Should you fire the customer?

As sales people we're told the customer is the boss, that the customer is always right. I disagree with this. I believe the customer is our partner, we both profit from a good advertising program. Sometimes the customer doesn't live up to their end of the bargain. they refuse to pay until you hunt them down, they give their copy after deadline and then demand a full credit because of a minor typo. You don't need this kind of customer. They are too needy. At some point you need to "Fire" these customers. Not only do you write off a lot of their advertising but they also waste a great deal of your time, time you could use to find good clients. You may have to put them on "probation" warning them that if they do not pay within terms, that you will cut them off. Give them a letter stating that you will not authorize adjustments on ads submitted after your proof deadline. I hate to turn down any business but these accounts are not worth the effort to keep them.

Keep Smiling, Keep Selling!

Thanks Jim Busch