How to say no to a bad fit design client

Clare Le Roy

Not all clients are a good fit.

But it can be awkward turning them down or rejecting their work.

Here’s some ideas for how to politely decline a project from a client that’s not a good fit for you.

And if you want to learn what red flag 🚩 clients look like - check out the posts I’ve put up about this over on my Instagram page.

1:

"Thank you for considering me for your project. After careful consideration I feel that I might not be the best choice to execute your design vision."

2:

"It was a pleasure meeting you and discussing your project. I have given it some thought and I believe that your project may require a different design approach than what I specialise in. To ensure that you receive the best possible outcome I recommend seeking out a designer with a style more closely aligned with your needs."

3:

"Thank you for sharing your project details with me. After reviewing the proposed budget, I believe that it may not be sufficient to cover the level of service and quality I strive to provide for my clients. I recommend exploring other designers who may be better equipped to work within your budget."

4:

"Thank you for your interest in working with me on your interior design project. After discussing the project details with you, I feel that my expertise may not be the best fit for what you're looking for. I respectfully decline the opportunity and I wish you the best of luck in finding the right designer to collaborate with."

5:

"I appreciate your interest in my services, but after reflecting on our initial consultation, I feel that it would be in your best interest to collaborate with a designer who specialises in the type of project/style/approach you have in mind."

6:

"I appreciate the opportunity to discuss your project with you. I'm afraid my existing workload and commitments prevent me from taking on a project like this right now."

Remember - not all clients are worth: