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How to detect a toxic customer  

Excellent article, and vital information. The less time you spend on toxic (and unprofitable) customers, the more time you can spend on good (and profitable customers). Recognising toxic customers is a vital skill.

Warning signs (see the article for more details):

  1. Disrespectful or Abrupt
  2. Asks for a Discount (With No Reason)
  3. Multiple Contacts, Often Through Multiple Channels
  4. Unrealistic Expectations
  5. Multiple Questions that Can Be Answered from Your Website

The article also describes an amusing encounter with a toxic customer, recognised early, and, unlike many such stories, it actually finishes well.

Update: excellent response from Joel Spolsky on HN.

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