5 Red Flags That Make Me Turn Down Clients

James Withee

5 Sept 202130:06

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this video, tattoo artist James Withey discusses five red flags that lead him to decline clients during consultations. He addresses issues like consultations through proxies, clients primarily concerned with price, those trying to throw their money around, and customers who treat artists as subordinates. Withey's insights aim to educate potential clients on tattoo etiquette and help fellow tattoo artists identify and avoid problematic clients.

Takeaways

📅 Tattoo artist James Withey discusses five red flags that lead him to turn down clients during consultations.
🔍 James has observed a high demand for tattoos, making it more challenging for clients to secure appointments with quality artists.
🛑 The first red flag is when clients attempt consultations through a proxy, which James views as a sign of immaturity and a potential for miscommunication.
💰 The second red flag is an excessive focus on price, including attempts to haggle or comparison with lower-cost alternatives, which may indicate financial irresponsibility.
🚫 James discourages clients from trying to buy their way into a faster appointment slot, as it disrespects the waitlist and process.
💸 Conversely, clients flaunting wealth or trying to use money to influence the consultation process are also a red flag, as they may not respect the artist's time and boundaries.
🤝 A collaborative and respectful relationship between the artist and client is crucial for a successful tattoo outcome.
🚫 James is not interested in working with clients who treat him as an employee or subordinate, as this is disrespectful to his role as an independent contractor.
👍 James emphasizes the importance of clear communication and treating the tattoo artist with respect during the consultation process.
📝 He also highlights the importance of clients providing accurate and complete information when reaching out for a consultation.
🎨 The video concludes with a sponsored mention of Skillshare, an online learning platform, which James recommends for expanding creative skills.

Q & A

What is the main topic of James Withey's video?
-The main topic of James Withey's video is about the five red flags that make him turn down clients during tattoo consultations.
Why does James Withey feel tattooing is busier than ever in 2021?
-James Withey feels tattooing is busier than ever in 2021 possibly due to factors like stimulus checks or people having a pent-up urge to spend after being locked down in 2020.
What does James Withey suggest is happening in the tattoo industry in terms of demand and supply?
-James Withey suggests that the demand for tattoos, especially good tattoos, is quite a bit higher than the supply, making it increasingly difficult for clients to get in with good artists.
What does James Withey mean by 'consultation through proxy'?
-By 'consultation through proxy', James Withey means when someone else, not the person getting the tattoo, handles the consultation, such as a family member or spouse speaking on their behalf.
Why does James Withey avoid tattooing clients who have someone else handle the consultation for them?
-James Withey avoids tattooing clients with consultations through proxy because he believes the tattoo should be a collaborative process between the artist and the person getting the tattoo, without intermediaries that could lead to miscommunication.
What is James Withey's stance on clients who are primarily concerned about the price of a tattoo?
-James Withey is not in favor of clients who are primarily concerned about the price, as he believes it may indicate they cannot afford the tattoo or may lead to issues like constant rescheduling, which can disrupt his workflow.
How does James Withey feel about clients who try to use their wealth to get preferential treatment?
-James Withey views clients who try to use their wealth to jump the line or get preferential treatment as disrespectful to him and his other clients, and he is not interested in working with such individuals.
What impression does James Withey not want clients to give him during a consultation?
-James Withey does not want clients to give him the impression that he is their employee or subordinate, as he is an independent contractor and does not respond well to being talked down to or ordered around.
What does James Withey believe is the best approach for clients to take during a consultation?
-James Withey believes that clients should exercise common sense, be respectful towards the artist, understand the value of the artist's time, and communicate clearly and concisely about their tattoo desires.
What is the purpose of James Withey's video in relation to tattoo artists and potential clients?
-The purpose of James Withey's video is to educate potential clients on tattoo etiquette and to help tattoo artists identify and avoid difficult clients, thus improving their work experience.
How does James Withey handle consultations with clients he decides not to work with?
-James Withey handles such consultations by suggesting the client thinks about it longer, handing them a business card without taking a deposit, or being direct and telling them he is not the right artist for the job.
What is the additional topic mentioned at the end of the video?
-The additional topic mentioned at the end of the video is a sponsorship by Skillshare, an online learning community with various classes for creators.

Outlines

00:00

🚫 Tattoo Consultation Red Flags

James Withey introduces a video discussing five red flags that deter him from taking on clients during tattoo consultations. He notes the high demand for quality tattoos and the increased selectivity of artists, emphasizing the importance of direct communication with potential clients to avoid misunderstandings and ensure satisfaction with the final tattoo design.

05:01

💸 The Issue with Price-Focused Clients

The second paragraph delves into the problem of clients focusing primarily on the cost of tattoos. James expresses his understanding of the expense involved but criticizes clients who constantly haggle or compare his prices with others. He stresses that each artist's work is unique and cannot be compared based on price alone, and he is wary of clients who may not manage their finances well, potentially leading to scheduling issues.

10:02

💰 Wealth Flaunting as a Deterrent

In the third paragraph, James addresses clients who flaunt their wealth, assuming it will expedite their place in the booking queue or influence the quality of service. He finds this behavior disrespectful to both him and his other clients, as it undermines the fairness of his booking system and suggests a lack of understanding of the artist's time and effort.

15:03

📢 Disrespectful Client Attitudes

James discusses the negative impact of clients who treat him as an employee or subordinate, which is a significant turn-off for him and other tattoo artists. He values respect and professionalism, and clients who act superior or demanding are unlikely to receive his services. This paragraph highlights the importance of treating artists as the independent professionals they are.

