS RUDE. AN ALL CAPS EMAIL IMPLIES THAT YOU ARE SHOUTING OR ANGRY AT THE RECIPIENT. THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE MUCH BETTER RESPONSES FASTER IF THEY FOLLOW SOME EMAIL ETIQUETTE.
Solution: Forgive him, as it could be a actual mental disorder.
4) The Know-it-all Guy
These type of customers act or pretend that they know everything about everything. A classic “know-it-all guy” will always interrupt your presentation by asking you an off-tangent question. It doesnot stops here, he will very often try to answer those questions himself! He is up to date with the latest news, and is often disappointed when you’re not.
He does not realize that you don’t need to know everything, successful entrepreneurs know a handful of things and they are very good when it comes to put them into action.
Solution: Give him some time, he isn’t that harmful. He just want to grab every attention he can get.
3) The Pessimist
Pessimists are skeptical about everything and they act as a negative catalyst in a team meeting. They are naturally negative and they are not ready to change.They always look at the negative side of things.
Have you heard this? – “Nothing you say is true – guilty till proven innocent.”
Solution: Try to avoid or not answer their questions directly in the meeting and rather deflect the negative questions whenever possible.
2) The Unfaithful
These customers comes to your doorstep and tell you how bad was his last experience with your competitor! These type of customers can go as far as directly mentioning their names and criticizing them.
Beware of this “Type 3 customer”, tomorrow he can easily be talking bad about you to other business owners. I consider this a perfect recipe for a disaster waiting to happen!
Solution: Often they are good at twisting facts. Try your best not to sell any product or service to these type of customers.
(Drum roll)…The number one spot goes to…
1) The Evil Millionaire
These type of customers drive big cars, dress well and have all the latest gadgets.
Under the guise of potential business opportunities, they get in touch with you and suggest that you work together. But the “deal” often involves you putting your time and money on the line while they do almost nothing and spend no money. They want to manipulate you, but don’t realize that you can see it coming.
Even when they do pay they try to squeeze every last penny out of you. In the middle of projects they change their mind, and you’re supposed to start again from scratch. They try to push you around, because in their mind since they have paid you money, you have to do what they say.
Solution: When dealing with “Evil Millionaires” , make sure you have a well-written legal agreement or you’re putting yourself at a big risk.
These were some of the customers which i found annoying. I am sure we have more such type of customers, please comment…