Find good clients
Client Red Flag Scorecard
Tick every warning sign this prospect is showing. The scorecard weighs them and tells you how worried to be — before you sign anything.
Frequently asked questions
How does the scoring work?
Each warning sign carries a weight based on how badly it tends to burn freelancers — refusing a contract counts far more than a vague deadline. Tick the ones that apply and the tool returns a weighted risk score out of 100 plus a traffic-light verdict.
A prospect ticks one or two boxes — should I walk away?
Not necessarily. A couple of minor flags are normal and usually fixable with a clear contract and a deposit. It is the cluster of high-weight signals — no contract, no deposit, spec work, pressure — that reliably predicts trouble.
What protections actually reduce my risk?
A signed contract, a non-refundable deposit before you start, milestone payments for larger jobs, a capped number of revisions, and stopping work the moment a payment is late. These turn most amber clients into manageable ones.
Is it worth keeping a record of this assessment?
Yes. Copy the assessment for your own notes so that if a relationship goes sideways you can see the signs were there — and refine your instincts for the next prospect. Trust the pattern, not the single conversation.
These calculators give estimates to help you think — not financial, tax or legal advice. Double-check anything that matters with a professional.