How Do You Reward Good Clients?

A user recently asked:

I find when I get a ‘good client’ things go so much smoother on a project (there even seems to be less bugs – weird?). I have a habit of rewarding good behavior from anyone (even if its just a simple thank you).

I am interested to know what sort of things you guys do, and even how you feel about good client behavior.

It would be nice if “good clients” were simply “normal clients,” and bad clients were those you avoid working for.

If you want to give them a more explicit and material reward, you could give them a “good customer” discount on the next project. My invoices specify a penalty for late payment, so I suppose you could also offer a small discount (2%) for extra-prompt payment.

Probably the best reward is to give them your best value for their dollar, and continue doing business with them. Work with them with equal respect, communication, and commitment to quality and value. Plus occasional free support, or advice on projects you’re not actually working on for them, etc.

It goes both ways. They know when they’ve got a good contractor who delivers quality work on time and charges fairly. They want to continue the relationship when they get good results. So a good customer won’t quibble about nickel-and-dime line items on invoices, pester you about delivery dates, or question your technology choices. They’ll accept your rates as economical if you actually give them good work, instead of skipping to another consultant who charges less but does poor work. They’ll also refer other clients your way (and probably not the ones they know will be annoying for you).

Really bad clients will get a bit more of a cold shoulder:

• “I’d really like to bid on your new project but I’m swamped with other work this quarter.”
• “That’ll be a rush order so I’m going to have to charge you a premium.”
• “Sorry, I was traveling for a few days and didn’t get your RFP.”

Unfortunately, bad clients are probably least able to read between the lines when they get this sort of message. It’s much easier for them to believe that all contractors are difficult to work with, than to accept that it’s they who are difficult.