Twenty tips for happy client-freelancer relationships

In the recent Freelance Survey run by www.freelancentral.co.za, nearly 300 South African freelancers and clients shared their experiences, perceptions and suggestions for more harmonious relationships.

Freelancers' Top 10:

1. Pay me on time, when I complete your work. I'm not a creditor.
   
2. Be as punctual with your side of the deal as I am with mine (payment and sending me the assets/content I need to meet your deadlines).
   
3. Don't try to haggle and barter down my rates. I'm not trying to rip you off - and I'm still a lot cheaper than agencies.
   
4. Respect me more and take me seriously please. It's tough doing what I do.
   
5. Let me help you avoid crises - don't just use me to fix problems.
   
6. Use me as an expert - take my advice on board; that's what you're paying me for.
   
7. Give me more detailed briefs and clarify what you really want.
   
8. Give me feedback - tell me why I didn't get your work; let me know what I'm doing right/wrong on your projects. I want to improve my service.
   
9. Understand that I have other clients too. If your project is delayed, I'll try to be flexible but I do have commitments to other clients.
   
10. Don't always call me at the last minute. Yes, I can help in those situations but I'd love a decent lead time once in a while (you'll see the difference it can make in my work).
    

Clients' Top 10:

1. Behave professionally and run your freelancing as a business. We really respect that. A too-casual style doesn't give us much confidence in you.
   
2. Go the extra mile. Even if it's just small additional suggestions, we appreciate it when you've obviously given our project a little thought and are interested in it.
   
3. Show passion for your work. We like to work with people who are enthusiastic.
   
4. Deliver on time. Always.
   
5. Don't be arrogant - you're not the only freelancer out there.
   
6. See your efforts as part of the whole - as critical to my success.
   
7. Communicate effectively and frequently. We really appreciate being updated regularly without having to ask for it.
   
8. Be consistent. Particularly with your quality of work and response times.
   
9. Strive for complete understanding of what we're asking for. Repeat what you think that is back to us so that we know you get it.
   
10. Don't pretend to be a jack of all trades. Stick to what you're good at.