When Is the Best Time to Break Up With Crappy Clients?

“Breaking up is hard to do.”

— Neil Sedaka

Sometimes it’s better to cut your losses than hold on to someone who is going to waste your time. And no, this isn’t dating advice. Instead, I have some insight on crappy clients — how to handle them. Although, now that I think about it, maybe it’s more like a Kenny Rogers song than that old Neil Sedaka tune.

Are there times when it’s ok to dump your clients?
The short answer: YES!
But let’s break this down…

CRAPPY CLIENTS INCLUDE:

• Unrealistic buyers/sellers
• Clients try to tell you their home is worth more than it is—you’re the expert
• Wishy washy, looky-loos, indecisive (time-wasters)
• Ask you to cut your commission
• Just plain old rude and difficult to work with

WHY DO YOU PUT UP WITH CRAPPY CLIENTS?

• You are insecure and desperate (don’t get defensive… keep reading)
• You don’t want your client to go somewhere else
• You believe that eventually, they’ll come around…right? WRONG.

There is probably a myriad of reasons you put up with crappy clients but I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to. There are systems and practices that you can put into place to help you avoid crappy clients. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

You want to know if you should break up with a bad client. It really comes down to where you are at financially. No one knows your budget better than you. You have to consider the probability, timeline, and worth of this potential transaction.

CAN YOU AFFORD TO DUMP YOUR CRAPPY CLIENT?

• If the answer is yes, you can afford to dump them, then do it! Have a candid conversation with your client and refer them to another Realtor (and at least get a referral fee out of it).
• If the answer is no, then sadly, you have to suck it up and deal with your crappy client… bummer.

HOW TO AVOID CRAPPY CLIENTS

(AND THE AWKWARDNESS OF HAVING TO BREAK UP WITH THEM)

• Prequalify your clients <– free download in this post
• Determine and articulate your value <– quick 5-step activity
• Generate so you don’t have to tolerate <– take the 30 Day Challenge
  • Have an arsenal of other clients
  • Find buyers who are ready willing and able
• Exchange dealing with crappy clients for prospecting real leads <– result-producing items that generate leads

At some point in your career (likely early-on), you will have to deal with crappy clients. There is nothing better than a terrible client to motivate you to grow a sphere of people who love doing business with you and who won’t waste your time.

Like I always say, “Generate so you don’t have to tolerate!”

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