Catersource is part of the Informa Connect Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Red Flags to Look for in Prospective Clients

Landing the perfect client can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. And while not all are “perfect,” most business owners can settle for good customers. But to build a client base of people who align with your values, you must learn how to identify—and turn away—those who aren’t a good fit.

“Recognizing the signs of difficult couples and their families and setting boundaries and high communication tactics are crucial to creating an enjoyable wedding day for all parties,” assures Sarah Jobe of Twickenham House and Hall. “Although wedding seasons are stressful, screening clients and conversing about challenging topics is important and fair to clients and business owners.”

After all, you want to give your clients the best day possible—and you can only accomplish that when they are respectful and willing to follow your lead. If you want more clients that trust and appreciate your value, keep an eye out for these seven red flags (as identified by Meghan Ely in an article for Special Events) that can come up in the booking process.

1. Poor communication skills
2. Penny-pinching behavior
3. A sense of entitlement
4. How they talk about other vendors
5. Self-proclaimed micro-managers
6. Discord between clients

7. Potential scammers

READ MORE

Catersource

Catersource includes an annual conference, tradeshow and magazine, online presence, e-newsletters, the Art of Catering Food conference, and Leading Caterers of America Executive Summit. Click here for conference information. Click here to sign up for any of our free e-news products or the quarterly issue of Catersource magazine.