20:03

🛑 Dealing with Unwanted Clients

The fifth paragraph outlines James' strategies for dealing with clients he does not wish to work with, including suggesting they think more about their decision or outright telling them he is not the right artist for them. He also mentions recommending other artists who might be more accommodating to such clients, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a good working environment and energy.

25:04

🌟 Skillshare Endorsement and Conclusion

In the final paragraph, James transitions to a sponsored message about Skillshare, an online learning platform with a wide range of classes for creators. He highlights a specific course on pencil portrait drawing techniques, appreciating its comprehensive approach to materials, techniques, and human facial anatomy. He encourages viewers to take advantage of a one-month free trial and ends the video with a reminder of his social media and professional contact information.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Red Flags

Red flags refer to warning signs or indicators that suggest a potential problem or issue. In the context of the video, these are specific behaviors or attitudes exhibited by clients during consultations that make the tattoo artist, James Withey, hesitant to take them on as clients. Examples from the script include clients trying to negotiate the price excessively or clients acting as if money is no object, which can be seen as disrespectful or entitled.

💡Tattoo Consultations

Tattoo consultations are the initial meetings between a potential client and a tattoo artist to discuss the design, placement, and other details of a tattoo. In the video, Withey explains that certain behaviors during these consultations can be 'red flags' that lead him to turn down clients. This process is crucial as it sets the foundation for the tattooing experience and relationship between the artist and client.

💡Client Selection

Client selection is the process by which a tattoo artist chooses whom they will work with. Withey discusses being selective with clients due to high demand for quality tattoos and limited availability. It's about finding a balance between professional standards and personal comfort in working with a client, as seen in his decision to avoid clients who show signs of being problematic.

💡Tattoo Etiquette

Tattoo etiquette encompasses the social norms and respectful behaviors expected when interacting with a tattoo artist. The video aims to educate potential clients on how to behave during consultations to increase their chances of being accepted for a tattoo. Withey uses the term to highlight the importance of treating artists with respect and understanding their professional boundaries.

💡Problematic Clients

Problematic clients are those who, due to their behavior or attitude, may cause difficulties for the tattoo artist. Withey outlines several red flags that signal a client might be problematic, such as trying to negotiate through a proxy or showing an entitled attitude towards the artist's time and work. These clients can disrupt the artist's workflow and lead to an unenjoyable working experience.

💡Price Negotiation

Price negotiation is the process of discussing and potentially altering the cost of a service. In the tattoo industry, Withey mentions that clients who focus primarily on price or attempt to haggle can be a red flag. He emphasizes that each artist's work is unique and should not be compared solely based on price, and such negotiations can indicate a lack of respect for the artist's skill and time.

💡Tattoo Demand and Supply

Tattoo demand and supply refers to the balance between the number of people seeking tattoos and the number of available tattoo artists. Withey notes that the demand for quality tattoos is currently higher than the supply, which puts artists in a position to be more selective with their clients. This economic principle is key to understanding why certain clients may be turned away.

💡Professional Boundaries

Professional boundaries are the limits set by a service provider to maintain a professional relationship with their clients. Withey discusses the importance of these boundaries, especially when clients attempt to treat him as an employee or subordinate. He emphasizes that as an independent contractor, he is not subject to the demands of clients who do not respect these boundaries.

💡Tattoo Artists' Autonomy

Tattoo artists' autonomy refers to their independence and freedom in choosing their clients and the work they do. Withey highlights that he, like many tattoo artists, values this autonomy highly and will not work with clients who do not respect it, such as those who try to throw their money around to jump the queue or act superior.

💡Skillshare

Skillshare is an online learning community offering a wide range of classes for creators. Withey mentions it in the context of the video as a sponsored message, promoting it as a valuable resource for learning new skills or improving existing ones. It is used as an example of a platform that can help individuals grow in their creative pursuits, including tattoo artists looking to enhance their craft.

Highlights

James Withey discusses five red flags that lead him to turn down clients during tattoo consultations.

Tattooing is busier than ever, with high demand for quality tattoos and a shortage of available artists.

Artists are becoming more selective with clients to maintain quality and avoid problematic situations.

Consultations through proxy are a red flag, as direct communication is key for clear understanding of client's desires.

Clients who focus primarily on price may not value the artist's skill and time, leading to potential dissatisfaction.

Haggling over price or trying to negotiate cheaper rates can be a sign of disrespect towards the artist's work.

Clients who flaunt wealth and attempt to buy priority are disrespectful and can disrupt the artist's schedule.

Artists value a collaborative process and avoid clients who may not be satisfied with the final tattoo.

Clients who try to spread out appointments over long periods may hinder the artist's workflow and style consistency.

Tattoo artists prefer clients who are confident and mature enough to handle their own appointments.

James shares personal experiences with difficult clients and how they can overshadow positive experiences.

Tattoo artists have the right to refuse service to clients they believe will be problematic.

Clients who act as if the artist is their employee or subordinate can be a major turn-off.

Respectful communication and understanding of the artist's role is crucial for a positive client-artist relationship.

James emphasizes the importance of clients treating artists as professionals and respecting their time and expertise.

Skillshare is highlighted as a valuable resource for learning various creative skills, including drawing techniques for pencil portraits.

The video concludes with an offer for a one-month free trial of Skillshare for the first 1000 viewers.

Transcripts

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Tattoo Advice Client Relations Tattoo Etiquette Consultation Tips Artist Insights Industry Standards Tattoo Artists Portfolio Building Skillshare Promo Creative Learning