11 Red Flags in Client Communication That Mean You Need a Contract

Picture this: You hop on a discovery call with a client who seems genuinely excited to work with you. The conversation flows easily and you feel like you’re making a good first impression.

But then the red flags start to show up.

They want a quote…right now…before you even know the full scope of the project. They ask for “a few ideas to grow their business to see if we’re aligned.” They keep you on the call longer than was scheduled and don’t seem to respect your time.

You feel like you need the client so you ignore your gut and send over a free strategy outline hoping to close the deal…

But you never hear from them again.

And then a month later, you stumble across your ideas on their website—word for word.

Your stomach sinks as you realize that you just gave away thousands of dollars worth of work and time that you can never get back— for free.

This and many other costly issues that arise for freelance consultants can be avoided if you make sure you always have a solid lawyer crafted Consulting Services Contract before diving into work with any new client.

If you offer consulting, coaching, or freelance services, the best time to lock in boundaries and expectations and payment terms is before the work begins, especially when there are red flags early on.

Here are the 11 client communication red flags that should make you hit pause—and make sure your contract is signed before anything else.

1. They Push for a Price Before You Understand the Project

If a potential client says, “Just give me a ballpark quote.” before giving you the full details, hit the brakes.

These clients are either price-shopping or trying to get you to anchor your rate low before the scope is clear. They may also be priming you to accept an unrealistic timeline or budget.

Why it’s a problem: You can’t protect yourself from scope creep, timeline chaos, or underpayment if you don’t even know what you’re signing up for.

How a contract helps: A solid agreement outlines the exact scope of work, deadlines, revisions, and fees—based on your professional assessment, not their guesswork.

2. They Ask for Free Samples or Spec Work

You wouldn’t ask a contractor to build your porch to “see if you like their style.” So why should you give away your consulting brainpower for free?

If a client says, “Can you send over a quick draft/mockup/sample strategy so I can decide?”—that’s a red flag.

Why it’s a problem: If they don’t respect your portfolio or past work, they likely won’t respect your time moving forward.

How a contract helps: Your agreement can specify when strategy or deliverables begin—after a signed contract and initial payment.

3. They Try to Get Free Consulting on the Discovery Call

You want to offer value and build trust but if you find yourself solving their entire business problem on a free 30-minute call, you’re giving away the product before you’ve sold it.

Why it’s a problem: Clients who fish for free advice are less likely to hire you and more likely to ghost after getting what they want.

How a contract helps: It draws a clear line between a consultation and paid strategic services. Be sure to include terms for discovery sessions, audits, and paid strategy calls.

4. They’re in a Rush

“We need this done yesterday. Can you start right away?”

Urgency may be real—but poor planning on their part shouldn’t become your emergency.

Why it’s a problem: Clients who rush the process usually skip steps, push boundaries, and cause chaos.

How a contract helps: You can include rush fees, realistic timelines, and scope protections so you’re not constantly cleaning up their disorganization.

5. They Say the Work Will Be 'Quick and Easy'

“This should be simple—it won’t take you long at all.”

These words are often used to justify low rates or unreasonable deadlines.

Why it’s a problem: They’re minimizing the value of your expertise to get a better deal.

How a contract helps: Your contract allows you to set your own scope, timelines, and pricing based on your professional assessment of what the project truly requires.

6. They Offer Exposure or Future Work Instead of Pay

“This will be great for your portfolio” or “We’ll bring you more work later.”

Nope.

Why it’s a problem: Exposure doesn’t pay your rent. And “future work” that hasn’t been scoped, priced, or scheduled doesn’t exist.

How a contract helps: Your agreement ensures you get paid—clearly, promptly, and in full for the work you do right now.

7. They Complain About Your Price or Ask for Discounts

“That’s way more than we expected.” “Can you make an exception for us?” “Do you offer a discount for first-time clients?”

Negotiation is normal. Disrespecting your rate is not.

Why it’s a problem: Clients who don’t value your expertise now are more likely to push boundaries later or delay payment altogether.

How a contract helps: It lays out payment schedules, deposit requirements, and late fees so there’s no confusion or excuse when it comes time to pay.

8. They’ve Fired Several Freelancers

If they mention they’ve worked with “a bunch of people who didn’t work out,” proceed with caution.

Why it’s a problem: It’s likely not a string of bad hires—it’s unclear expectations or a nightmare client situation. Either way, you don’t want to be next.

How a contract helps: You can include milestone approvals, boundaries on revision cycles, and a clean exit clause if things go sideways.

9. They Expect Constant Availability

You start getting texts after 9pm. They follow up within an hour if you haven’t responded. Suddenly, you’re their on-demand consultant.

Why it’s a problem: This burns you out and makes it impossible to serve your other clients (or, you know, sleep).

How a contract helps: It spells out your business hours, expected response time, and communication boundaries so you can protect your time and energy.

10. They Have Unrealistic Expectations

“Can you finish all this by Monday?” (It’s Friday afternoon) “We need a full strategic plan but we don’t have much of a budget.” “This should only take a few hours.” (even though it’s twenty pages of deliverables)

Why it’s a problem: Unrealistic expectations lead to resentment, burnout, and failed projects.

How a contract helps: You can set crystal-clear expectations around time, pricing, revisions, and scope—on your terms.

11. You Don’t Like Them or Get a Bad Vibe

Maybe they’re rude. Maybe they interrupt. Maybe you just get that sinking feeling in your gut that says, No.

Why it’s a problem: You started your business to work with people you like and trust—not clients who make you feel small, stressed, or sick.

How a contract helps: It gives you professional distance, legal protection, and if needed a graceful exit strategy.

You Deserve Clients Who Respect Your Time, Talent, and Boundaries

You don’t need to be a lawyer to protect yourself from scope creep, chaos, and unpaid invoices. You just need the right lawyer-crafted contract in place.

A contract isn’t just a formality—it’s your shield. It turns vague promises into firm agreements, and it gives you the confidence to say yes to great clients and no to red flags. Get your lawyer-crafted contract today!