I work as a graphic designer for a small promotional products company, and we sell a LOT of hats. I was working with a client who wanted hats that were completely custom from the button-to-the-bill. We handle the design, and then they’re manufactured in China. 

This client was a nightmare from the beginning. Getting art approval was awful for everything, from figuring out if they wanted a printed sandwich, contrast stitching, contrast eyelets.

The problem was trying to explain things to them. They were a husband and wife team that own an insurance company; the husband is easy enough to deal with but the wife…  let’s just say I think she’d have a real problem with a book of connect the dots puzzles.

Me: Alright, so after proof approval, these hats typically have 60 days production at this price. However, there will be an additional two weeks because of the Chinese New Year.

Client (Husband): Oh, that’s fine.

Me: You don’t have an in-hands date or a specific deadline do you?

Client (Husband): Nope! 60 days should be fine.

A month passes, and we get a call from the other client.

Client (Wife): We just wanted to check up on the status of our hats? It’s been a long time and we thought they would be done by now. We need these for our open-house!

Me: Well, you chose 60-Day production and there was also an extra 2-week delay because of Chinese New Year. This was approved by your husband.

Client (Wife): Yes I saw that in the email but what does Chinese New Year have to do with anything?

Me: They’re… made in China?

Client (Wife): Well why on earth would they be made there?

Me: ….

> Want to know if freelancing is for you? 

Source: Clients from Hell