LittleSardines

ATTRIBUTES ASSOCIATED WITH A GOOD CLIENT/ JOB AD:

• Client seems polite and professional and reasonable.
• Client knows what she/he wants and describes the project clearly.
• Client has checked the advertisement for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors.
• Client mentions payment method and/or proposed payment amount(s). Amount seems reasonable.
• Client mentions deadlines if any. Deadlines seem reasonable.
• Client answers questions openly, honestly, and politely.
• Client provides contact information. A registered domain name and email can indicate credibility.
• Client provides image samples to demonstrate desired style if applicable.
• Client provides links to company website or previous work if applicable.
• Client has a long-standing DA account with no hidden activity or messages and has successfully completed previous jobs here.
• Client seems well established and has a history of polite professional interaction.
• Client is able to select a freelancer based on the artist's portfolio and written proposal.
• Client maintains good communication.

WARNING SIGNS OF A POTENTIALLY PROBLEMATIC CLIENT:

• Client does not clearly describe the project.
• Client is unwilling or "unable" to make a down payment before work has started. Makes excuses.
• Client will not use Paypal.
• Client has a history of unpleasant message board posts or has hidden comments.
• Client has a new account on message board and no evidence of a good reputation elsewhere.
• Client requests free "try out" or "test" artwork instead of making a decisions based on portfolios.
• Client promises a lot of future work but wants the current work to be cheap or free.
• Client's advertisement contains complaints about previous work relationships or other topics.
• Client seems angry, condescending, insulting, childish, rude or irrational.
• Client makes demands that seem unreasonable or unnecessary.
• Client mentions large sums of money or brags about wealth, talent or general greatness without providing proof.
• Client wants the work ASAP (sometimes with the excuse that previous artist has bailed) but can't pay immediately.
• Client tries to bully the artist into accepting unreasonable terms or changes to previously accepted terms.
• Client asks for financial information or excessive personal details 
• Client sends you to questionable websites or "disguised" or "shortened" URLS
• Client requires you to sign up on another site to be considered for the job
• Client sometimes doesn't respond for days or weeks.