Clients

Client Evaluation

How to read a client before and during an order - the green, yellow, and red flags, plus the recurring client-type patterns worth remembering.

#Green Flags (Work With Them)

• Clear brief from day one
• Answers questions decisively
• Provides references without pushback
• Approves things quickly
• Professional, respectful tone
• Pays on time
• Acknowledges limitations
• Says "I trust your judgment" AFTER providing references (not instead of)

#Yellow Flags (Proceed With Caution)

• Low ratings given to previous sellers
• "Get creative" without references
• Budget significantly below our rate
• Content in a language Mark doesn't speak
• Wants complex animations at standard rates
• "If this works out, I'll have a lot more work"

#Red Flags (Decline or Price at Premium)

• No references, no budget, no clear vision
• "I'll know it when I see it"
• Threatens negative reviews
• Wants free test edits
• Constantly changes direction - after 2+ direction changes, pause: "I want to lock in the creative direction before we continue. Can you send me a final reference that represents what you want?"
• Asks to work outside Fiverr
• Compares pricing to cheaper sellers - hold the rate: "I understand there are lower-priced options. My rate reflects 8,000+ projects and the quality standard I maintain."
• Expects editing to fix fundamental footage quality issues
• Delays payment but keeps asking questions

#New-to-Fiverr Clients Aren't Red Flags

First-timers just need you to lead the conversation.

Signs of a good first-timer:

• Politerespectful tone from the start
• Patientnot demanding instant turnaround
• Answers questionsengages with what you ask
• Provides materials when askedfootage, references, brand assets

#The "Previous Editor" Pattern

Many clients come to Mark because their previous editor failed them (missed deadlines, poor quality, disappeared). These clients often:

How to handle: Acknowledge their frustration briefly, then set clear expectations about your process. Don't rush or discount because their previous editor screwed up - that's not your problem.

#Middlemen/Agencies

Some "clients" are actually agencies or middlemen who will resell Mark's work at a markup.

Signs:

• Looking for "3-5 editors"building a roster, not a single relationship
• Mention "clients" they're servingthey're the middle layer
• Ask about white-label / no-brandingso they can resell unmarked
• Want bulk pricing for volume that doesn't exist yethypothetical scale

This is fine - price for the work, not the relationship. Don't give agency discounts for hypothetical volume. When real footage arrives with real deadlines, deliver and get paid. Once volume is consistent, revisit pricing.

#Client Relationship Notes (Patterns to Remember)